by mobilityplus | 27th Sep, 2018 | Inspiration
Wet rooms are a superb solution for those with mobility problems or disabilities. They offer modern style and peerless functionality, and, although they may have that million-dollar look, they are surprisingly affordable too.
However, there’s always scope to add a little something extra to your wet room. Here at Mobility Plus, we’ve compiled a list of the best plants for your bathroom.
Air plants
Air plants are perfect if you’re looking for something low-maintenance. South American in origin, they take water from the moisture in the air, making them ideally suited to the humidity and warmth of a wet room.
They’re often sold on decorative bases, such as rocks or driftwood, adding another touch of nature, and will look beautiful on a stylish piece of bathroom furniture. However, it’s also possible to buy them in sea urchin shells.
Ferns
Photo by Greg Tockner on Unsplash
While you may associate ferns with jungles, they’re perfectly adapted to live in a humid and low-lit environment. There are various breeds available – from the dense, glossy fronds of the Dwarf Tree Fern, to the delicate, dill-like leaves of the Asparagus Fern.
Ferns require some watering, but only now and again. Hardy and lush, they’ll keep any wet room looking fresh and classy.
Eternity plant
Another serious contender in the low-maintenance stakes, eternity plants are originally from East Africa and have adapted to low-lit conditions. Their thick stalks and shiny, emerald leaves add a touch of the tropics to a wet room and have a reputation for being virtually impossible to kill.
Water yours once every couple of weeks or once the soil has run dry.
Grape ivy
Photo by Manja Benic on Unsplash
If you have high cabinets in your wet room, or a large window, grape ivy will trail and climb in spectacular fashion. Another low-maintenance plant, its only real requirement is access to light, which is why you’ll often find it draped across interior window recesses.
Grape ivy does bear small berries, which look remarkably like grapes. However, it’s worth remembering that they should never be eaten.
Sarracenia (trumpet pitcher plant)
For something out of the ordinary, the Sarracenia is for you. A tropical plant, they sport bulbous ‘pitchers’ on the end of their leaves. These are filled with a liquid that attracts flies. Once the curious insect climbs in, the hairs lining the interior of the pitcher ensure that it can’t get out, and the fly is slowly ingested.
While that may sound a bit grisly, Sarracenia can be very beautiful, coming in a range of bright colours and with a variety of pitchers to choose from.
Happy in high humidity environments and without much need for light, they’re easier to maintain than you might think.
Peace lilies
Photo by Marta Pawlik on Unsplash
If you’d rather go for something with an elegant edge to it, peace lilies are the way to go. Their long, graceful stems are topped with trumpet-mouthed flowers and vibrant stamens.
They do take a little more looking after than some of the plants on this list, so you’ll need to water them regularly. However, they enjoy the humidity offered by a wet room and are not troubled by low light. If you find yours isn’t flowering, just move it closer to the window and it should pick up.
Whether you want something soft and discreet, or big and colourful, there are a range of inexpensive and comparatively easy to care for plants available. Spruce up your wet room today.
by mobilityplus | 24th Aug, 2018 | Inspiration
Designed to help you get in and out of the bath or shower safely and comfortably, a mobility bathroom can extend your independence and improve your quality of life. It’ll also give your family and friends peace of mind, so you can just relax and bathe safely.
To realise these benefits, it’s important to invest in a bathroom solution that’s tailored to your needs. Here’s how a mobility bathroom renovation, or smaller mobility bathroom modifications, can help you regain your confidence, so you can enjoy bathing again.
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Bathroom renovation
If you decide that a mobility bathroom is the right solution for you, there are a wide range of options to choose from:
Wet room
A wet room is a highly versatile solution if you’re a wheelchair user.
The shower is open or set behind a single wall, and the shower floor is flush with the rest of the room. The Richmond is custom-built to fit the exact dimensions of your bathroom, and the hinged screen for the walk in shower folds back if wider entry is required.
Walk-in showers and walk-in baths
Walk-in showers and walk-in baths are also popular choices for anyone with mobility concerns. Walk-in showers have very low edges, so you can enter and exit easily. The Coniston Range of showers with bi-fold doors comes with a variety of full and half height door combinations.
Walk-in baths have a door on the side, so you don’t have to climb over the top. Deeper than an average bath, with comfortable in-built seat, the Derwent deep soak walk-in bath has a low step and an inward opening door that will allow you to get in and out independently. The Hampton Elite modern walk-in bath also comes with Spatherapy (using jets of water to gently massage your body, encouraging blood circulation and releasing pressure on joints) and Chromotherapy (using specific colours to help your mind and body relax), which you can select from easy-to-use controls.
All three options – wet room, walk-in shower or walk-in bath – are designed to fit your specific needs and available space. You can also choose your own tiling, flooring and ceiling to adapt the entire style of the bathroom to your taste.
Our specialists can help you find the right mobility bathroom for your requirements. Book a free design appointment today, and we’ll talk you through the different options available, so you can enjoy the full use of your bathroom again.
