For the elderly or disabled, being able to live in their own home becomes a problem if they no longer have access to washing and toilet facilities.
But a unique, new ‘pod’ that can be erected inside or outside is helping to address the problem.
WashPod units can be installed in as little as a day to provide a fully-accessible washroom for those who have become disabled suddenly or through old age.
According to the Office of National Statistics, the number of over 65s is set to grow by 65% over the next couple of decades, while currently SCOPE estimates there are 13.9 million disabled people in the UK and 45% of pension-age adults and nearly 10% of children are disabled.
If access to the bathroom is now impossible, WashPod is the perfect shorter-term solution, saving the option of prolonged hospital care or an early move to an expensive care home.
“The WashPod provides a temporary, accessible wetroom in a ‘self-contained fully-accessible plumbed-in box,” explains Lewis Gopsill of manufacturer, Dignity Access, a sister company to Cowan Architects.
“WashPods are either positioned externally in the garden or erected within an existing, reception or dining room that can be made available for the purpose.”
The WashPod is fully fitted to comply with Building Regulations Part M and has been designed by architects who specialise in designing for disability.
Typical facilities include accessible showers, basin and WC. External units also include underfloor heating. And hoisting for transfer purposes can also be provided where needed.
Both internal and external options give a less-able person dignity until more-suitable arrangements can be made, without significant disruption and stress to the family home.
External Washpods are usually erected within 2-3 days and can include a covered link to an external patio or back door.
Internal Washpods only take a day to install.
The units are constructed offsite and re-assembled in the home by an expert team.
Both units are `plug and play’. A purpose-made pump and water heater unit means they are connected into existing cold water supplies only and two domestic sockets.
Access to a drain point somewhere within the house or garden is used to pump the waste through a flexible 2ins pipe.
