Age-related disability and bathroom use

Age-related disability in bathroom use is already a significant problem, and is destined to become even greater. Previous research has focused on how the person can be enabled to cope with the bathroom environment by functional training or introduction of assistive technologies. More recently attention has been drawn to the design of bathroom furniture. This article outlines the work undertaken to establish the views of the bathroom of older people and carers, and how involvement of older people as researchers has given strong direction, support and confidence in identification of issues in need of attention and in product development.