0 Free Towel set with every Bathroom

• by Accessibility Bathrooms
• 19-05-2020

We offer a full set of new luxurious towels made by Hilden, to add that finishing touch to your new bathroom. Our hotel pure luxury bathroom towels are available in a crisp, brilliant white shade – perfect for any bathroom look or style. They are made from 100% Turkish combed cotton and feature a high pick ratio to provide a better quality finish. For more information please Click Here   Towel set includes: 1x Bath Sheet, 1x Bath Towel & 1x Hand Towel  

0 Ideas to Keep your Bathroom safe for the Future

• by Accessibility Bathrooms
• 18-05-2020

We have many items within our range which can help you, if you have limited mobility, for now and the future. Making the bathroom safer and easier to use is a priority, especially for years to come.   High Pan W.C (Toilet) The main benefit of the high pan toilet is the height of the pan and seat. Many of our customers request a high pan as they find it easier to use than a standard toilet. It makes getting up and down easier.   Wall Mounted Semi Pedestal Basin The semi Pedestal basin enables a wheelchair user to get as close as possible to the basin, without a pedestal being in the way. This also hides all of the pipework, which is neatly tucked away. It also makes it easier to clean the bathroom floor and frees up floor space.    Grab Rails We have so many grab rails to choose from, depending on how you want the overall finish of the bathroom to look. These come in different sizes, normally in inches, 12" 18" and 24". They can be a white fluted design or stainless steel. We also have curved rails, which look more modern and go well with chrome and glass designs.   Shower Baskets The range of shower baskets we offer enables a customer to have all the items you need such as shower gel and shampoo, at the height you need them, to avoid bending over in the shower.   Drop Down Support Rail These are normally fitted next to a toilet to give the user piece of mind when using the bathroom. With added support and peace of mind knowing that you have something to hold on to when lowering down and standing up from the toilet. Shower seat options We have so many different types of seating options available, from wall mounted to free standing. Colour, design and finish all depend on what you are looking for. The wall mounted seats fold neatly back against the wall when not in use and are also height adjustable.   Slip Resistant Shower Tray The surface of the shower tray is probably the most important part of the shower. All of our trays have a textured anti-slip surface. This means that you are less likely to trip or fall when using the shower. Even with soap and water, the trays offer the best protection.   Low Level Shower Tray The height of the shower tray is especially important, so the lower the better and nobody wants a big step climbing in or out of the shower. Our trays are only 40mm high from the floor and this is by far the most popular option we offer. We also do a 100mm high tray, depending on the floor type and where the bathroom is located. Our design surveyors can assess the bathroom and explain the options available to you once we have seen the property and layout of the bathroom etc.   Wet Rooms Wet floor or Wet rooms are great if the user has a wheelchair or a mobility condition that is decreasing over the years. A Wet room is what an Occupational Therapist would suggest, depending on certain conditions and how a person’s overall mobility getting worse as time goes on. The specialist flooring which we use is called Altro, and is the market leader in anti-slip floor coverings. Hospitals and commercial kitchens use similar flooring where safety is a priority. The ranges we use are Pisces & Aquarius, which have a slip resistant rating of R11 - the best available. The floor is completely flat and with no steps or lips to climb over. Also fitting a shower screen helps keep the water contained within the showering area.   Half Height Doors Enclosure We often get asked for a type of enclosure which would enable a carer or a family member to help when showering. The half-height option means that the person assisting can lean over the door set without getting wet themselves. The doors can come in many different finishes and can be made with glass or a frosted PET plastic material in any size or configuration, so we can have the doors opening however you need them.   Thermostatically Controlled Taps and Shower As a safety precaution, we always recommend using taps and thermostatic showers which have a built-in safety thermostat, to stop the water going over a certain temperature. The temperature can be adjusted depending on a customer’s preference. The preset temperature is 38 degrees and prevents scalding.     Vapour Proof Light All bathroom lights, where moisture and steam is present, should have a vapour proof light installed. These lights are different to the other lights in the house as they contain a rubber gasket which seals the electrics away from water vapour. The lights we use are LED and use only 18W of electricity. The bulbs have a lifespan of 20,000 hours and a colour temperature 3000K. They are IP65 rated, which means they are fully waterproof.   Extractor Fan Taking the steam out of the bathroom will reduce condensation without having to open a window in the winter. These fans are normally connected to the light switch and turn on when the bathroom light is switched on. They can also be wired separate if required. Our fully qualified electricians will issue an electrical certificate upon completion, so you know that it has been fitted to the correct, current, high professional standard.   Tiles / Wall panels We have so many wall panels available within our range, with different textures and designs, in lots of different colours. Most of our customers ask for wall panels as they are easier to keep clean, with no grout maintenance required. They are also much quicker to install as they can be fitted over the top of any existing tiles, speeding up bathroom installation time required. Thermostatic or Electric shower We only have two types of shower to choose from: Electric or Thermostatic. Electric showers require only a cold water feed and are powered by your electricity supply. A thermostatic shower is connected to the heating system and needs both hot and cold feeds to operate correctly. Which of these shower types we would suggest depends on which central heating system is available within the property. Some heating systems will require a pressure pump, which will speed up the pressure depending on how much pressure a gravity system offers. A Combi system wont require a pump, as the pressure is normally sufficient for a thermostatic shower to be fitted without any issues. Walk in Bath All of our walk-in baths are designed to fit in the place of your existing bath's footprint. Some of the sit in types contain a moulded seat and can be fitted with a shower above if you just wanted a quick shower. All of our baths are also made from a material called GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic), which is a very tough form of fibre glass.        

0 Helping the elderly fight loneliness

• by Accessibility Bathrooms
• 18-05-2020

A recent study has discovered that loneliness among the elderly is reaching astounding proportions. It is estimated that around 1.2 million older or elderly people within the UK are ‘chronically lonely’. Loneliness is well known to have a negative impact on your mental health. According to the NHS, their figures suggest that over 20% of men aged 65 and over suffer from loneliness-induced depression. This figure is even higher amongst women, at almost 30%. Perhaps even more shockingly, the NHS estimates that around 85% of older people who suffer from depression are left to their own devices. Most of us have an elderly relative, neighbour or friend. So, in order to help combat the effects of loneliness and isolation,  we have decided to put together a few suggestions of how you could help:   A visit can mean more then you know. We all have busy lives to lead, but did you know that taking just a moment out of your day to pay a visit to an older person, may actually mean more to them than you realise? In addition to providing them with company and someone to have a good chat with, the anticipation of a visit will also give them something to look forward to. If you are able to visit an elderly relative, friend or neighbour, then try and make a regular date that is convenient for them as well as you, if you can. If you cannot make your arranged timely visit, be sure to let them know as soon as you can and be sure to reschedule, so they know when to expect you next.   Pay attention to their social calendar If you think that someone you know is lonely, then you can try to encourage them to do things that will fill out their social calendar. Try browsing on the internet for social groups and events, hobby groups or even some support groups that operate within the area. Whilst they may be reluctant or even afraid to go at first, you could always go with them, even if it’s just until they find their feet. If they can’t drive, then see what services are available – you could try local bus services or organise a pick-up and drop-off through a taxi service.   Encourage them to be more active Exercise itself is a well-known fighter against depression. They don’t have to take up weightlifting or train to run a marathon; there are plenty of low-moderate options available. Keep an eye out for gym classes for older people, walking groups or even community allotments that may be available. If they are an animal person, then they could even get involved with a local animal rescue or offer to walk the neighbour’s dog. Spending time with animals has also been found to help lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and symptoms of depression.   Volunteer at a charity for anti-loneliness Many different charities across the UK have been formed specifically to deal with isolation and depression among older people and the elderly. This could be an ideal opportunity for those who do not have elderly people in their lives but who want to help those in their community and to help make a difference. Whilst there are many of this sort of charities out there, a few of the larger ones to look out for are: AgeUK British Heart Foundation British Red Cross Independent Age The Silver Line   Help them to help themselves There is a tendency among the isolated to give up on personal appearance and well-being. Fresh, clean clothing and good hygiene can play second-fiddle to a multitude of other priorities; after all, if they’re not planning to see anyone, why would they bother? However, simple things such as ensuring that their clothes are clean and ironed, and that they have taken a bath or had a shower, can help them feel much better. You could even volunteer to do their washing or offer to take it to the local laundromat for them. Many people of the older generation who feel isolated are actively afraid of showering or bathing in case they slip, trip or have a fall. A specially designed bathroom can the solution to this. Check out our vast range of walk-in baths, walk-in showers and wet rooms on our website or give us a call on 0800 024 8522 for more information. Safe, comfortable, affordable and stylish, they will make it easier for them to relax and to enjoy bathing again. With just a little of your time and support, you have the potential to make an elderly person feel valued. Did you know that chronic loneliness can have the same physical impact as opposed to smoking 15 cigarettes per day! So just knowing that you are there, looking out for them, can help to prevent the development of mental health problems, including the crippling feeling of loneliness and depression that so many older people endure.

