Aging in place: accessible bathroom renovations with SCHELL

Demographic trends in Germany are creating new challenges for housing, with more and more people wanting to live independently at home in their old age. In addition, most people receiving care now do so in their own homes. Bathrooms have an important role to play in these scenarios. According to #germanbathrooms, a recent large-scale survey of bathrooms in Germany conducted by the German Sanitary Equipment Industry Association (VDS), nearly 1 in 5 bathrooms are now badly in need of renovations. Accessible conversions are also in high demand, so as to minimise the risk of injury and make personal care easier – especially if this is being provided by relatives or outside help.
But what makes a bathroom ‘accessible’? Space to move about is important, as are grab bars and non-slip flooring. Reliable anti-scalding protection for the hot water line and user-friendly fittings are also essential. Fittings maker SCHELL offers many innovative solutions for the simple and straightforward conversion of private bathrooms for aging in place. This turns the home bathroom into a place that can be used to the full at any age.

Requirements that need to be met by accessible bathrooms.
Anti-scalding protection: essential for an age-proof bathroom.
These wash basin taps are ideal for an accessible bathroom conversion.
Don’t forget design – it plays an important role.
At a glance: criteria that SCHELL products meet for an accessible bathroom.
Summary: make the move to accessible with SCHELL solutions.

Standards for an accessible bathroom: a summary of DIN 18040-2

As our society in Germany grows older, this is driving demand for accessible living spaces. According to the German Federal Statistical Office, around 80% of people receiving care now do so in their own homes. A key point of focus here is the bathroom, as a place for day-to-day personal hygiene.

DIN 18040-2 provides clear a set of rules and planning guidance for designing accessible homes. Key requirements for bathrooms include the following:

Adequate space to move around in: the shower cubicle should be at least 120 x 120 cm, and 150 x 150 cm for wheelchair users
Non-slip floor coverings to prevent falls
Wide doors and (low-)level thresholds
Floor-level showers suitable for use by disabled persons
Easy-to-use fittings, such as single-lever mixers or contactless models
Anti-scalding protection for fittings with temperature limitation (max. 45 °C at the outlet)
Grab bars and supports where needed
Anti-glare lighting, controls within easy reach
Wash basin with wheelchair access underneath
All washing facilities designed for seated or standing use

Age-proof shower and fittings with anti-scalding protection

A shower suitable for use by seniors or people with disabilities is a key part of an accessible bathroom. A floor-level design with non-slip flooring makes the shower easy to access and minimises the risk of falls. Fittings with anti-scalding protection are also essential throughout the bathroom and especially in the shower. This is because hot water is an especially serious hazard for older people or people with disabilities – not merely as a result of scald injuries to the skin but also because secondary injuries like falls can occur as people try to avoid the painfully hot water. Many SCHELL taps and fittings for wash basins and showers – such as the MODUS MD-T exposed shower fitting – now come with ThermoProtect technology. This keeps the temperature of the water constant even during pressure fluctuations and automatically stops the flow of water if the cold water line fails – to protect against scald injuries. During normal use, the fitting can be adjusted up to 38 °C. A further increase to a maximum of 43 °C is possible only by pressing a button to release the temperature lock. IsoBody technology also provides thermal insulation that keeps the fitting housing at more or less ambient temperature, which avoids any risk of burn injuries when touching the surface of the fitting. SCHELL also offers a quick and efficient solution to anyone wanting to retrofit anti-scalding protection to wash basin taps: the angle valve thermostat.

Duscharmatur-MODUS — Superior safety for accessible showers: The MODUS MD-T exposed shower fitting offers reliable protection against scalding with its ThermoProtect technology, while preventing burn injuries thanks to its IsoBody housing.

Wash basin taps: safe and convenient in day-to-day use

In an accessible bathroom, wash basin taps need to offer intuitive usability and an optimum level of safety – especially for people with limited mobility. Electronic contactless models are especially convenient, as they are not only easy to use but also meet the most demanding standards for hygiene. SCHELL offers a wide selection of electronic wash basin taps that feature an infrared sensor for easy and hygienic triggering of the flow of water. Single-lever mixers with an ergonomic lever design are another option. An optimum solution here is the SCHELL MODUS EH-T wash basin tap, which is equipped with an open loop lever. Even people with fine motor difficulties will find the generously proportioned lever easy to operate. Reliable anti-scalding protection is once again provided by the built-in ThermoProtect technology.

Waschtisch-Armatur-MODUS-EH-T — Featuring a loop lever with cut-outs, the MODUS EH-T wash basin tap is also easy to operate, even for people with fine motor difficulties. Scald injuries are prevented by the ThermoProtect thermostat.

Design: form and function in harmony

Design is also an important aspect of an accessible bathroom, as quality of life is significantly improved by familiar surroundings with an aesthetically appealing and harmonious design. Good design choices also simplify day-to-day usage, and therefore help people with dementia or people with reduced motor function to remain more independent.

At a glance: benefits of SCHELL products in accessible bathrooms

SCHELL offers a wide range of products that meet and exceed the many criteria for designing accessible bathrooms:

Anti-scalding protection is included in selected models of wash basin and shower fittings
The MODUS MD-T exposed shower fitting also features a housing that prevents burn injuries
Electronic SCHELL wash basin taps are easy, hygienic and convenient to operate
The MODUS EH-T single-lever mixer is equipped with an ergonomic, open loop lever to make it easier to grasp – ideal for people with fine motor difficulties
All SCHELL products offer an impressive, high-quality and aesthetically appealing design, which enhances any home setting and improves quality of life

Summary: quick and simple conversions that promote safety

Converting a bathroom to meet accessible standards need not be particularly time-consuming or expensive. In many cases, the first step can be taken by making minor modifications like replacing fittings and installing grab bars. Even these changes provide more convenience and safety, and lighten the load for family members and care staff attending to people in need of care. From the wash basin to the shower, modern solutions from SCHELL for the accessible bathroom meet the most demanding standards for hygiene, comfort and safety but without compromising on aesthetic appeal. The future of accessible living starts with a comfortable, safe and stylish bathroom.