Wet rooms are a stylish, practical option to a shower. Wet room showers do not have a tray that you step over when entering or exiting the cubicle but are on the same level as the floor of the bathroom. This makes wet rooms ideal for those with limited mobility who don’t have to step over the slightly raised surface, and also wheelchair users who can manoeuvre into the showering space with much greater ease.
Despite their high-end look, a wet room can be installed on a budget and you don’t have to have an exceptionally large bathroom either.
There are wet room solutions available here at Mobility Plus that are cost-effective, space-saving and still stylish. Have a look at our beautiful range and view our wet rooms for small bathrooms, or see which option is best suited to your bathing needs.
How does a wet room differ from a walk-in shower?
The main way in which a wet room differs from a traditional walk-in shower is that instead of a having a built-in shower cubicle that includes a shower tray, the room itself forms the enclosure. This enclosure is built to be fully waterproofed, preventing leaks and water damage, complete with drainage for the water to escape.
View our range of wet room showers to see how a wet room can restore your confidence in bathing. We are always on hand to guide you through your options that are suited to your individual bathing needs.
What are the benefits of having a wet room?
1. Wet rooms are practical
Wet rooms are extremely practical, especially for people with mobility issues because they don’t have to step over a bath edge or shower tray. Wet rooms also allow wheelchair access for those with very limited mobility who still want to retain their independence when bathing.
Wet rooms are typically reasonably large enclosures compared to a regular shower, which means carers are also able to assist the person in the wheelchair entering the wet room enclosure. This further makes wet rooms an ideal bathing option for those with limited mobility, and one of the most practical bathing options out there.
The Richmond Range is ideal for individuals looking for a custom-built wet room designed to create a calm and luxurious shower experience. There are lots of door and seating options available, so you can find the best solutions for your bathing needs.
2. They are customisable
Wet rooms are also hugely beneficial for those who require wide access and who might struggle with bi-fold doors. Customisable options are available, such as grab rails and shower seats. These options aid independent bathing as well as providing extra comfort in your new mobility bathroom.
These wet room accessories help to personalise your bathroom so you can make your space truly your own. Check out our full range of bathroom accessories to customise your mobility wet room according to your bathing needs.
3. Quality and design
As well as all of the practicalities of a wet room, the look and style of this bathing experience transform your bathroom into a luxurious, calming, clean and reassuring environment.
This look has grown in popularity after being featured on many interior design programmes over the last few years, and bathroom installation companies such as Mobility Plus are making wet rooms much more accessible than they once were.
Statistics show that around 1 in 3 adults over 65 who live at home will have a minimum of one fall a year, and about half of these will have more frequent falls. The startling frequency of falls for those in this age bracket means that it’s crucial to make your home more mobility-friendly so as to prevent any falls from taking place.
One of the areas of a house where falls frequently take place is the bathroom, and more specifically when someone uses the toilet. Having a low toilet seat height means that people have to lower themselves down further, and this means the likelihood of slipping increases. Managing toileting activities is a very personal task, and being safe while using one should be a given.
One solution to this problem is having a high toilet seat. Having a toilet with a high seat is a great mobility addition to your bathroom, as it lowers this risk of falling, giving the person a greater sense of independence when looking after their hygiene.
It really shouldn’t be a luxury to feel confident and safe when using the loo, and so a high toilet seat is a must-have for anyone who’s experienced this issue and is concerned at all. With this in mind, here are the benefits of using a high toilet seat:
1. High toilets have stability
You may choose to opt for a high toilet seat with or without grab rails. However, we would recommend high toilet seats with additional support if you still feel you may need some extra help with your mobility.
The added height will put less stress on your knees and help you stand easier. This will also help with your confidence when using the bathroom.
2. They are safe
They increase safety as you are provided a durable base for sitting, making rising easier, helping you avoid slips and falls. If you position additional grab rails close to the toilet, it will help you move around the bathroom with an added safety and less risk.
