Key considerations when installing a wet room

Over the past few years, the wet room market has grown rapidly. In fact, it is estimated that by 2019, it will have increased by 34 per cent compared to 2014.1This increased popularity can be seen across a variety of sectors, and specifically in the care home environment where wash rooms need to offer safe and practical solutions yet not feel over institutionalised. 

Moving into a care home can be an emotional and upsetting experience for residents, and if their new surroundings and the appliances they are expected to use are overly clinical and institutional they can serve as a constant reminder of their illnesses or disabilities. This can make the transition even more difficult for them and their families; residents will have already made a lot of compromises and sacrifices – probably having given up their homes – without the added stress of their new environment feeling completely alien. 

Sometimes relatively small touches can make a big difference; for example, having a bathroom that feels like the one they had at home. Historically, bathroom products aimed at the care market have had an institutional and functional appearance and looked like they belonged in a hospital ward rather than a domestic setting. Understandably, these were not attractive to residents and didn’t help care home owners or managers to create a warm, homely environment.