Housing 21.

Housing 21 is a leading not-for-profit provider of Retirement Housing and Extra Care for older people of modest means. The group manages around 20,000 Retirement and Extra Care Living properties across the UK and provides around 10% of the Extra Care provision in the UK.

Their strategy involves ambitious plans to update and modernise their existing housing, plus develop new schemes across the UK.

Understanding that residents’ care needs can change over time, Housing21 wanted to make sure their new properties could adapt quickly and easily without affecting their homely look and feel. Motionspot was approached to support future proofing the design of their new accessible en-suites.

Motionspot was engaged to design the layout and products in the accessible bathrooms going into 2,000 homes across 30 new schemes being built. 

The accessible en-suites have been planned to suit the changing needs of residents, providing options for extra support whilst still feeling warm and homely. The look is contemporary and elegant, with a light and bright feel.

Central to the design was the inclusion of removable grab rail technology. This involved strengthening walls and pre-installing several discreet brackets around the toilet and shower areas. These sit ready to attach a variety of grab rails in case residents ever need extra support here. When not in use they are covered by slim chrome rose plates and blend in with the design almost imperceptibly. 

• Slip-resistant flooring and step-free access to the shower removes trip hazards and makes it easy for those using a wheelchair or walking frame.
• Grab rails are removable so if a resident needs extra support at a later date, it can be added.
• The basin allows space for a wheelchair user.
• Shower controls have levers that are easy to operate and clearly marked temperature and water flow.
• The accessible shower screen creates greater space which is important if residents require additional assistance whilst showering or use a wheelchair.