NEWS & INSIGHTS
INDEPENDENCE BATHING. WHAT IS IT AND WHY IS IT BECOMING SO POPULAR FOR RETAILERS?
1st July – 2024
Physical disability or injury, loss of strength & mobility and reduced energy levels are all barriers to bathing unassisted. Rather than the reliance on family or professional carers, the concept behind independence bathing is the introduction of bath and shower products that allow easier access.
Commonly referred to as ‘walk in’ or ‘easy access baths and showers’ are designed specifically with comfort and safety features, eliminating the need for ‘climbing’ in, which for some can be difficult or even dangerous.
MOBILITY IMPAIRMENT IN THE UK
According to Government statistics there is an estimated 16.0 million people in the UK living with a disability in 2021/22, representing 24% of the total population, with those reporting a disability up 6% since 2002/3. Of these nearly a half (47%) report mobility followed by breathing, stamina or fatigue (35%) as their impairment type.
According to the English Housing Survey 2019/2020, 1.9m households contained at least one person who felt that their condition meant they required some adaptations to their home; the most common adaptations being grab rails, a new bath or shower to replace the bath.
ACCESS TO BATHING IN THE HOME
According to the recent Accessible Housing Survey, ‘Nearly half (47%) of those providing long-term care for someone say the person(s) they care for will need some accessible housing features within the next five years. A downstairs bathroom and adaptations to make it easier to use the bathroom are most commonly identified by this group.’
With an aging population and increase in those reporting mobility impairment, the demand for easier/safer access to all bathroom facilities is only going to increase. Half of those asked in the Accessible Housing Survey stated their desire to remain in their current property with adaptations allowing for independent living
DIFFERING REQUIREMENTS FOR BATHERS
Form, function, comfort and safety are the key considerations to people looking to adapt their bathrooms. Well designed and easy access baths and showers also have to be durable and ultimately usable. These features include:
STYLES – WHAT DO CONSUMERS REQUIRE?
These specialist, easy access baths, showers and accessories need to take the worry out of bathing and create a safe environment for both the mobility impaired and their families to enjoy, regardless of age and ability. Consumers also require options dependant on their bathroom size, ability and budget, which include:
THE GROWING UK DEMAND FOR EASY ACCESS BATHS AND SHOWERS
Sales of easy access baths and showers in the UK have been steadily increasing due to a growing demand for accessibility solutions among the elderly and individuals with mobility impairments.
With this in mind retailers need to stock easy access baths and showers to cater to individuals with mobility impairments and their families.
These products are essential for maintaining independence, significantly improving the quality of life for those with mobility limitations. By offering a range of accessible bathing solutions, retailers can meet the diverse needs of their customers, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their mobility challenges, can safely and comfortably use their bathroom.
TROJAN – OFFERING RETAILERS QUALITY SOLUTIONS FOR INDEPENDENCE BATHING
These specialist, easy access baths, showers and accessories need to take the worry out of bathing and create a safe environment for both the mobility impaired and their families to enjoy, regardless of age and ability. Consumers also require options dependant on their bathroom size, ability and budget, which include: