Disability rights campaigners have criticised the postponement of plans to increase the number of step-free stations on the London Underground. The BBC reports that at least three projects have been put on hold, after Transport for London (TfL) said that it was experiencing a serious funding shortfall. Currently, only about…
This winter, many of us may be more cautious than previously when turning on the central heating. Soaring energy prices over the past year have meant that fuel bills have more than doubled for some households, on top of other increased costs for essentials such as food, petrol, and mortgages.…
In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of just how important our surroundings are to our mental and physical wellbeing. As many of us have spent more time at home than usual in the recent past, this has led to a new trend for optimising our homes to…
Many people cut back or stop exercising altogether as they get older, for fear of falls and injuries. Adults who have never exercised regularly often assume that it is too late to start, or that it will bring no benefit to them. However, these are false assumptions, according to medical…
The UK has an aging population, and currently just 9% of the housing stock is classed as accessible. The government has recently introduced new legislation which requires that all new homes be built to minimum accessibility standards, including entrance level step-free access. However, campaigners argue that the measures don’t go…
A new investigation by the BBC has found that three out of 10 major cities in the UK have no plans to provide more wheelchair accessible homes. Currently, the national guidelines state only that entrance level access at doorways and hallways should be standard for wheelchairs. Having an accessible bathroom,…
The bathroom facilities are one of the most important aspects of any reputable care home, and they need to be exemplary in order to satisfy the residents and their families, as well as staff members, stakeholders, financial controllers, boards, and inspectors. Strong bathroom design is essential to ensure the very…
Arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the UK, and it affects up to 10 million people. It can be a painful and debilitating condition which causes inflammation of the joints, leading to stiffness and reduced mobility. It’s more common in elderly people, but it can begin at…
Traditional baths can become difficult for elderly and people with reduced mobility to manage, because of the need to step over the high side of the bath. However, there are options which allow the user to enjoy comfortable and safe bathing in their own homes for many years to come.…
Disabled people around the UK are being encouraged to take part in this year’s Euan’s Guide Access Survey to make their feelings known regarding disabled access, as well as matters such as disabled parking, accessible toilets, transport and cost of living increases. The 2021 survey revealed some interesting findings, including…
If you are looking at adapting your bathroom to be accessible and safer for you to use, you may be stuck between the many options out there for disabled bathrooms. There is a huge variety of accessible bathroom products you can choose from, but which is right for you? Firstly,…
We take certain aspects of life for granted until the day we suddenly aren’t able to perform such tasks as easily. Washing independently is certainly one of these, as it’s something that needs to be done regularly each day… but, unfortunately, washing and bathing is one of the first activities…
Bristol may now be on the map as a tourist destination for more disabled people, thanks to two new specialist toilet facilities. The BBC reports that the Changing Rooms toilets have been approved for installation at the Blaise Castle Estate, and the Royal West of England Academy Art Gallery (RWA). …
Choosing a walk-in shower is an excellent way to help people with reduced mobility wash themselves independently, or allow enough room for a carer to assist them. Regular showering or bathing is important for both physical and mental health, so being able to carry this out safely and comfortably should…
When making bathroom adaptations, it is not always possible to have both an accessible shower and a bath. The bathroom is often the smallest room in the house, and the extra space required for mobility aids means that often, householders will have to decide whether to install a bath or…
Arthritis is a degenerative condition which causes inflammation around the joints. This can result in pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Sadly, there is no cure for arthritis, but there is a lot of research currently going on into potential treatments. Some people also like to find natural ways to manage…
The bathroom is one of the most hard-working parts of the house and, as such, it’s essential that it continues to serve the user as best it can… which may mean making adaptations over time to account for changes in accessibility needs. Ergonomic bathrooms take user needs into account, making…
Going away on holiday can present extra challenges for disabled people, from travelling, to arranging suitable accommodation. Shockingly, disability rights campaigners say that just 16 hotels in the UK offer full disabled access. This has led to disabled guests having to sleep in their chairs, or be unable to access…
It’s that time of year when folks are packing their bags and setting off for a change of scene. Wheelchair users should not miss out on holidays, which are great for our mental health and wellbeing. Planning a safe and accessible holiday is perfectly possible, with a little bit of…
From getting washed and dressed in the morning, to looking for work and eating out, disabled people face enormous challenges to live meaningful lives, that are often overlooked by the able-bodied. The Daily Mirror has joined forces with disability rights organisations to help raise awareness of the everyday challenges life…
An accessible bathroom is one of the key features that allows people to remain living independently in their own homes. However, many people think that a functional bathroom can’t also be aesthetically pleasing, and are put off from making necessary adaptions that would make their lives much easier and safer.…
The BBC security correspondent Frank Gardener has spoken out on social media after he was left stranded on a plane at Gatwick airport. The distinguished journalist, who uses a wheelchair, expressed his frustration following the second such incident in two months. He says that altogether, it is the fifth time…
If you are finding it harder to manage the tasks of day-to-day living at home, it may be time to think about the ways you can receive more support. This could mean more assistance in your own home, through aids and adaptations, visits from a daily carer, or a complete…
Disability campaigners have strongly criticised government plans to build 17,000 new homes across England, saying that none of them will be built to adequate accessibility standards. The Disability News Service (DNS) reports that although funding for over 160 new projects has been announced, none of them will meet the M4…
Health professionals have warned that the rise in the cost of living is having a negative impact on the health of the most vulnerable people. The BBC reports that some people are not collecting their prescription medication, and are cutting back on food. The problems are also affecting health care…
A report by the County Councils Network (CCN) has warned that the true cost of social care reform has been underestimated by as much as £10bn, and there is an insufficient workforce in place to cope with the expected level of demand. Home Care Insight reports on the findings of…
A disabled woman has spoken out about becoming depressed after being placed on a waiting list for over two years for an accessible bathroom. Bernadette Moore was identified as being in need of a wet room in 2020, following a health assessment. However, the BBC reports that the work still…
Booking a holiday rental is mostly a matter of selecting the right number of bedrooms and a nice view for many of us. However, if you or a family member is a wheelchair user, or has limited mobility, there are a lot of hidden considerations to take into account. This…
“Dear all at Absolute Mobility, I have used that bath several times now and I’m delighted with it! being able to try it on your mobile showroom definitely made the difference so thank you for coming out to me so quickly.”
Mrs Evans – Portsmouth