3. They provide relief
Raised toilets relieve your joints from any added pressure. Those who suffer from arthritis tend to find it very difficult to bend joints. It isn’t an easy task, and it can be very painful as sufferers can experience severe discomfort. The high toilet seat will also reduce the squatting position we have usually do when we use the toilet.
4. High toilets are easy to fit
You can get high toilet seats that are simple to install, and it do not require much work. Typically, raised toilet seats have adjustable fixing brackets which secures the seat in place for ultimate stability. These brackets are normally on the sides, and back.
Not only is it easy to fit, but it’s also easy to clean too! Give it a quick wipe down with a toilet disinfectant or an antibacterial wipe, and you’re good to go.
Alternatively you can have a higher toilet pan fitted as part of any bathroom installed by Mobility Plus, speak to one of our team for details.
What should you consider?
There are a few different variations of these types of toilet seats, some seats have padding or durable plastic. When selecting your raised toilet seat, you may want to keep the following things in mind:
Size
Toilet lid or no toilet lid
Height
A high toilet seat or toilet can make a huge difference in your ability to use the bathroom independently. Additionally, as this allows you to be more independent, it may take a little pressure off from your carer. Most high toilet seats are easy to install and use too.
If you suffer from pain or limited mobility, these devices are an affordable way to get rid of bathroom embarrassment.
The benefits of a high toilet can really make a difference to your routine. It’s an important feature to have, that will help reduce toileting worries or concerns. Give yourself peace of mind. Feel free to request one of our free brochures, if you are looking to get your sanitaryware replaced when replacing your bath or shower. If you are trying to decide on a bathing solution, why not view our walk-in bath and shower selections.
Typically, bathrooms have limited space, meaning that you can’t fill them with all the decorations that you love as comprehensively as you can in other parts of your home. However, there are always ways to bring life into your bathroom in new and innovative ways.
One such way to brighten up your bathroom space is by decorating it with plants that specifically suit your space. Plants are a great asset to any room, not only bathrooms, because they look delightful but also oxygenate the room. Studies have shown that having plants boosts your mood and reduces stress levels, alongside other benefits.
It can be tricky to find a plant that thrives in a small bathroom, due to low light and high humidity. However, here’s your introduction to a few plant friends that will be a great fit for your bathroom.
1. Spider Plant
Our first entry of a plant to suit your small bathroom is the spider plant. Spider plants are known for growing rather quickly, and even have NASA’s seal of approval. The research that NASA conducted showed that spider plants can remove up to 90 percent of the toxins from the air in your bathroom in just two days.
If you’re prone to allergies, this is an excellent way of clearing the air. This plant is best kept near a window. Additionally, It’s best to avoid placing the plant on a radiator as it will lose its hydration.
2. Dracaena
This pretty plant is perfect for your small bathroom, and is a popular choice to help reduce the humidity in the room. Furthermore, the Dracaena plant also reduces dust and regulates the humidity in your home by releasing moisture.
Did you know that research has shown that indoor air can be 12 times more polluted than the air outside in some areas?
This is mainly due to the materials and chemicals used in furnishings, paints, and clothing becoming airborne. However, the dracaena plant can eliminate the pollutants, making breathing easier, help fight colds, remove airborne contaminants, and improve overall health. Be aware that this plant isn’t animal-friendly, though, so keep it out of the reach of any animals you have.
3. Snake plant
The snake plant is perfectly suited to the bathroom, big or small. Inexpensive and low-maintenance, this plant should be in your bathroom as it converts CO2 into oxygen at night. It’s easy to leave this plant to its own devices, as it is used to being in several different climate conditions.
If you forget to water your new friend for a few weeks, it’s not the end of the world as it will still thrive. The most appropriate place to keep the plant is anywhere where there is direct sunlight and occasional fresh air – so a bathroom window works perfectly.
If you’re a frequent traveller, this plant would be your best buy as it doesn’t mind missing you for a while! Choose this plant for your bathroom and you won’t be disappointed.
