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…
Inclusivity in sport is crucial for fostering a fair, equitable, and enriching athletic environment. It goes beyond mere participation and encompasses a broader set of principles aimed at ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, identity, or ability, has equal opportunities and feels welcome. It is for these reasons that…
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…
The government recently announced an extra £250m of funding to speed up the discharge of medically fit patients from hospital. The money will pay for extra beds in care homes to try and free up some of the 13,000 hospital beds that are currently occupied by patients who can’t be…
It is estimated that there are about six million unpaid carers in the UK, who provide help with the daily tasks of living for family members, friends, or neighbours. This may be because the person has a long term illness, health condition, or restricted mobility. The work carers do is…
The landmark Carer’s Leave Bill has gained the support of 36 more cross party MPs after a Westminster event on 25 January. Carer’s UK reports that the proposed legislation would give extra rights to an estimated 2 million employees who are currently working and carrying out an unpaid carer role. …
The charity Alzheimer’s Research UK has encouraged people to take more care of their brains, after raising concerns that most people are not doing enough to mitigate against the chances of developing dementia in later life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia that affects over 520,000 people…
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition, which affects the mobility and cognitive functions. It is most common in people over the age of 50, but it can develop in adults under 40 as well. There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s, but there are treatments and living aids available…
Scientists have developed a new blood test that could be used to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. The Guardian reports that the test could mean a faster and less difficult diagnostic method, potentially leading to earlier and more effective treatment and management of the disease. The current methods of detecting dementia involve…
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has released new advice about how houses can be best planned to accommodate elderly people, PBC Today reports. The plans focus on both the design of the buildings themselves, and also how well located they are to meet the needs of older people. The…
A new study has found that three out of five disabled people have difficulty accessing their own bathrooms. The Community News website reports that a survey commissioned by the charity Leonard Cheshire Disability also found that a quarter of disabled people had difficulty getting into and out of their own…
“I am writing to let you know how pleased I am with the completion of my new shower room. My fitters were Jim & George who were friendly and polite, I was sorry to see them go at the end of the week. They involved me at every stage and cleared up after themselves each day, they were quite frankly the best workman I have ever had in my home and I’m sure a valuable asset to your company. Very well done!”
Mr Walters – Hampshire
