Assisted living advice

THE FUTURE OF ASSISTED LIVING: WHAT TO CONSIDER AS AN INSTALLER

Around 1.7m people in the UK are living in properties that aren’t suitable for their dayto-day needs, according to new research. With an aging population, more chronic health problems and an increase of multi-generational families living under one roof, our homes need to be designed and built, or retrofitted, to cater for all ages and abilities.

Experts predict the number of UK households headed by someone over the age of 65 will increase by 54 per cent before 2041 , further highlighting the need for the industry to design and build for longevity. As occupiers get older and family dynamics change, we need to create living spaces that are flexible, inclusive and suitable for everyone,

When it comes to kitchens, we need to consider the layout, fixtures and fittings so it is practical, safe and comfortable for all users – whether they are in a wheelchair, struggle to reach over worktops, or have deteriorating eyesight.

In bathrooms, appliances with safety features could be installed to reduce the risk of both young and older people scalding themselves or flooding the space, while showers, baths and other 

Ropox Rise and Fall Wall Units

When it comes to kitchens, we need to consider the layout, fixtures and fittings so it is practical, safe and comfortable for all users – whether they are in a wheelchair, struggle to reach over worktops, or have deteriorating eyesight

units need to be positioned so they’re safely accessible to all.

Before now, installers may have found it difficult to source products that are both practical and stylish. However, new product ranges which aid accessible living have been developed with contemporary design in mind, making it easier to create living solutions that are functional for multiple generations, while looking good, too.

For example, linear-style induction hobs – where pans are placed in a row, rather than in a group – not only look modern and save on unit space, but they’re ideal for accessible kitchens as wheelchair users or people with mobility issues don’t have to lean over one hot pan to reach another.

Linear-style induction hobs – where pans are placed in a row, rather than in a group – not only look modern and save on unit space, but they’re ideal for accessible kitchens.

With more conventional chimney hoods and extractor fans, people normally have to reach up to operate them, which can 

Smeg Slider Touch Control Induction Hob

be difficult for some. However, now installers can fit integrated downdraft oven hoods with remote control technology.

We’re seeing more homeowners in the UK opting for hot taps – like the Grohe Red – rather than traditional kettles. These don’t only save time and help reduce energy, but it’s another feature that stops the need for leaning across units and counter tops to reach kettles or other devices, which again might be a challenge for people with physical disabilities or mobility issues.

Rise and fall cupboards and sinks work well for all members of the family and combined with sleek-looking J-Pull doors, make it easier to open units and drawers from a variety of angles and heights.

Meanwhile, trolley-style mobile work surfaces provide added safety, allowing wheelchair users 

There are so many flexible fixtures and fittings available on the market to create homes that meet the needs and lifestyles choices of the changing family make up.

to move hot products around the kitchen easily.

It’s common knowledge that we need to build 340,000 new properties each year to meet the UK’s housing demand. An aging population and rise of multi-generational living mean we need these homes to be more flexible, adaptable and accessible than ever. This presents a great opportunity for installers to work with designers, architects and developers to be even more intelligent with their projects, considering people-centred, accessible layouts and solutions, which aid independent living and support families of several generations who live together.

To help the industry achieve this, we’ve developed a range of services, from product and design advice through to ordering and after-sales support. And for those working with either higher volumes of projects, or spaces that require cut-to-measure components, we offer Häfele to Order, a bespoke service which allows customers to specify products to size, quantity and finish.

Thanks to the latest product innovations, creating accessible, multi-functional spaces no longer means you need to compromise on style. There are so many flexible fixtures and fittings available on the market to create homes that meet the needs and lifestyles choices of the changing family make up. By understanding the evolving needs of households across the UK, there is a great opportunity to design and build homes that are fit for everyone – now and in many more generations to come.

Chloe Thacker, Chief Marketing Officer, Häfele

www.hafele.co.uk

Thanks to the latest product innovations, creating accessible, multifunctional spaces no longer means you need to compromise on style.