Wet Room vs. Assisted Bathroom. Which Is Best for Your Care Home?
Choosing between a wet room and an assisted bathroom for your care home is a significant decision that can impact your facility’s functionality, patient needs, staff retention, value, and more. Both options offer unique advantages and disadvantages, catering to different levels of care, preferences, and comfort. Whether you prioritise safety, practicality, or comfort, understanding the key differences will help you make the best choice for your home’s needs.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the essential aspects of wet rooms and bathrooms, highlighting their pros and cons and providing insights to help you determine which option aligns with your vision, considering the best interest of those in your care.
What Is a Wet Room?
A typical wet room has an open floor plan and a shower with no entry barriers. Some wet rooms feature partial walls designed to contain splashes and control water flow, but these are usually kept to a minimum.
Wet rooms are often preferred in care homes because they are practical for the elderly or those with mobility issues. The entire space is fully waterproof, with no obstacles around the shower or other fixtures. Basically, the residents would be wheeled in and moved to a shower chair and washed that way.
Popular additions to wet rooms include grab bars and shower seats.
Benefits of a Wet Room/Shower:
- Showers are faster than baths, so getting more residents washed in a shorter time is easier.
- They are sometimes more cost effective to fit out than a bathroom.
Drawbacks of a Wet Room/Shower:
- Not everyone wants a shower.
- The falling water may be discomforting to some residents or those with certain disabilities or neurological disorders.
- Users may feel rushed and not be given the time to relax and enjoy the comfort of bathing.
- May not be as cost effective as a new assisted bath if the current room is designed as an assisted bathroom.
What Is an Assisted Bathroom?
A well-designed assisted bathroom also considers mobility and typically consists of a bathtub, shower cubicle (optional), toilet, and sink. Each element is enclosed within its own designated area, with the shower typically raised and separated by a curtain or glass door and the bathtub positioned as a separate unit. This design effectively keeps water contained within specific zones, ensuring the rest of the room remains dry.
A specialist bath is installed in assisted bathrooms to cater to patients who need extra care. These patients may have disability issues, suffer from dementia or other neurological issues, or simply need extra care on the road to recovery.
Benefits of an Assisted Bathroom:
- Baths offer the luxury of relaxation for residents, helping with care, treatment, and recovery.
- Hydrotherapy is a comfort option and can help with treatment.
- It creates an effective ‘spa experience’ that a care home can offer.
- It can increase the attraction of the care to new residents, and may increase new placements.
- Investing in an upgraded assisted bath can be more cost effective that a whole wet room fitout.
Drawbacks of an Assisted Bathroom:
- The process of washing a patient may take longer.
- An assisted bath will need servicing, which can be more costly than a shower.
- Some residents may still prefer the option of a shower (consider including both in your home if possible).
Conclusion: Wet Room or Bathroom?
Ultimately, the choice between a wet room and a bathroom for assisted living narrows down to the needs and vision of your care home. Both options offer distinct advantages, so consider what matters most to you—affordability, accessibility, ease of maintenance, or comfort.
Protec Baths is here to help you create bathroom spaces that best suit your home. From planning to installation and maintenance, we have the expertise and experience to provide the best solution for you. Call us on 01726 438694 or fill in our online contact form.
