Project Overview
Astor Bannerman was appointed to provide an accessible bathing solution for a wheelchair user moving from long-term foster care into their own adapted home with 24-hour waking care.
The client had lived with foster carers for 17 years and had been using an Astor Bannerman Kiva height adjustable bath throughout that time. As the move represented a significant change in their daily life, maintaining familiar equipment was considered an important part of the transition.
The housing association purchased the property to meet the client’s long-term accommodation needs, with an existing bedroom converted into a fully accessible bathroom before the client moved in.
Understanding the Client's Needs
The client has very limited mobility and relies on a wheelchair for day-to-day living. The new bathroom needed to provide a safe and practical environment for assisted bathing while supporting carers during transfers and personal care.
Key project requirements included:
- A height adjustable bath suitable for assisted bathing.
- Two-sided access around the bath to allow carers to work safely.
- Compatibility with a ceiling track hoist, which was installed separately.
- A layout that reflected the client’s previous bathing routine as closely as possible.
Creating continuity between the client’s previous and new home was an important consideration throughout the project, helping to reduce disruption and provide reassurance for both the client and their care team.
Selecting the Right Solution
An initial site meeting was held with the client, foster carer, housing association and local authority representatives to discuss the project requirements and available options.
It was clear from these discussions that the preferred solution was to install the same model of bath the client had been using for many years.
Remaining with a familiar bathing system would allow carers to continue established routines while giving the client consistency during a major life transition.
Astor Bannerman supplied:
- Kiva height adjustable bath
- TT13 thermostatic taps
- Neatfold shower screen
The completed bathroom was designed to provide excellent access for carers while creating a safe and comfortable bathing environment for the client.
Balancing Quality and Budget
As with many adaptation projects, budget formed an important part of the specification process.
Alternative products from another manufacturer were considered due to lower costs. However, changing to unfamiliar equipment would have introduced additional disruption for both the client and their carers.
To help achieve the required budget, Astor Bannerman removed the original five-year service contract from the quotation and worked with the project team to provide the most cost-effective package without compromising the client’s essential needs.
Funding the Project
Funding arrangements evolved during the course of the project.
Although the bathroom adaptation was initially expected to be funded through a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG), funding was ultimately provided by Continuing Healthcare (CHC).
The housing association placed the order for the equipment, while Astor Bannerman worked directly with CHC to ensure funding was released, helping to keep the project progressing without unnecessary delays.
Installation
The accessible bathroom was completed before the client moved into the property, ensuring the home was fully equipped from the outset.
The ceiling track hoist was supplied and installed by another specialist contractor, while Astor Bannerman delivered and installed the bathing equipment.
The project was managed by:
- David Harrison – Sales Manager
- Jay Cook – Installation Supervisor
Project Outcome
The client has now successfully moved into their new home and is using the completed accessible bathroom.
By replicating the bathing setup from their previous home, the project helped create a smoother transition into independent living while maintaining the client’s established care routine.
Positive feedback was received from the client’s former foster carer, who was pleased to see a familiar bathing environment recreated within the new property.
This project demonstrates how selecting equipment based on an individual’s needs and previous experience can be just as important as meeting technical specifications.
Through close collaboration with the housing association, CHC and wider project team, Astor Bannerman delivered an accessible bathroom that provides safety, familiarity and long-term support for both the client and their carers.
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