AIDS AND ADAPTATION
RESIDENTIAL
Technical aids and home adaptations can be provided for people with physical or sensory disability to help them live independently in their own homes. An assessment will first be carried out by an Occupational Therapist or specially trained staff of the needs of those requiring help, or help for their carer; they can then give advice and/or arrange for the necessary equipment to be provided. Here at ACP we assist in many ways to assist those requiring help and the provision of the equipment or services that has been identified for your needs.
What are technical aids?
These are a range of equipment to help disabled and older people manage everyday activities more safely and independently in their own homes. Depending on circumstances these equipment may help to:
- Use the toilet, wash and dress
- Manage eating and drinking
- Getting in and around the home
- Get on and off your chair, bed or wheelchair
- Carryout household chores, like tidying up
What is an adaptation?
An adaptation is work required fixing, or some alterations to your home, such as
- Rails to doorways and stairs
- Half steps
- Ramps
- Widening of doorways
- Levelling of threshold strips
- Stair lifts
- Replacement of bath with showers
- Access to bedroom and/or bathroom
- Chair or bed raisers
Many technical aids and minor adaptation (typically under £500) are normally provided free of cost. Minor adaptation includes such things as the provision of ramps, hand rails, grab rails and lever taps.
The provision of Major adaption (exceeding £500) is dependent on the type of property; generally requiring more complex work and includes such equipment as stair lifts and showers; bathroom and kitchen conversions.
COMMERCIAL
There are around ten million disabled people in Great Britain. You must not discriminate against disabled people who use your goods or service; you are also required to make reasonable adjustment for disabled people.
Business that provide a service to the public are legally required to make reasonable adjustments to the physical features of their premises where they put disabled people at a substantial disadvantage compared to non disabled people.
Typical requirements are provision of:
- Ramps
- Induction loop system
- Lifts
- Widening of access door ways
Specialist Home Services for the Disabled and the Elderly
Bathroom Conversion
Walk-in shower, Wet room/Level-access shower, Walk-in bath
Loss of mobility and balance can make it difficult to shower, wash and bathe or to use the toilet. However, there’s a range of equipment and adaptations that may help such as:
- a battery powered bath lift with a seat or platform that can be lowered to support your weight as you get into the bath and raised to help you get out
- a bath with a side opening so you can get in and out without having to climb over the side
- a ‘wet room’ or level-access shower
- a wall-mounted sink set at the right height for someone who is using a wheelchair or a mobile shower seat
- a special safety plug that only allows water to reach a certain level
- a flood detector that alerts a monitoring centre (Telecare) if the bath or sink starts to overflow
- a ‘hands-free’ toilet with an automatic washing and drying function while you are still seated.
Walk-in Showers
A Walk-in shower (or level access shower) is essentially the same as a Wet room. The term Walk-in shower simply refers to the point that there is no step up, or step into the shower as is normally found with a white plastic shower tray for example. You simply ‘walk in’ to the showering area.
Modern technology and waterproofing now mean that Level access walk-in showers can be installed in most homes without fear of leakage if care is taken and instructions are followed.
A walk-in shower is easy to clean and maintain and can really enhance the look of any bathroom.
Walk-in showers are extremely popular with people who suffer from mobility issues as no step up is required, thus making access much easier and reducing the risk of a slip.
At ACP, we specialise in the design, supply, installation and refurbishment of a number of Walk-in showers suitable for wooden or concrete floors to create level access Walk-in showers. This also includes all aspects of bathroom conversion, construction, plumbing, precision tiling, lighting and air extraction, all within your budget.
Walk-in Baths
To find out more about Aids and Adaptations and Bathroom Conversion, contact us now
Telephone: 0113 234 1660
Email: info@acp-group.co.uk