New resource guide for OTs, local authorities and care providers highlights the importance of bathrooms in maintaining independence

Thousands of people with a long-term limiting illness or disability could lose their independence in the home, despite the availability of life-changing adaptations and products particularly for the bathroom, says Geberit.

Almost two million households in England have one or more people with a long-term limiting illness or disability that requires adaptations to their home, but evidence shows significant and multiple barriers to installation are still preventing the necessary adaptations in many cases.

As the care crisis continues, Geberit is highlighting some of the barriers with the launch of a new resource guide for occupational therapists, local authorities and care providers.

‘The role of the bathroom in maintaining home independence’ puts forward the challenges to independent living and, crucially, demonstrates the vital role of the bathroom in helping people of all ages to remain in their own home.

It also presents some of the modern bathroom solutions which are helping to make a difference, from bath lift belts and walk-in showers to shower toilets like Geberit’s new AquaClean Care.

Simon Thomas, National Sales Manager at AquaClean Care, said: “Home adaptations are on the rise as more elderly people and those with long-term health conditions or mobility issues are choosing to improve the accessibility and usability of their home environment, rather than moving to supported or specialist housing. However, it’s not always straightforward.

“Challenges to adaptations include funding, product design and information for tenants and homeowners, not forgetting personalisation to make sure users are fully involved in the assessment, specification and installation of the necessary adaptations.

“The bathroom is the room in which the biggest difference can be made to support independence in the home – and where the highest proportion of adaptations are needed – but with the latest products, users do not need to compromise on style or functionality.

“Our document has been published to coincide with the launch of Geberit’s new AquaClean Care shower toilet, but it highlights a much wider issue. With a variety of solutions now available from manufacturers, the key to supporting independence in the home is in education and collaboration, to help overcome as many barriers as possible and give people the best possible chance to remain in their lifelong residence.”

People can download ‘The role of the bathroom in maintaining home independence’ for free here