Designing accessible spaces in care homes is not just about wheelchair access – it means ensuring equal access for all. Carole Armstrong, senior marketing manager at DELABIE, considers the implications of designing for inclusivity in terms of spatial planning, aligning high-concept style with functionality while guaranteeing budgetary and regulatory compliance
In today's care environments, providing accessible and dignified washroom facilities is no longer just about meeting regulatory requirements, it is about delivering compassionate, quality care. Whether in private residential care homes or publicly funded facilities, the expectations around inclusivity, hygiene, and user experience are rising. Accessibility does not have to mean clinical or institutional washroom facilities; functionality, safety, and design can — and should — coexist seamlessly.
Building regulations cannot be ignored, since key guidance such as DOC M and BS 8300 provide the framework for designing compliant, accessible washrooms. However, user experience must also be central to the design brief — not just from the viewpoint of compliance, but from a holistic perspective of dignity, comfort, and aesthetics.
When talking about accessible design in care homes, it is easy to picture wheelchair users as the primary driver. But reduced mobility encompasses a much wider range of users: elderly residents, individuals recovering from surgery, users with visual impairments, temporary injuries like a broken leg, or even a parent navigating with a pram.
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