Following on from previous articles about BCA changes in regards to disability access and designing for universal access, BPN now talks to several product suppliers which have products fit for universal use.

One company which helps elderly and disabled stay in their home is the Platform Lift Company, which supplies, installs and maintains a range of products suitable for access.

PLC director Andrew Skelton says, “If the stairs in your home are becoming more difficult to get up and down then we have the products to help you maintain that existing lifestyle, in your home, in your community, and amongst your friends.

"Our lifts remove any problem with stairs and we also provide ramps to help you get down a step or stairs to the outside,” he says.

All of PLC’s products adhere to the BCA and Australian Standards. The top products for residential use are the Home Plus Standard Lift, the Residential 500, and Residential 200.

Installation of a residential lift can add value to the home, Skelton adds.

Additionally, bathroom design and products are exhibiting extraordinary growth in regards to aged care and access.

The Porcher Cygnet BTW Overheight Close Coupled toilet is 4cm higher than the average toilet - perfect for those with restricted mobility.

Reece Bathroom marketing manager Belinda Geels says, “As our population ages we’re seeing an increased demand for accessible living spaces which consider the future mobility requirements of occupants, and the bathroom plays an important role in this.

“When mobility issues become a concern, consumers look for products that are functional but attractive and will make their homes multi-generational living spaces.”

Reece anticipates demand for universal bathroom spaces to increase, along with the range of products and design options available.

By incorporating universal design features and products in a bathroom, it is ensured to be safe and comfortable, with no need to forgo style when choosing products, Geels says.

“There are many subtle and surprisingly simple design and product choices that can help make bathrooms more accessible while remaining stylish. This is an area of significant growth and we expect to see the range of products in this category to increase in the years to come,” she says.

Additionally, the design and layout is as much of a consideration as the product choices.

“We’re seeing the inclusion of wider doorways, larger bathroom spaces and the use of materials and finishes that will create a well-lit space for optimum visibility,” Geels says.

With Australia’s independent living, aged care and disability sectors experiencing fast growth, Reece is giving more consideration to the universality of bathroom spaces than ever before.

“Universality in bathroom design is an important emerging trend and will be a significant focus for Reece and global bathroom brands in the coming years.”

The IFO toilet from Enware is a feestanding toilet with an increased 460mm seat height for those who cannot sit down or stand up. The cistern acts as a backrest, with armrests for ease of use.

Enware have increased its portfolio in aged care products since 2001 to make them ‘fit for purpose’, aged care and disability product manager Tim Knowles says.

“It’s about ergonomics, quality and functionality, and meeting the client’s wants of today and future needs,” he says.

One area in which Enware is developing is the colour contrast of toilet seats, which can help people with dementia remembering where it is and what it is used for, Knowles says.