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The bathroom is a key area within the home and in today’s fast paced society people are choosing to shower rather than bathe on a daily basis. In addition to this, showers are of great importance to less able users who may find getting in and out of the bath an increasing struggle. David Osborne, Managing Director of market leading shower manufacturer Roman, takes a look at shower enclosures and those that are available for the less able market…

Within the UK we live in an aging population, with 16% of UK residents aged over 65 - a figure that is continuing to grow. In 2005, the number of people aged 85 and over increased by 64,000 people, to reach a record amount of 1.2million.

"products designed to be stylish and contemporary, while offering unrestricted use to all"

According to the Department for Work and Pensions there are also around 10 million people registered disabled in the UK, all with a wide range of different needs. 6.4 million of these people are classed as those who have difficulty with mobility. Many of these are arthritis sufferers. With so many British people suffering from mobility issues, teamed with the fact that Britain has an aging population, this highlights the need for more thought and consideration with specification. It shows the importance of designing products, and homes, that are inclusive of all user groups - the bathroom is no exception.

Many solutions on the market for less-able users are institutional in appearance - these ‘semi disabled’ products are very expensive and carry significant stigma. This is why a number of manufacturers have moved away from this more traditional solution, to focus on designing products which are safe and practical for all user groups- no matter what mobility issues they have.

These products are designed to be stylish and contemporary, whilst offering unrestricted use to all. Developers should be looking to incorporate these kinds of products into their building projects. By making the bathroom inclusive of all user groups, nobody is isolated and your properties will appeal to all.

Wetrooms can be an excellent solution. They are a sought-after modern look, making them ideal for a family home, but they are also inclusively designed. Wetrooms allow for completely level access and provide door-less entry.

The door-less entry eliminates awkward handles, whilst the level access removes the step-up into the enclosure – both of these issues can cause great problems for arthritis sufferers. With such a wide range of options on the market, you can now install some of the most practical products, which allow easy access for all user groups, yet would also be an aesthetic centrepiece of any bathroom. Developers can now specify the same enclosure across all their properties, content that it will sit just as comfortably in a less able or elderly person’s bathroom as it would in an able-bodied 25 year olds bathroom. No longer is the less able market viewed as Doc M packs and grab rails. It is now time to focus on inclusive living that appeals to all.