4. Aloe Vera
Not only is this plant low maintenance, but it also reproduces effortlessly.Aloe vera is also a great multi-purpose plant; you can treat minor cuts and burns from the gel in the leaves. Making this miracle plant not only ideal for a small bathroom but anywhere in the home.
Aloe vera is happiest close to a window, but not in direct sunlight. It’s perfectly suited for the bathroom, as it doesn’t need a lot of water to survive, so the humidity should be enough to keep it going.
5. Chinese Evergreen
The Chinese Evergreen is absolutely stunning plant, with leaves are streaked with white or yellow. It’s also one of the most low-maintenance plants you can have in the home. It thrives in medium to low light, or indirect sunlight, and loves humid conditions.
Although the humidity should be enough to keep this plant going, you can also spray the leaves to keep it hydrated if it’s looking a little bit worse for wear. Take care of this beauty and it’ll take care of you and keep your small bathroom looking stylish.
6. Orchid
Orchids are an absolute beauty to look at and are a wonderful plant to add to your small bathroom – providing an often much needed pop of colour.
Orchids are naturally derived from humid, tropical rainforests and, therefore, bathrooms are often a great substitute. The warm, steamy atmosphere of a small bathroom can keep your orchid thriving for years.
You can place the plant on your windowsill, where it will not be under the sunlight directly. The steamy atmosphere will provide pretty much all the water that this beautiful flower requires.
7. Pothos
The golden Pothos blooms heart-shaped leaves, in a marble-esque pattern. The pothos doesn’t require too much water, so try to refrain from overwatering the plant, especially in a small bathroom where the moisture should be enough to keep it hydrated.
If you start to see yellow leaves, this is a good indicator that it has been overwatered. If this is the case, remove it from the bathroom and let it air out somewhere else in the home.
Additionally, pothos doesn’t do well under direct sunlight so avoid putting it on the windowsill. Because of the way it grows, however, it is a great hanging plant, and you can hang it from the ceiling or a high shelf where it’ll look stunning.
8. Bamboo
The notoriously fast-growing bamboo plant needs very little light to thrive and can grow in pebbles and water. If you do water it, we would recommend changing the water every two to four weeks, to keep the bamboo content. Bamboo grows quickly, so make sure you trim and prune when necessary!
We’ve only listed a handful of plants that would be a great addition to your small bathroom. Some plants flourish wonderfully in humid and low light conditions. Add a touch of nature to your bathroom, what are you waiting for?
If you’d like choose your bathing option before deciding on plants to accompany it, view our wide range of walk-in baths and walk-in showers.
Ever wondered what the recipe is to a long, healthy and happy life? Well, as it turns out, there isn’t a one size, fits all approach. In fact, the varying degrees of life advice from old people all around the world is a shining example of just how many options there are to live your best and most satisfying life.
Of course, some may be a little more unorthodox than others. From the late supercentenarian, Susannah Mushatt Jones – who attributed her 116 years of age down to a daily serving of bacon to Ephraim Engleman, the doctor who worked right up until 100 years of age, discounting the need for exercise, vitamins or “going to a lot of doctors, either.” There are all sorts of pearls of wisdom out there.
If you’re looking for life advice from those who’ve been there and done that? Keep reading…
Never give up on your dreams
Starting off with a proverbial bang – and it may sound incredibly cheesy – this is a classic piece of life advice. You may even be reading this with a resounding nod. Because, let’s face it, we’ve all pondered at some point what could have been if we had the confidence to really go for our dreams.
But the great news? It is never too late. Take 70-year-old Diana Nyad – the inspirational woman who overcame much adversity and – who, at the age of 64 years old became the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida without the use of a shark cage for protection. A key piece of life advice from Diana? “We should never ever give up; you’re never too old to chase your dreams.”
Need further proof? Great-grandmother, Georgina Harwood, decided to up the ante once becoming a certified centenarian. How so? By celebrating such an occasion with a skydive, shark dive and hike up Cape Town’s Table Mountain.
