CREATING AN ACCESSIBLE BATHROOM
By creating a more accessible bathroom it is possible to help to retain an individual’s dignity, increase independence, and alleviate a certain level of stress and strain from the carers involved and help to create a happier home.
One family who has seen the benefits of an accessible bathroom is the Page family from Broadstairs in Kent. Four-year old Archie was born with quadriplegic cerebral palsy which means he needs 24-hour care and support.
Whilst he was a baby, bathtime was not a problem but as he got older it soon became a stressful experience for both Archie and his mother Debbie so their OT advised they would need to start looking into making his bedroom and bathroom more accessible. Debbie explained:
“We moved to our current house when Archie was six months old as our previous home was not suitable for us as a growing family, especially with all the additional equipment Archie requires and the amount of space it takes up. As soon as we explained our concerns about bathing Archie when he grew older, our OT suggested we get in touch with Astor-Bannerman, as they had worked with them in the past when designing accessible bathrooms. Kane DeCaux from Astor-Bannerman visited us and demonstrated the Rio height adjustable bath in our driveway and I instantly knew I had found the solution to making bath time a fun and stress free experience for Archie”.
Plans were drawn up for the extensive building work to the family home, and Kane liaised with the architect, builder, OT and the family to ensure the best use was made of the space available.
“Our builder had not constructed an accessible bathroom before and the help and advice we received from Astor-Bannerman was invaluable” explained Debbie.
After three months, the building work was completed and Archie had a new bedroom and bathroom which was fitted with the latest in tracked hoisting solutions and the Rio height-adjustable bath from Astor-Bannerman.
ARCHIE’S BATHTIME FUN
“Archie’s first bath in the Rio was a revelation and it has completely changed his quality of life.
The height-adjustable feature is brilliant and will become even more important as Archie grows. He loves bathtime as the feeling of the warm water means he totally relaxes his limbs and from a mother’s perspective his brother Jack can now join Archie in the bath, making it a real ‘family time’ which is so precious to us.
The finishing touch to the bathroom is the optional decorative bath panel which Archie and his brother love. I would not hesitate in recommending Astor-Bannerman to other families looking to install an accessible bathroom.”
Archie’s RIO height adjustable bath is fitted with the patented optional Neatfold stretcher which pulls across the bath and enables Debbie to keep Archie warm from the water below as she dries him instead of having to carry or hoist him into his bedroom still wet.
The Rio is made from the highest quality materials including two twin actuators which makes it the quietest hi-lo bath currently available.
The extra-large space under the bath also ensures all types of mobile floor hoists can be used if a tracked hoist is not installed and with a maximum width of 745mm there is plenty of space for Archie to enjoy bath time in a fun relaxed environment.
For over 20 years’ Astor-Bannerman has built an exceptional reputation within the Social Services and Local Authority Sectors where it is held in the highest regard. As specialists in design, manufacture and installation of assisted baths, hoists and changing equipment, Astor-Bannerman offer free site surveys, home demonstrations, expert advice, quotations, CAD room layouts, OT team meetings and much more with no obligation.
To see how Astor-Bannerman could help with your home adaptation contact us today and make use of many of the free services we provide.
We believe that making the right decisions really can change lives!
