Undertaking a bathroom adaptation project requires careful planning and collaboration. As an OT, ensuring the best outcome for your client means working with an equipment partner who provides expert guidance, high-quality equipment, and ongoing support. A strong partnership can streamline the process, reduce delays, and ultimately lead to a successful adaptation.
Astor Bannerman is a designer, manufacturer, and installer. We research, develop, and produce our own equipment, giving us unmatched expertise in how it functions and how best to integrate it into a project. This also allows us greater flexibility in tailoring solutions to individual client needs.
This guide follows an eight-step process for a bathroom adaptation and outlines how Astor Bannerman provides exceptional support at every stage.
Step 1: Starting the Process
How Astor Bannerman Supports You:
- We encourage OTs and clients to get us involved as early as possible in the project process, ensuring that equipment requirements are taken into account at every stage, making the project more straightforward.
- We can bring our equipment knowledge to client assessments, supporting OTs and offering solutions where appropriate.
- Our in-depth knowledge of equipment design allows us to recommend truly tailored solutions, with the aim of meeting the needs of the client now and in the future.
- We can assess the suitability of existing equipment and recommend changes or upgrades, ensuring suitability for the future.
Step 2: Assessing Needs
How Astor Bannerman Supports You:
- We conduct on-site surveys, assessing space, plumbing, electrics, and transfer requirements. Knowing where and how equipment should be installed will make the whole process more streamlined, minimising delays and installation problems.
- Our equipment is designed and manufactured by us, meaning we understand every detail and can adapt recommendations as needed.
- We offer free in-home product demonstrations anywhere in the country, whether it as a client’s home or community space, something many standard suppliers do not provide, to help OTs and families experience equipment firsthand.
Step 3: Solution Recommendation
Selecting the right equipment and accessories is critical to ensuring usability and long-term comfort.
How Astor Bannerman Supports You:
- We provide expert recommendations on capital equipment and their optional extras, most of which have been researched, designed and manufactured in-house, meaning that we have intimate knowledge of every option available.
- The right accessories, such as cushions and cradles, can make all the difference to clients, and we have designed a range of accessories that work seamlessly with our equipment.
- Our knowledge of all areas of the market enables us to recommend accessories not manufactured by us if we think they will be more appropriate.
- Our team offer free CAD design services, helping OTs and clients to visualise the solution in 2D and 3D.
- Unlike many suppliers who only offer a fixed product range, we have the flexibility to adapt and modify our equipment to meet specific needs.
Step 4: Funding Considerations
How Astor Bannerman Supports You:
- We provide detailed, fully itemised quotes to support grant applications.
- Our team works with OTs and families to ensure solutions align with funding requirements.
- Because we design and manufacture our own products, we can offer better long-term value by ensuring durability and adaptability.
Step 5: Final Decision and Order Placement
How Astor Bannerman Supports You:
- We review and confirm all requirements before finalising orders.
- Our team ensures that equipment is delivered on schedule and to the agreed specification.
- Unlike standard suppliers, we can make last-minute adjustments to our designs if needed, with flexibility on supply from our UK factory.
Step 6: Pre-Installation Work
How Astor Bannerman Supports You:
- We provide detailed pre-installation guidance, including plumbing and electrical requirements, and are on-hand to answer questions when needed.
- Our expertise as equipment designers allows us to foresee potential site challenges and provide proactive solutions.
- We work with builders and contractors to ensure all site requirements are met before installation.
- If needed, we can offer practical support using our experienced approved contractors.
Step 7: Installation
How Astor Bannerman Supports You:
- We offer professional installation services by trained technicians who specialise in our equipment.
- Unlike generic suppliers, our installers are fully trained on the products we design and manufacture, ensuring a precise and seamless fit.
- Our team ensures that all equipment is fitted to the highest safety standards.
Step 8: Training and Ongoing Support
How Astor Bannerman Supports You:
- We provide full training for carers and families on how to use installed equipment.
- We offer accredited training to OTs, architects and building contractors, ensuring all professionals involved are well-informed about the equipment and its installation requirements.
- Our aftercare services include warranties, servicing, and ongoing support to ensure long-term usability.
- As the manufacturer of the equipment, we are uniquely positioned to provide ongoing support and modifications when required.
Conclusion
Astor Bannerman is committed to offering unparalleled expertise and service throughout the adaptation process. Our deep knowledge of equipment design allows us to deliver flexible, client-centred solutions that standard suppliers simply cannot match.
For more information or to arrange a consultation, contact our expert team today.