While we’re not suggesting that every dream needs to be of such a high calibre, it does shine a light on how at any age if you put your mind to it, you can achieve something you’ve always wanted to. As 75-year-old Motivational Speaker, Les Brown simply put, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
Try to keep active
One of the most sage pieces of life advice from those who’ve lived it and learned it is to keep moving. Whether it’s a walk, run or hike up a mountain, it can be crucial to living a longer life.
But it’s never too late to increase your steps and get moving.
An inspiring example of this is 99-year-old war veteran, Captain Sir Thomas Moore, who raised a staggering £15m for NHS staff after reaching his goal of walking 100 laps of his garden during the pandemic. Showing just how much our bodies are capable of when we put our minds to it, it highlights that even in the most unprecedented and challenging of times, it’s important to keep going.
As the late Susan O’Malley – author of the 2016 book Advice from My 80-Year-Old Self – found when compiling an abundance of essential life advice from older people, it’s important to “appreciate your body, especially when it’s working.
Think positive thoughts
Studies show that those who employ a greater sense of optimism are more likely to live longer and achieve something called “exceptional longevity” What does that mean exactly? Living to age 85 or older. Interested? The study also highlighted that people who had the highest optimism scores had a lifespan of roughly 9% longer than people with lower scores.
With an exceptional amount of negativity seemingly suffocating us at times, it can be difficult to maintain a sense of optimism or a general expectation that good things will happen, but the benefits speak for themselves.
From the ability “to regulate emotions and behaviour and bounce back from stress and difficulties more easily,” the research also showed that optimistic people tended to have healthier habits which could extend their lifespan.
This can be tricky because if you’ve reached a certain time in your life, you may not be sure of the best way to utilise your time. Old habits and lifelong commitments can pose a problem. If that’s the case, how do you go about changing this? Confused? Great. That’s an excellent place to start.
The first step in assessing how to make the best use of your time is to see what else you’re dealing with, right? So, pick up an organiser, jot down all the activities, events and commitments you’ve signed up to and see what you’re left with. The rest is down to you.
That’s not to say it will be an easy task. With so many distractions around us, life can be, well truly and utterly exhausting. But the good thing is that you get to decide which path you want to go down. Whatever it may be, from picking up a new hobby, meeting new people or making adjustments to your home life, it’s important to set goals and work in ways in which you can achieve these.
85-year-old, world-class record-breaker athlete, Flo Meiler is a great example of this. Deciding to take up track and field at the age of 60, after watching the pole vaulting competition at the Senior Olympics, she had a thought, “They weren’t pole vaulting very high. And I said to myself, you know, I think that I could do better than that.”
Not into Pole Vaulting? No problem. Find out what you want to do with your time and take the necessary steps to make it happen. Channel Flow when you channel life advice. Why not you? Why not anyone? Life is what you make it, after all.
Take time for yourself, every day
From social commitments to home life and everything else that sits in between, the day can come and go without you even taking a moment’s thought for yourself. But it’s important to slow it down and schedule in some “you time” every day. Why? The benefits speak for themselves.
Not only can it refresh and re-energize your mind and body, but it can also improve your self-esteem and give you a more improved sense of purpose over time. And don’t ever let age put you off indulging in “you time”, as well as remembering that self-care can come in many forms – even in the way you get dressed every day.
It’s important to remember that taking time for yourself isn’t a competition and doesn’t always have to be a huge new venture. Sometimes it’s a moment to put your feet up, pop on your favourite guilty pleasure, whether it’s a TV show, song or opening up a chapter in a book. You may even decide to sink into a luxurious bubble bath. That may very well be the best use of your “you time” at that moment.
Embrace your individuality
Hands up. How many of us have spent time questioning our identity? Our quirks, our habits, our emotions, behaviours and thoughts? We thought so.
Embracing your individuality and owning yourself is largely about acceptance. And it can often be a struggle to get there. But it’s important to know that it’s not just about accepting and loving the parts you like and admire about yourself. It’s also to do with the parts you may not be so keen on. The parts that you worry might hold you back or stop you from achieving what you think it is you might want.
