The Sanimatic WC and washbasin; just two of the products from the range, they are height adjustable, rise and fall, sanitary products -perfect for people who have limited mobility or restricted flexibility. These are electronically controlled providing finger tip operation via a touch control pad. The Sanimatic enables the user to adjust the height of the toilet and the range of travel is 37cm from low of 38cm to a high of 75cm and the Sanimatic will move weight of up 150kg.

Paul Newson, Saniflo’s Managing Director explains the background to the development of the Sanilife range. As life expectancy increases and there is a huge shift in the demographics both here and through-out the Western world, we are getting older and living longer. In consequence there is an increasing demand for products to improve the quality of life for the less able either through disability or the natural ageing process.

Hafele have introduced various systems to help improve independent living throughout Education Facilities, Sheltered Housing, Care Homes and Rehabilitation centres. There are 4 options to choose from, each with unique functionality for user requirements:

Evolving in tune with modern tastes, the Organic Walk-In shower enclosure is part of the popular AquaSpace collection from Aqualux. The tone is set by the beautiful bamboo footboard and the unusual shower design is characterized by gentle flowing curves. Light and capacious, the enclosure, which is 1900 mm high, measures an impressive 1400mm x 1000mm and features a minimal silver effect frame and 6mm clear toughened glass.

Impulse Bathrooms has achieved LANTAC (Local Authority National Type Approval Consortium) approval for its DocM suites which enables certified products to be used by local authorities without further building control approval until final inspection. Impulse Bathrooms Comfort range which offers WCs and washbasins with extra height to make them more comfortable to use has recently been joined by the DocM suites developed to facilitate the use of the bathroom by disabled and wheelchair users, the elderly, infirm or those with restricted mobility.

Bathroom equipment manufacturers Inta has a range of solutions to the difficulties that face people who may be less mobile or struggle to care for themselves. Some of the latest generation anti-scald shower valves from Inta have been developed in conjunction with experts from the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) to ensure ease of operation and discreet support for those who have problems with vision.

Accessible bathing just got easier thanks to leading manufacturer Eurocare Showers. The Doncaster based company will provide retailers with the opportunity to become involved in the fast growing elderly market, without the hassle. With imminent government changes to social care and cuts to local authority budgets, an increasing number of people will be turning to the high street for a complete accessible solution, providing more scope for accessible bathing to be integrated into mainstream retail.

Triton’s Safeguard Care Pumped thermostatic electric shower is the first and only pumped shower currently available to provide customers with the BEAB Care safety mark and RNIB endorsement for inclusive design, ease of use and overall safety - previously only awarded to Triton’s Safeguard Care (pictured left) thermostatic shower in late 2008.

With the growing popularity of wet rooms there are now many available solutions on the market. As the leading supplier of showering and daily living products for the elderly and disabled, AKW have extensive experience in delivering products with both the end user and installer in mind.

Following the highly successful launch of the 2 metre high Diga Enclosure range, Kermi have responded to market demands with the launch of the Diga Mini, a version specifically aimed at the less able market. The product is particularly relevant to the Wetroom segment and in installations where wheelchair entry is required.

Häfele provides systems to improve independent living throughout care/residential homes, education facilities, sheltered housing and rehabilitation centres.

Italian company Novellini, leading European producer of quality shower enclosures, offer an all inclusive range of shower enclosures that bring together leading edge design features with the very best environmental credentials.

By 2031 there is likely to be more than 27 million people aged over 50 years – almost half the entire population of the UK - and there are specific considerations that need to be addressed to make sure people can stay in their own homes as long as possible.