0 Retirement Planning

• by Accessibility Bathrooms
• 18-05-2020

Overview A pension is a way to save money for later in your life. You may be able to get: a pension from the government (‘State Pension’) money from pension schemes you or your employer pay into You might need more money than just the State Pension when you retire. Find out how much State Pension you could get (your forecast) and when you can get it. Use the Money Advice Service’s pension calculator to get an estimate of your income when you retire and the ways you can increase it.   Your pension options You can pay into as many pension schemes as you want. It depends on how much money you can set aside. You usually get tax relief up to certain limits on money you pay into a pension scheme.   Private pension schemes Pension What it is Workplace pensions Arranged by your employer. Usually both you and your employer pay into it. What you get depends on the type of scheme your employer offers. Personal and stakeholder pensions A private pension that you pay into. Employers can also pay into them as a workplace pension scheme. What you get depends on how much is paid in and how well the investment does. State Pension from the government If you reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016 Pension What it is Basic State Pension The basic State Pension is a regular payment you can get from the government when you reach State Pension age. The amount you get depends on your National Insurance contributions and credits. The maximum you get is £134.25 per week. Additional State Pension An extra amount on top of your State Pension. Not a fixed amount. How much you get depends on your earnings and whether you claim certain benefits. Pension Credit For people on a low income. Tops up your weekly income to £173.75 (single people) or £265.20 (couples). You may get more if you’re a carer or severely disabled or if you have certain housing costs. If you reach State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016 Pension What it is New State Pension The new State Pension is a regular payment you can get from the government if you reach State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016. The amount you get depends on your National Insurance contributions and credits. The full new State Pension is £175.20 per week. Protected payment Any amount over the full new State Pension (£175.20) that you get from your National Insurance contributions or credits from before 6 April 2016 is protected. It will be paid on top of the full new State Pension. Pension Credit For people on a low income. Tops up your weekly income to £173.75 (single people) or £265.20 (couples). You may get more if you’re a carer or severely disabled or if you have certain housing costs.     Private pension schemes Workplace pensions and personal or stakeholder pensions are a way of making sure you have money on top of your State Pension. For most workplace and personal pensions, how much you get depends on: the amount you’ve paid in how well the pension fund’s investments have done your age - and sometimes your health - when you start taking your pension pot   Workplace pensions Your employer must automatically enrol you in a workplace pension scheme if you’re over 22 and under State Pension age, and earn more than £10,000 a year. If you have a workplace pension your employer can make contributions on top of what you pay. You may also be able to make extra payments to boost your pension pot. Workplace pensions are protected against risks.   Personal and stakeholder pensions You may want a personal or stakeholder pension: to save extra money for later in life to top up your workplace pension if you’re self-employed and do not have a workplace pension if you’re not working but can afford to pay into a pension scheme Some employers offer stakeholder or private pensions as workplace pensions. Stakeholder pensions must meet standards set by the government.   Find a lost pension The Pension Tracing Service might be able to trace lost pensions that you’ve paid into.   