It can be a long road but a crucial piece of life advice is that once you stop focusing on your perceived weaknesses and instead realise that these are the exact things that make you the complex, unique and wonderful individual you are, the more fulfilled and rich your life will be.
“The things that make you unique, the things your mother wants to change about you, the things that make you so different from those you go to school with, are the very things that will bring you success, happiness and a modicum of real fame. The things that will make a difference to the world. The things that will give you a richly textured and deeply happy life.
You are not weird, you are actually quite special. Keep it up, do not swerve from your ideals, and…do not despair!”
Caring for an older parent or relative can be an incredibly rewarding experience that brings you closer together. It can also be a very challenging experience in today’s busy, non-stop world.
Most carers are juggling family life, work and other commitments. This means they don’t always have time to fully be there for their older parents. In the UK, there are roughly 4.27 million carers who are also of working age. 1 in 5 carers has had to give up their job in order to care for a loved one. One thing that can really help both the old and young in this situation is technology.
How can technology help? Voice recognition assistants and software, wearables, virtual services and even robots are all making things easier for the older population, helping them to live longer, more independent lives. This not only improves life for older people but can also make your responsibilities as a carer more manageable.
While grasping new technology may seem challenging for more senior members of society, teaching your parents how to use it could provide tremendous benefits. Just as there are a lot of things older parents can do for you, there’s a lot you can teach them, and that includes new technology.
Here are some new pieces of tech that could improve living for your older parent(s).
Online services If mobility is an issue for your parent, then signing them up to an online platform that provides virtual checkups and appointments could be life-changing. These days, everything from doctor’s appointments to ordering transport and arranging deliveries can be done online, from the comfort of one’s home. Services like GP at hand and Push Doctor make doctors’ appointments accessible to those with limited mobility. Similarly, Simple Online Pharmacy can deliver prescriptions directly to their doorstep, eliminating the need for frequent trips to the local pharmacy.
Voice-activated software Voice-activated software is a huge boon for older adults who no longer want to be fussing about with complicated remotes and confusing interfaces. A simple voice command can turn on the telly, even turn on the TV, lights even the coffee maker. Smart speakers like Amazon’s Echo Plus with Alexa built-in and the Google Home and assistant are leading the pack but many other solutions are coming on the market. The Wink Hub 2 is another great option if you want to integrate everything from your light switches to your kitchen appliances.
Robot companions While the term ‘robot’ might read a little uncomfortable to some, there are many companies looking to harness the more positive aspects of AI and smart systems to help more vulnerable people. Some have even created smart companions that don’t look anything like ‘robots’ and have a more lifelike feel. The therapeutic Paro, an adorable fluffy seal helps those with dementia and even Hasbro has created artificially live cats and dogs that will keep you company. EllieQ is one of the latest to be developed that helps dispel feelings of loneliness.
Wearable tech As we get older, keeping track of our health, especially (on a daily basis) becomes so much more important. Smart devices such as the Apple Watch and Fitbit can help an older parent keep tabs on their general health in a way that’s quantifiable and real. These devices make it easy to set goals like amounts of steps taken every day or number of glasses of water. Even quality of sleep can be tracked.
Personal alarms If there’s one technology you should definitely look at investing in if you’re concerned about an older parent being on their own at home, it’s a personal alarm. With just a click of a button, your parent could get in touch with emergency services if they were ever in a critical situation. Companies like SureSafe and LifeLine24 offer these kinds of alarms and services. Most systems can be installed hassle-free and be integrated with their smartphone.
Further to this, here are some tips and tricks for helping older parents get used to new technologies.
Have patience While this may go without saying, it can be easy to get impatient when teaching our older parents how to use technology. Tap here, swipe up, press this button – it’s not always as obvious to get on the first try as we think! Being patient will keep them coming back to you for more help and advice (instead of going to someone else).
