Taking our health and mobility for granted is a common oversight, and many of us seldom contemplate the possibility of having to adjust our lifestyles or modify our homes to maintain our independence. It’s a reality we might face due to aging, chronic medical conditions, or life-altering injuries. Surprisingly, the bathroom is often the last room people think about when realising the need for changes to continue living comfortably in their beloved homes.
The bathroom, though often overlooked, plays a crucial role in maintaining our physical well-being. Without the necessary facilities for washing, cleaning, and bathing, personal hygiene can deteriorate rapidly. If left unaddressed, this decline can have a detrimental impact on a person’s mental health and overall well-being.
If you find yourself struggling to use your existing bathroom or wish to future-proof it for easier bathing but are unsure about the next steps, it’s time to consult with a specialist bathroom company that can create an accessible bathing space tailored to your needs.
Experts in Accessible Bathing
At AHM Installations, we have been crafting customised bathing spaces for over 24 years, assisting thousands of customers in optimizing their existing bathrooms to suit their evolving physical requirements. Our solutions range from minor adjustments like the installation of grab bars and shower seats to comprehensive bathroom transformations featuring walk-in showers, walk-in baths, or wetrooms.
You might be concerned that you lack the space necessary to create the bathroom of your dreams. However, at AHM Installations, we are experts are maximising the space available but we can also create bathing spaces in any room of the house, from garages to walk-in cupboards (yes, really!), or disused rooms such as bedrooms or dining rooms. That’s precisely what we did for Mr. Allen when he reached out earlier this year.
Deciding on a Solution
Mr. Allen, an 89-year-old ex-RAF serviceman, recently found himself in a wheelchair, significantly limiting his mobility. This left him unable to access the first-floor bathroom, which was beginning to have a severe impact on his health and well-being. Furthermore, Mr. Allen had to make do with a makeshift sleeping arrangement in the dining room downstairs. It was clear that he and his family needed a solution that would cater to his physical requirements and provide easy access.
Our journey to transform Mr. Allen’s dining room into an accessible wetroom began with thorough consultations involving Peter, one of our Home Surveyors, Mr. Allen, and his family. We believe in a collaborative approach when planning a bathroom, encouraging the participation of a friend or relative to help us gain a holistic understanding of each customer’s needs, preferences, and daily routines.
The primary aim was to create a bathing space that not only accommodated Mr. Allen’s physical needs but also provided easy and swift access for his wheelchair and space for a caregiver to assist. The solution was clear: a ground-floor wetroom, designed for easy access, manoeuvrability, and use and it was decided the downstairs dining room was the most logical room to convert.
So how did we do it?
Creating a bathroom where no plumbing facilities existed required technical knowledge to plan and implement the necessary works, including tapping into the plumbing, water, and heating systems to enable heating, water flow and drainage from the shower, sink, and toilet. All AHM Home Surveyors possess this expertise, and our installers have the skills to execute such work seamlessly, negating the requirement for third party tradespeople, reducing costs and ensuring a swift installation.
Mr. and Mrs. Allen were understandably concerned about the aesthetic of their new bathroom. They wanted to avoid a clinical appearance while keeping the space decorated in neutral colours on the walls and floor. Peter presented them with samples of flooring, waterproof wall panelling, and discussed suitable sanitaryware to align with their design preferences and budget.
After these consultations, Peter crafted the design for the new wetroom, ensuring it met the brief and budget. He returned to the Allen family with a 3D image of the proposed wetroom which, encompassed all the features and functionality requested. The family loved the concept and decided to proceed.
Installation and Completion
A few weeks later the construction phase of the project was executed with precision and attention to detail. Our team of experienced professionals ensured that the wetroom met the highest standards of safety and accessibility.
The project took four weeks to complete but its impact on Mr. Allen’s life was profound. The newfound accessibility not only improved his daily routine but also boosted his overall confidence and independence. The ability to access the shower without assistance was a significant achievement for him. This project was more than just a renovation, it was a life-changing event for Mr. Allen.
The open design of the wetroom allowed Mr. Allen to shower with ease and dignity, enhancing his self-esteem. Furthermore, it simplified the process of bathing and personal hygiene, which were previously daunting tasks. Mr Allen’s wife was relieved to see Mr. Allen regain a sense of control over his life and happiness.
Before the transformation, the Allen family faced numerous challenges. Mr. Allen’s reduced mobility forced him to use a wheelchair, making the first-floor bathroom inaccessible. This not only impacted his personal hygiene but also posed a potential risk to his health and well-being. The dining room, once a space for family gatherings and meals, had been converted into a makeshift bedroom. The transformation was about much more than just a bathroom; it was about reclaiming a sense of normalcy, independence, and dignity.
The journey of the Allen family highlights the impact that accessible bathroom transformations can have on individuals and their families.
AHM Installations Ltd specialise in accessible bathrooms and we’re a family run company – we pride ourselves on delivering the highest standards of care and service that we would want for our own family members which is why we’re rated as ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot. We offer free no obligation quotes and we do not employ pushy salespeople.
Our mission is to help as many people regain their independence and remain living in their own homes for as long as possible, because we believe everyone should access to safe, affordable bathing.
Call our friendly team on 01295 297128 to find out more or to request a brochure. Alternatively, visit our website at www.ahminstallations.co.uk to see real customer bathrooms we’ve transformed.
