Stuart Reynolds explains the key points to be aware of when designing or installing kitchens and bathrooms for people with arthritis, and why making spaces accessible really matters.

s an installer, why should you care about arthritis when fitting or designing bathrooms or kitchens? Well, for a start, 20.3 million people are at present living with a musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis in the UK,  so demand for home adaptations to help improve quality of life is on the rise. 

According to the NHS, the two most common types of arthritis diagnosed in the UK are osteoarthritis (caused by mechanical demands on the joints) and rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disease). 

Arthritis doesn’t just affect a person’s grip strength or mobility. It can impact standing balance and reach, too, making standing, walking, range of motion, hand function and balance difficult. Although the condition of arthritis has been around as long as humans have had joints, its management has progressed significantly in recent years. 

However, as well as medication, the environment a person lives in can greatly impact their level of independence. And, due to the multi-functional nature of both the kitchen and bathroom, these can be the most challenging spaces to navigate in the home.

That’s why, working in conjunction with Arthritis UK and The Occupational Therapy Service, AKW has developed a new best practice guide on designing kitchen and bathroom spaces for those living with the condition. Here are some of the key take outs from the guide, but more information can be found in the free-to-download guide.

Taps and mixers

Minimise effort for the end user by choosing appliances and fixtures with easy-to-use controls that help to reduce strain on arthritic hands, such as lever, paddle or infrared taps and soft-close drawers. 

Water temperature and pressure control

Those living with arthritis can have slower reactions due to mobility issues, so consider installing TMVs to prevent scalding and moderate the water pressure, as sometimes this can be painful to the end user if too strong.

Toilet and bathroom fixture height 

Think about installing higher seated toilets and grab rails next to the toilet, particularly for those with hip, knee and spine arthritis. As well as a range of comfort-height toilets, AKW has also developed the Rise & Fall Bidet hygienic toilet, which is a good solution if joint pain affects a user’s balance or grip.

Showering 

Where possible reduce bending, reaching and force by fitting a walk-in or level-access shower and shower with push-button or lever controls. Shower seats can relieve the pressure off knees and hips and shower enclosures with D-handles and D-latches reduce strain on fingers and wrists. AKW’s SmartCare Lever Electric Shower, can be operated using only two fingers if hands or wrists are affected, making it suitable for those with limited hand mobility.

Sinks, basins and worksurfaces 

Shallow sinks and basins will help reduce unnecessary bending. It is also worth thinking about clearance under the sink or basin for seated use if needed. AKW offers a shallow half bowl sink that is ideal for those who need to access it while seated or in a wheelchair. It is also advisable to insulate pipes to prevent heat injury to the user’s knees or legs. Promote ergonomic design and support by raising or lowering work surfaces to help the user reduce bending or overreaching. A variable height surface worktop can also help with this and AKW’s Activmotion Rise & Fall Worktop surfaces are suitable for users with a degenerative condition such as arthritis.

Heating design

Joint stiffness worsens in the cold, so heating is important for those with arthritis. Gentle, even warmth from underfloor heating is ideal. If radiators are installed, choose ones with large, easy-turn controls and avoid small, hard-to-turn radiator valves if possible.

Lifestyle adjustments for those with arthritis needn’t be complicated. To find out how to help those with the condition maintain their independence, while ensuring you are fitting appropriate, helpful and cost-effective adaptations, why not download the free guide at www.akw-ltd.co.uk 

Stuart Reynolds is UK Marketing & Product Management Director at AKW.