Take it one step at a time You may be tempted when teaching your parents about tech to load them up with tons of apps, features or to get them using shortcuts straight away. But doing too much all at once could be overwhelming. By focusing on one small thing at a time, they’ll gradually become more confident and adept with using new technology.
Consider what’s best for them (not you) Remember, you and your parent(s) are likely very different. What works for you won’t always work for them. Instead of forcing them to use tech that you prefer, try seeing it from their point of view. Ask yourself what’s going to work for them rather than just for you. Also, ask yourself what they may be happier with.
Make instructions accessible One of the easiest ways to teach your parents about new tech is to create a tutorial for them. This could be a video you upload to a private YouTube channel (you could even do a screencast for them) or something a little more familiar to them, like written instructions.
With these tips and tricks, your older parent should be off to a flying start when using their new tech. It might also open up a whole new world of things they could do while enjoying the peace of retirement.
The term ‘accessible bathroom’ may conjure up a dull and off-putting image of clunky bathroom aids and a clinical appeal but luckily, that is no longer the case. Thanks to modern design, accessible bathrooms can have can be just as trendy as any other bathroom and be perfectly safe and easy for everyone to use.
At Mobility Plus, we don’t believe you need to sacrifice style in order to achieve a bathroom that is practical and suits your mobility needs. That’s why we’ve put together 5 ideas to help you make your bathroom an attractive haven while making it fit for purpose.
Minimalistic tiles
A key bathroom design trend in 2019 is minimalism: clean and uncluttered spaces with flourishes of character that create a calm oasis to help you to unwind. You can achieve this look easily by selecting some chic minimalistic tiles that will instantly update your bathroom’s look and feel. There are plenty of options to explore, from classic monochrome to vintage-inspired patterns. Have a look at our selection of minimalistic tiling trends for some ideas. Meanwhile, by choosing non-slip floor tiles, you’ll be adding an essential safety feature to prevent bathroom falls.
Stylish walk-in bath
Everyone likes a good soak in the tub to unwind and relax, and walk-in baths enable everyone to enjoy this simple pleasure without having to worry about mobility restrictions. Our range of walk-in baths come in different sizes and styles so that you can pick one that suits your space and your eye for design. Match your chosen walk-in bath with a modern, neutral palette, or make a statement with striking design features like art deco mirrors and bold wall tiles.
Modern wet room
Gone are the days of having to awkwardly step into a bathtub to have a shower. Wet rooms – bathrooms with showers on the same level as the floor – are the ultimate way to bring your bathroom space up to date while making it accessible. Not only are they perfect for all ages, but they also help to maximise limited space while giving your bathroom a contemporary minimalistic vibe. Our walk-in showers and wet rooms also offer foldaway seats and discreet handrails for the ultimate feeling of comfort and safety.
Wall-hung sink
Bathroom sinks mounted to the wall without cupboards underneath are perfect for everybody to use, including those who need wheelchair access. It can also be fixed at a height that suits your particular needs. Go for a classic marble design that will stand the test of time or a contemporary white sink with a rustic wood counter. Installing a single tap will make it easier to control the water temperature, and you can add a stylish feel by going for a chrome, nickel, or brass finishing. Complete the look by adding a stunning mirror that opens up the space and gives the whole bathroom a sleek and modern vibe.
Space efficient and accessible storage
If you are limited on space in your bathroom, there are plenty of smart storage options to optimise the room you do have, while incorporating style. Wall mounted cupboards or shelves fixed to your desired height are practical, accessible, and space-efficient. Adding a floating vanity that is easy to access and fits all your essentials also perfectly marries form with function. Select a style that you like: go modern and minimalist with classic white or add a touch of warmth with rustic wood or hues of your favourite colour. These storage options will help you keep your bathroom tidy and organised, while the floating options will make it easier to clean.
With so many different interior design options available for your bathroom, there are plenty of opportunities to inject your personal style and contemporary design into your new bathroom, while making it accessible and safe for everyone.
Statistics show that around 