Mobility modifications
If you’re not looking to re-do your entire bathroom, small alterations can still dramatically improve the practicality and safety of your bathroom.
For example, grab rails can be extremely useful for steadying yourself when getting in and out of the bath. They can also help you move confidently around the bathroom. We offer a range of grab rails in different lengths. Some serve a double function, also acting as a toilet roll holder, for example.
Shower seats are inexpensive, too, and are essential if you’re unable to stand for a long period of time. They must be sturdy and durable, so you can completely relax when bathing.
Whether you decide to invest in a brand-new bathroom or make small additions to your existing one, feeling safe will put you and your loved ones at ease, while restoring the enjoyment of bathing. Get in touch today to see how we can help you.
by mobilityplus | 12th Sep, 2017 | Inspiration
Whilst many people focus on keeping those news year’s resolutions some of us more practical people have chosen to focus on home improvements and generally making life easier in the home, and what better time to consider the practicalities of your bathroom than at the start of a brand-new year. Forget about New Year, New You. It’s all about New Year, new bathroom!
Our bathrooms are the most used rooms in our homes and yet very rarely do we consider the needs of the whole family. The key here is ensuring that the bathroom is future-proof, and this means making sure that the room and its features are suitable for all ages and abilities, from toddler to the elderly as well as disabled people.
In Britain we have an increasing elderly population that is set to increase rapidly over the coming years so with that in mind, it would be a smart investment to ensure that your bathroom is fully future-proof to cater for all generations. Consider adaptable and practical mobility solutions for your bathrooms such as hand rails, level access flooring, wide opening doors or even fold down shower seats. You could also consider easy-access baths which comprise water tight doors that enable the user to walk in and out of the bath with ease without raising the leg too high. All these features provide easy-access solutions and make life that bit easier in the bathroom.
Everybody wants to remain independent for as long as they can, especially when comes to matters of the bathroom, so for those with more severe mobility restrictions, you might want to consider a walk-in wet room shower if you have the space available. This allows for wheelchair access if necessary which is ideal for those with walking disabilities. In addition, if assisted bathing is required with the help of a carer or family member, you could also consider the option of a bi-fold shower door which provides the option of assisted bathing whilst keeping all the water inside the shower cubicle and therefore minimising the risk of a messy bathroom. These practical features in conjunction with modern tiling and sleek fixtures and fittings makes your bathroom appropriate for all ages.
So, if your new year’s resolution was to be more practical and to invest in the future, then invest in your bathroom by making it future-proof for the whole family for years to come.
by mobilityplus | 12th Sep, 2017 | Inspiration
It is no surprise that ageing can come with its burdens, but that is no reason to let it become an issue within your own home. So whether it’s you or a relative that you’re thinking of it’s always good to be prepared. Mobility and independence gradually reduces as you get older, so it’s helpful to consider adapting your home in preparation for this.
We all like to feel comfortable and safe at home but overtime, daily duties can become increasingly difficult to complete. For instance, the process of entering a bath or a shower can potentially be very dangerous because of slippery surfaces and trip hazards. However, there are products and services available to provide a much safer environment at home through mobility solutions being installed.
The benefit of doing your mobility equipment research in advance can allow you to consider all your options and allow the product or service to be tailored around you as an individual. Also, although we do our absolute best to ensure that the design and installation process runs as smooth and stress-free as possible, it can feel like a rush if the requirements are urgent which could be avoided if allowed more time to prepare. Also being prepared with the essentials, allows you to focus on the more important things in life, like pursuing interests and hobbies, seeing family and friends, exploring new places or anything else, which may take your interest.
3 reasons you should adapt your home:
1) Peace of mind for loved ones
Once mobility solutions have been installed into a home, it allows the user(s) to become increasingly self-reliant while remaining in a safe environment much to the relief of your nearest and dearest. Similarly, if you have a relative that has limited mobility, put your own mind at ease by suggesting that they invest in some safety mobility solutions.
2) Independence and style
The facilities will simply aid the user(s) allowing them to be able to complete daily duties without the need for assistance but still remain safe. This allows them to be able to become more self-reliant and independent along with having more privacy and maintain your own modesty. Also, mobility bathroom facilities are more stylish than they have ever been so you don’t have to worry about anything looking out of place or clunky.
3) Reduced financial burdens
Many current UK residents are concerned over their finances so are reluctant to invest in their future. However, if you have installed mobility solutions in your home but choose to move then it should not financially disadvantage you. This results from an ageing generation occurring in England, which means that there are numerous prospective buyers interested in properties with elderly home care facilities potentially increasing the value of the house. This is complimented with an expected rise of 5% in property values over the course of the next five years.
by mobilityplus | 12th Sep, 2017 | Inspiration
We often take for granted the basics that could be a big help in a situation during the winter when the weather causes power outages, frozen pipes and other inconvenient mishaps. We need to go back to basics and make sure we’re prepared!
Stock up on tinned foods
If the weather gets so severe that it’s not safe for you to venture out in to the cold. It’s always a good idea to ensure that you are well stocked on the essentials. Bottled water and non-perishable goods such as tinned foods will ensure that you have a sufficient supply during harsher weather.
