London is one of the most visited cities in the world, with the number of domestic overnight trips to the capital peaking in 2022. That year the number of trips reached 15.4 million, which was nearly 2.5 million more than the previous high of 12.91 million recorded in 2015. Despite…
The Blue Badge Access Awards is an international initiative that unites two major design competitions—the Bespoke Access Awards and the Blue Badge Style Awards—with the backing of the charity, Leonard Cheshire. The Blue Badge Access Awards were established to honour and incentivise accessibility improvements in hotels, restaurants and various public…
The concept of Luxury focuses on creating a sense of opulence, sophistication, and exclusivity. In a physical form this is characterised by high-quality materials, attention to detail, and a seamless blend of form and function. In a bathroom setting, luxury designs often include rich and varied textures, and elegant finishes…
The 2023 edition of the Euan's Guide Access Survey published in February 2024 shows that the accessibility needs of disabled people are still not being taken seriously enough. The survey found that 76% of respondents experienced misleading, confusing or inaccurate accessibility information on public venue websites. What's more, 34% of…
The 2019-20 English Housing Survey revealed that that 53% of households (one million) do not have the adaptations they need – up from 45% (864,000) in 2014-15. A third (33%) of households that need adaptations say their home is unsuitable and they would like to move. These are topline figures…
A third of UK households are multi-generational according to the 2020 edition of Aviva's How We Live Report, with older relatives accounting for 14% of all multi-generational households. The 2016 version of the same report series recorded that older relatives accounted for 9% of multi-generational households so a significant increase…
Traditionally viewed as the safer choice for a range of social care needs, residential care homes are no longer the default choice. The rise of private sector care at home providers, increased flexibility in local authority care budgets and advancements in assistive technology have made living at home with support…
It was American novelist and poet Sylvia Plath who claimed, "There must be quite a few things that a hot bath won't cure, but I don't know many of them." The therapeutic benefits of taking a bath have been known since the time of Hippocrates when health-conscious individuals first started…
If you, or someone you care for is unable to stand in a shower for long periods of time, a shower seat can be an invaluable addition to your shower room. But with various options available, how do you know which of these bathroom aids is right for you? In…
What are walk-in shower baths? Walk-in shower baths combine the functionality of a shower and a walk-in bath, they typically feature a door that reveals a low threshold, allowing users to easily walk in and out of the unit. A Walk-in bath often includes safety features such as grab bars…
Wet rooms are 100% watertight or ‘tanked’ rooms with especially designed drainage, so it is possible to install a shower without the need for a tray or enclosure. This makes them ideal for older people or people with restricted mobility, and those that require the assistance of a carer when…
A new study by a team of researchers at Swansea University has developed a type of artificial intelligence that can help to detect and diagnose inflammatory arthritis in the early stages, resulting in better patient outcomes. Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) inflammatory arthritis is a long term condition which mostly affects the…
When discussing the lack of accessible housing in the UK, the conversation often centres around older people or future proofing a home for later life. However, young disabled people often face an uphill struggle to find accommodation that is adapted to their needs, as a recent report in the Big…
It is the oldest trick in interior design, but it is a truth universally acknowledged that the easiest way to make a bathroom feel bigger is by incorporating a huge statement mirror. All accessible bathrooms will have mirrors in them as in terms of function it is as important to…
As we get older and less mobile, living independently can become more of a challenge. One of the key aspects of living safely and comfortably at home is being able to take care of our personal hygiene. A well-designed bathroom that is adapted to the needs of older people is…
The Department for Health and Social Care has announced a new funding arrangement for the social care workforce in England, which will see the promised amount of funding halved from £500m to £250m. The reduction has been strongly criticised by council leaders and charities, The Guardian website reports. Despite previously…
Thousands more people in the UK may be able to claim Personal Independence Payments (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) benefits, and also Attendance Allowance (AA) after a change in the rules. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have announced the changes, some of which will come into effect…
The right tiles can be the most transformational part of a bathroom redesign, so it’s worth spending some time to make sure that you are really happy with your choice. Here are some tips to help you decide which option is right for you. Colour and pattern Bathroom trends…
Scientists from the University of Liverpool are set to carry out research in space to help them understand why we lose muscle mass as we age. The ground breaking MicroAge II experiment will send lab-grown muscle into space, where astronauts will observe the effects of microgravity on muscle strength. Bone…
Tower Hamlets Council in East London has been praised for scrapping care charges for disabled people in their own homes. Disability News Service reports that the council will scrap all community based care charges from April 2024. Campaigners have long argued that charging people with disabilities for essential support services…
A new inquiry by Transport for All and charity Sustrans has found that poor regulation and maintenance of UK streets are restricting the ability of disabled people to navigate them safely. This limits their access to services and socialising opportunities within their local communities. Common problems include cars parked on…
Bathing aids are designed to make using the bathroom easier and safer. This may be particularly important for older people, or for anyone with restricted mobility or cognitive impairment. Even for people who are currently in good health, planning ahead to ensure that the bathroom is accessible and user-friendly can…
A new study by researchers at the University of the West of England (UWE) has found that patients with rheumatic conditions are still feeling the damaging effects of shielding during the pandemic. This is both because of missed healthcare appointments and reduced access to treatment, and also the detrimental effect…
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have conditionally recommended the use of five wearable technologies to monitor the symptoms of Parkinson’s. The remote monitoring devices will be made available to the NHS to improve the health and quality of life of patients, Parkinson’s UK reports. Parkinson’s is…
The latest census data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals that there are 120,000 young carers in the UK between the ages of five and 17. There are fears that the real figure could be much higher, with a serious impact on the education, health, and social…
The recent announcement by the family of Bruce Willis that the actor is suffering from frontotemporal dementia has helped to raise awareness of the condition. Dementia is an umbrella term for a degenerative brain disease that causes disruption to thought processes and changes in behaviour and personality. There are several…
Caring for a loved one can be a fulfilling and worthwhile experience, but it can be easy to neglect your own needs in the process. However, keeping yourself in the best possible mental and physical health is crucial not just for your own wellbeing, but to allow you to carry…
The health and social care sector is to have its first dedicated trade and recruitment show to help ease the high volumes of staff shortages across the sector. Care Home Professional reports that Jobshows, a specialist job events company based in Milton Keynes, will hold the first event in White…
“Very pleased all round, the Luxor walk in bath has proved very easy to use and I have found having the additional shower makes washing my hair mush easier so thank you for your suggestion. My wife is happy with the colour match to our old bathroom suite which was her only concern. All in all we have been very pleased with the service you have offered.”
Mr Roberts – Barnstaple
