By James Sketch, Country Manager UK, at KEUCO
Britain’s homes are having to work harder and smarter than ever before. As our population ages, the demand for housing that makes life easier for the elderly and those that care for them – is growing.
At present, some 93 per cent of over 65s live in mainstream housing – that is, housing not built specifically with the needs of older people in mind. But only 7 per cent of homes in the UK have the basic accessibility standards; level access, a flush threshold, sufficiently wide doorways and a wc at entrance level. And, whilst these features are mandatory in current building regulations, catering for the needs of our growing ageing population requires even more of a focus on accessibility.
Bathrooms and wetroom spaces, should be a sanctuary for people of all ages and abilities, not a hazardous zone. And according to RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) unnecessary accidents in the home are a major health problem in the UK.
A well-designed bathroom space should cater for people of all ages and abilities. Although the current building regulations go some way to make sure that bathrooms are safe and accessible, its encouraging to know that RoSPAs Safer Homes framework supported by Public Health England goes further to met Category 2 for accessible and adaptable dwellings and that this framework is being championed by the Berkeley Group and Orbit Homes.
According to Age UK, the vast majority of people will continue to look towards mainstream housing solutions and wish to remain independent at home for as long as possible. And some may do so by combining forces with other family members.
By 2040 it’s estimated one in six British homes will include two or more adult generations living together, so safer “future proofed” houses that cater for all ages and abilities will be an attractive proposition for both families and their older relatives.
Who benefits from safe future proofed homes?
A downstairs wc is supremely convenient for everyone. A level access threshold is just as useful to a busy parent manoeuvring shopping and a baby buggy as it is to someone with reduced mobility. A downstairs room that can be converted to a bedroom should the need arise makes a useful office space, playroom or family room. Wetrooms and open plan living spaces, too, are hallmarks of a modern family lifestyle that can be enjoyed by every member of the household, both now and in the future.
When it comes to bathrooms, there’s absolutely no reason why an inclusive bathroom can’t be a beautiful one too. The days when hospital-style grab rails, shower seats and other accessories for people with reduced mobility gave an institutionalised feel to this important room have long since gone, and it is now easy to buy beautiful, thoughtfully designed products that wouldn’t look out of place in a five star hotel. If these accessories are not needed at the present time, a future proofed bathroom should have strengthened walls to take the weight of grab rails and shower seats at some future date.
A walk in shower is not only stylish, but easy to use, and a thermostat that can be set to a safe temperature to avoid scalding is a real benefit to everyone from the very young to the very old. Non slip flooring is essential, plenty of room under the basin area makes washing while seated easier, and lever-style taps are easier to use than screw-style. Cabinets that are easy to reach and open are also useful, and mirror cabinets can provide day or night lighting. Of course, there should always be somewhere safe and secure where medicines and other potentially hazardous objects and substances cans be kept.
When creating a future proofed home, a downstairs wc with drainage and room to support a shower installation at a later date is invaluable. Better still is a wetroom with enough space for a wheelchair to turn, which, together with a downstairs room that can be converted to a bedroom makes it possible to offer the option of single storey living should a family member ever need it.
The facts are that one in five people in the UK population will be aged 65 or over by 2030 – and a staggering three in five people will be carers at some point during their lives.
Providing solutions to the needs of our ageing population and their families is now, and will continue to be, a major opportunity for house builders and developers.
To find your nearest KEUCO showroom please visit: https://www.keuco.com/gb/bathroom_showrooms