Ice grippers
However, if you do need to attempt a trip to the local shop. Order yourself some ice grippers to put on the underneath of your shoes. This gives you better grip on the snowy and icy pavements.
Ensure you’ve got torches (with batteries).
In case of any power outages you should ensure that you have a torch at hand, with new batteries so that you have light in case of an emergency. There can be many hazards in the home especially for people with reduced mobility, so sufficient lighting is essential for your safety.
Portable kerosene heater
If you should experience a power outage, it’s not just light you’ll need. You also need an alternative heat source like a portable kerosene heater. You can find these online, or you can ask a relative to source one for you.
Thermals
To aid in keeping a warm body temperature, you should also invest in some good quality thermal clothing. Locking in the body heat is essential for your health in winter.
Electric blanket
An electric blanket has been a saviour to many in the colder months, so we’d definitely say that this is a worthwhile investment. Snuggle up of a frosty winters’ night under a soft and cosy electric blanket. I can’t think of anything better.
Last but not least….
Ask for help
For anyone with limited mobility, the cold can severely affect your range of movement so don’t hesitate to ask for help from family, friends or carers. They can help you with any day to day tasks such as getting in and out of the bath or shower. Even if your usual routine includes bathing independence with your own walk in shower or bath. It is essential that you ask for help when your mobility becomes more problematic as a result of the weather.
by mobilityplus | 6th Sep, 2017 | Inspiration
So here at Mobility Plus, we know that our mobility bathrooms are the most practical and efficient on the market, but practical can also be stylish. With a few added touches here and there, you can get that cosy vintage bathroom, or the clean modern style you’ve always wanted.
Make a statement with bold and contrasting colours, add some vintage or quirky decorations, and of course, keep it organised and looking the best it can. You don’t have to use those clunky cabinets for your bathroom storage, which to be honest, aren’t the most attractive interior style features we’ve ever seen. Instead, think outside the box and put your own style into your bathroom. If you think the bathroom can’t be the most stylish room in the house, then it’s time to open your eyes, so you can see what is out there.
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Simply fill out a quick form and see how we can transform the way you bathe.
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We know that when it comes to finding a stylish bathroom for those with mobility restrictions, it can be a difficult task. Mobility bathroom aids can often look bulky and handrails and shower seats can sometimes be slightly off-putting. But they don’t have to be.
Let’s dive into it. Here are some stylish bathroom finishing touch ideas that will transform your bathroom into that relaxing haven in a style that you’re proud of. With our research you can have both mobility efficiency and style in one, and you shouldn’t have to compromise on either.
Toiletry and towel basket
Keeping your bathroom tidy with some cute country baskets really sets off that cottage look. Keep your toiletries stored neatly and in style with some cute little pots and baskets that display your belongings in style.
It doesn’t stop there either, you can do the same for your bigger bathroom contents, like your towels. Invest in some larger baskets that you can fold up your soft towels ready for when you get out of the shower or bath. But don’t forget to maintain the look and keep your towel basket topped up.
Also, there are lots and lots of coloured baskets out there, not only can you create a perfect style match with your storage baskets, but you can also make a bold colour statement with a contrasting colour that stands out. Don’t be afraid to take a risk with colour schemes. It can often be the very thing that sets off the style
Candles
A bathroom isn’t the same without your scented candles. Get yourself some aromatherapy candles to create the perfect ambience and transport you to a tranquil and peaceful place. What better way to relax after a long day than climbing into your bath with the lights dimmed and watching the candle flames dance and flicker? Let the warmth soothe your aches and pains away knowing that getting in and out is easy, with our easy access features.
You don’t have to simply buy a candle and put in on the shelf – why not get creative and style them up using some things that you might find lying around the home like jam jars, glass bottles or shells from the beach. Pop the candle on one of these, size permitting, and you’ve got yourself a candle feature that is unlike no other. And it’s all homemade!
Also, don’t forget to get a colour that matches your colour scheme as well.
Ornaments
To really show off your style, add some ornaments and quirky pictures and frames. The most common theme for bathrooms is nautical or maritime with things like lighthouses, boats, life rings and shells and starfish. You could go with this and create a truly ‘by the sea’ theme but if the sea is not your thing, you could always go for a vase with some pretty flowers, vintage candelabras for a more French château kind of look. Be careful not to overdo it as you don’t want your bathroom to turn into an antique showroom but if you get the balance right, visitors will be commenting on how lovely your bathrooms looks.
Mirrors
The mirror you choose can make a big difference to the overall feel of your bathroom. Vintage with a shabby chic style bathroom or large and simple with a modern style bathroom.
A mirror serves more than just the purpose of reflection, it also reflects your interior design style and compliments your bathroom and all the other delicate touches you’ve worked hard on.
While bathroom styles do change to some degree over time, these we’ve selected are here to last. Team up all of your interior design ideas with the practicality of a Mobility Plus Walk-in shower or walk-in bath, and you’ve got yourself the perfect mixture of style and efficiency.