Nominate someone to get your pension when you die Ask your pension provider if you can nominate someone to get money from your pension pot after you die. Check your scheme’s rules about: who you can nominate - some payments can only go to a dependant, for example your husband, wife, civil partner or child under 23 what the person can get, for example regular payments or lump sums whether anything can change what the person gets, for example when and how you start taking your pension pot, or the age you die Sometimes the pension provider can pay the money to someone else, for example if the person you nominated cannot be found or has died. The person you nominate may have to pay tax if they get money from your pension pot after you die.   Pensions from the government The pension you get from the government (‘State Pension’) is based on your National Insurance record when you reach State Pension age.   You reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016 You need 30 years’ worth of National Insurance contributions to get the full basic State Pension. You may also qualify for some Additional State Pension.   You reach State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016 The amount of new State Pension you’ll get depends on your National Insurance record. National Insurance contributions or credits made before and after 6 April 2016 can count towards your new State Pension. You’ll usually need at least 10 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions or credits to qualify for any State Pension. Find out how much State Pension you could get and when you can get it. You can also find out how you might be able to increase the amount you get.   Getting more State Pension Deferring your pension When you reach State Pension age you have the option to defer your State Pension (delay payments). By doing this you’ll get more money for every year you defer.   Pension Credit Pension Credit is for older people on a low income to make sure they get a minimum weekly amount. You’ll have to apply and all your sources of income (for example savings) will be checked to make sure you qualify. Getting Pension Credit may mean you’re eligible for other benefits too.   You’re over 80 People over 80 with little or no State Pension can apply for a payment of £80.45 per week from the government through the over 80 Pension. You cannot get the over 80 pension if you reach State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016.   Working past State Pension age You might decide that you do not want to stop working when you reach State Pension age. If you do, you’ll no longer have to pay National Insurance. The law protects you against discrimination if you’re over State Pension age and want to stay in your job or get a new one.   Staying in your job There is no official retirement age and you usually have the right to work as long as you want to. There are some circumstances when employers may have the right to set a compulsory retirement age that they choose. Your employer cannot make you redundant because of your age.   Getting a new job You do not have to give your date of birth when applying for a new job. Employers cannot make you give this information if you do not want to. Employers also can not set an age limit for a job, unless they can justify it (for example because of certain physical abilities) or it’s a limit set by law, for example for the fire service. You can request flexible working at any age.   Get help When planning your pension and retirement income you might need help with: choosing a personal or stakeholder pension planning your savings choosing how you want to get your retirement income delaying your State Pension payments (deferring)   Where to get help You can get free guidance on your retirement savings options from: Money Advice Service Pension Advisory Service Pension Wise has information to help you decide what to do with your money if it’s in a ‘defined contribution’ pension. If you’re over 50, you can book an appointment to speak to someone.   Paying for financial advice You can find an independent financial adviser: on the Unbiased website from the Personal Finance Society If you’re paying into a pension scheme, you can ask your pension provider about taking out up to £500 to pay for financial advice on retirement. You can do this once a year up to 3 times without a tax charge. Not all pension schemes provide this.

