The adaptability and safety of bathrooms in communal living environments
User-centered design and continuous product development have been essential operating models for Korpinen for decades. Korpinen is known as a strong and socially significant developer of accessibility and has been acting as an industry expert for 30 years.
— Currently, topical issues include the flexibility of communal living and the safety of bathrooms, says Anu Pennanen, Business Development Manager at Korpinen.
In Finland, a legislation reform came into effect at the beginning of 2023, aiming to improve housing services.
The reform of housing services enables the creation of diverse housing and service packages so that seniors can be offered flexible, communal, and functional solutions that support their functional capacity. These are intended for the period between living at home and current supported living, as defined by the law.
Key values include homeliness, functionality of spaces, and hygiene. The idea is that when talking about communal living, services should function from community transition to the end of life.
— It's great to see how the values that influenced the design of bathroom concepts in care environments in the mid-1990s are still relevant today, says Pennanen.
The law requires safe, hygienic, and properly functioning furniture and aids in the premises
— We want people to be able to function in the bathroom as independently as possible because self-sufficiency maintains functionality. Aids should be brought into the apartment early so that their use can be learned. Our idea is that the pursuit of a homely environment does not prevent comprehensive equipment with aids. Furniture that creates accessibility can also be stylish.
Korpinen also focuses on ensuring that functional design reduces the need for assistants. This way, the solutions also affect the burden on assistants.
Good design ensures the functionality of the home
The design of housing solutions ensures the functionality of the home in different stages of life. The apartment adapts to the resident's needs.
— When living in the same apartment as an active senior and later, when a lot of assistance is needed, the change can be taken into account already in the planning and construction phase. Bathrooms can be prepared with provisions where grab bars and shower seats can be easily added as needs grow. This ensures compliance with accessibility regulations and safe installations, hints Pennanen.
An example of a solution is lifts. Compared to floor lifts commonly used in Finland, ceiling lift solutions significantly reduce the burden on caregivers.
— Ceiling lift solutions play a significant role as the resident's functional capacity declines. When they are considered already in the planning phase, the rails can be discreetly integrated into the ceiling structures. In other Nordic countries, ceiling lifts are installed in all rooms as standard, Pennanen explains housing solutions.
Flexibility is crucial in care environments.
— We can offer expertise to designers so that solutions make life easier for users, various special groups, assistants, and caregivers. The starting point is the same and supports independence for as long as possible.
— Our product range also includes kitchens, ramps, and additional aids selected for specific needs. Complementing the whole are attention to colors and antimicrobial properties to support hygiene. Ergonomics and safe, stylish design are also on the list, adds Pennanen.
Are you planning an accessible space?
Anu Pennanen supports designers, architects, and developers at Korpinen. Anu is an accessibility expert who advocates for user-centeredness and functionality.
Contact Anu:
[email protected]
+358 40 527 0742
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Article also published in Prointerior magazine 2/2023 on page 28. Also, read the article Beautiful and Sustainable Bathrooms, where Korpinen is featured on page 23.