0 Easy access showering with half height doors

• by Accessibility Bathrooms
• 15-05-2020

The Problem This husband and wife had issues using their shower, fitted above the bath. The bath had not been used as a bath for many years, only being used to stand in whilst using the shower itself. They needed something easier and safer to use. The shower also needed to be fitted as low as possible. Here's what their original bathroom looked like: The Solution We thought the best solution was to remove the bath and fit a low access shower tray. The wall was tiled, so wall panels were needed to cover the tiled area in order to keep the job time scale down, to provide minimal disruption to the customer. So, we fitted an ultra-low level shower tray (only 32mm high) to fit in the same place as the existing bath (1700mm x 700mm). We then had a custom made half-height shower screen manufactured to fit into the space available. We also fitted a floor-to-ceiling post for additional support. Next, we fitted wall panels to two of the walls, which matched in with the rest of the tiled bathroom. We also needed to re-route the waste in order to get the tray extra low. Finally, a pressure pump was also installed to the thermostatic shower to help regulate the hot water in order to avoid any temperature fluctuation. Here's their newly fitted bathroom:

0 Amazing Wet Room Transformations

• by Accessibility Bathrooms
• 15-05-2020

The problem This lady lived in a retirement complex where she was responsible for her own bathroom. The step into the shower was too high for her and she wanted to future-proof the bathroom, making it easier for her to use in her later years. The bathroom also looked dated and she already had a particular colour scheme in mind for her new bathroom. Here's what the bathroom originally looked like: The Solution We have the widest range of wall panels available on the current market, so we able to ensure that we had a design to her liking. The lady wanted the colours to be a deep purple in the shower area and to look like concrete for the rest of the room. Then we panelled the ceiling so it will never need painting again. We suggested a wet floor (wet room). Then, removing the screen enclosure completely to allow easy access. Then we fitted a high pan toilet which is easier and more comfortable to use, along with a new wall mounted basin. Here's what the newly finished wet room looks like:

0 Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE & PPE) Guidance

• by Accessibility Bathrooms
• 15-05-2020

Respiratory protective equipment Tight-fitting respirators (such as disposable FFP3 masks and reusable half masks) rely on having a good seal with the wearer’s face. A face fit test should be carried out to ensure the respiratory protective equipment (RPE) can protect the wearer. To ensure you put on tight-fitting RPE correctly, use a mirror or ask a colleague. Fit-testers should follow government advice on social distancing, as they can make observations from this distance and deliver any instructions verbally. The user should then carry out a pre-use seal check or fit check. The following poster and video give guidance on how to put on disposable respirators and how to do a pre-use seal check or fit check. Using disposable respirators - poster (PDF)- Portable Document Format   Minimise the risk of transmission People who have symptoms of COVID-19 or are isolating in accordance with government guidance should not attend a face fit test. To minimise the risk of transmission of COVID-19 during face-fit testing the following additional measures should be taken: fit-testers should follow government advice on social distancing, as they can make observations from this distance and deliver any instructions verbally those being fitted should keep their respirators on if closer observation is required to minimise risk to testers both the fit tester and those being fit tested should wash their hands before and after the test in accordance with NHS guidelines those being fit tested with non-disposable masks should clean the mask themselves before and immediately after the test using a suitable disinfectant cleaning wipe (check with manufacturer to avoid damaging the mask) test facepieces that cannot be adequately disinfected (e.g. disposable half masks) should not be used by more than one individual.  fit testers should wear disposable gloves when undertaking cleaning of the tubes, hoods etc and ensure they remove gloves following the correct procedure (PDF)- Portable Document Format immediately dispose of used gloves, disposable masks, cleaning wipes etc in a waste bin Fit testers should familiarise themselves with the following potential contact points and actions to minimise transmission: Further advice on fit testing A fit test should be carried out before people wear RPE for the first time. Inadequate fit can reduce the protection provided and lead to immediate or long-term ill-health or can even put the RPE wearer’s life in danger. A fit test should be repeated whenever there is a change to the RPE type, size, model or material or whenever there is a change to the circumstances of the wearer that could alter the fit of the RPE; for example: weight loss or gain substantial dental work any facial changes (scars, moles, effects of ageing etc) around the face seal area facial piercings introduction or change in other head-worn personal protective equipment (PPE) There is no stipulated frequency for re-testing, and you don’t need one if there are no changes in these circumstances.

0 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

• by Accessibility Bathrooms
• 14-05-2020

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name for a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties. It includes: emphysema – damage to the air sacs in the lungs chronic bronchitis – long-term inflammation of the airways COPD is a common condition that mainly affects middle-aged or older adults who smoke. Many people do not realise they have it. The breathing problems tend to get gradually worse over time and can limit your normal activities, although treatment can help keep the condition under control. Information: Coronavirus advice Get advice about coronavirus and COPD from the British Lung Foundation Symptoms of COPD The main symptoms of COPD are: increasing breathlessness, particularly when you're active a persistent chesty cough with phlegm – some people may dismiss this as just a "smoker's cough" frequent chest infections persistent wheezing Without treatment, the symptoms usually get progressively worse. There may also be periods when they get suddenly worse, known as a flare-up or exacerbation. Find out more about the symptoms of COPD. When to get medical advice See a GP if you have persistent symptoms of COPD, particularly if you're over 35 and smoke or used to smoke. Do not ignore the symptoms. If they're caused by COPD, it's best to start treatment as soon as possible, before your lungs become significantly damaged. Your GP will ask about your symptoms and whether you smoke or have smoked in the past. They can organise a breathing test to help diagnose COPD and rule out other lung conditions, such as asthma. Find out more about how COPD is diagnosed. Causes of COPD COPD happens when the lungs become inflamed, damaged and narrowed. The main cause is smoking, although the condition can sometimes affect people who have never smoked. The likelihood of developing COPD increases the more you smoke and the longer you've smoked. Some cases of COPD are caused by long-term exposure to harmful fumes or dust. Others are the result of a rare genetic problem which means the lungs are more vulnerable to damage. Find out more about the causes of COPD. Treatments for COPD The damage to the lungs caused by COPD is permanent, but treatment can help slow down the progression of the condition. Treatments include: stopping smoking – if you have COPD and you smoke, this is the most important thing you can do inhalers and medicines – to help make breathing easier pulmonary rehabilitation – a specialised programme of exercise and education surgery or a lung transplant – although this is only an option for a very small number of people Find out more about how COPD is treated and living with COPD. Outlook for COPD The outlook for COPD varies from person to person. The condition cannot be cured or reversed, but for many people, treatment can help keep it under control so it does not severely limit their daily activities. But in some people, COPD may continue to get worse despite treatment, eventually having a significant impact on their quality of life and leading to life-threatening problems. Information: Social care and support guide If you: need help with day-to-day living because of illness or disability care for someone regularly because they're ill, elderly or disabled – including family members The guide to care and support explains your options and where you can get support. Preventing COPD COPD is largely a preventable condition. You can significantly reduce your chances of developing it if you avoid smoking. If you already smoke, stopping can help prevent further damage to your lungs before it starts to cause troublesome symptoms. If you think you need help to stop smoking, you can contact NHS Smokefree for free advice and support. You may also want to talk to a GP about the stop smoking treatments available. Find out more about stopping smoking and where to find a stop smoking service near you.

0 Wheelchair Access Mobility Bathroom

• by Accessibility Bathrooms
• 14-05-2020

The Problem This is one of our recently installed bathrooms. The customer's husband required a level access shower which was suitable for wheelchair access. The gentleman could not lift his legs very high from the ground and needed the shower to be as low as possible. The wife would assist the gentleman when he had his daily shower. Due to the layout of the bathroom, the only option was to fit the screen over the window which is not ideal and we try to avoid this if possible. You can see the original bathroom below:     The Solution We took into account the needs of all of the family members within the property which also included their 20 year old son. We decided to make the shower as wide as possible to give extra room within the shower area for wheelchair access. We also fitted a full height safety glass screen to contain the water spray from the shower. We changed the basin to a semi-pedestal so the customer could wheel the chair as close to the wall as possible to use the basin much more comfortably.  We also changed the toilet to a high pan version. This gives an additional 2 inches in height and is easier to use, especially if the user has limited mobility. We replaced the flooring and fitted Altro Aquarius safety flooring with an R11 slip resistant coating which is normally used for wet rooms. Finally, we tiled the full room new tiles, giving it that modern and stylish finish, as seen in the photo below.  

0 A Walk-in Bath Installation

• by Accessibility Bathrooms
• 14-05-2020

The Problem This customer was having problems getting in and out of the bath, particularly, getting their legs over the sides of the bath. The gentleman's wife could also no longer support the gentleman's weight when assisting him in entering and exiting their original bath. The customer could only handle a 7" inch step at most. Here's the original bath:     The solution We firstly assessed the gentleman's needs and requirements. Then from the recommendations we suggested, the couple decided to go for our Filey walk-in bath, it was the answer to all of their problems! No longer having to struggle to climb over the side of the bath and no more worries of being stuck in the bathtub, unable to get out. The Filey walk-in bath has a built-in seat, which means it is much easier to get up from compared to a standard bath. The customer also wanted their own shower leaving in place above. We then set about giving them the bathroom they wanted and deserved. Now that we've installed their new walk-in bath, the gentleman is now able to safely use the bathroom on his own independently once again. Thus, taking the pressure off his wife having to help him every time he needed to wash. Here's a peek at their new walk-in bath: