Adapting to Multi-Generational Living with Sustainable Showers

With a dramatic rise in multi-generational living, combined with the growing importance of reducing water and energy usage, it is important to specify sustainable appliances with residents of all ages in mind. Neil Wilson, Senior Marketing Manager at Triton Showers, discusses the key considerations when purchasing inclusive electric showers.

Over recent years, a number of factors have contributed to a growth in multi-generational living across the country. ‘Flying the nest’ in adulthood is an expectation of many, but an unprecedented spike in the cost of living, paired with a shortage of affordable housing, has the move of some prospective homeowners to a temporary halt.

Research conducted by Aviva at the beginning of the decade revealed that one in three UK homes were multi-generational and, given the economic challenges the nation has endured since then, this figure may now be even higher.

The government’s pledge to deliver 1.5 million homes over the next five years, half of which must be classified as affordable housing, indicates a long-term solution is on the horizon. For the time being, and possibly beyond, it’s important to specify products accessible to residents of all ages, particularly in the bathroom.

A safe bathroom space
First and foremost, being mindful of how best to create a safe bathroom space is key. Given the risk of slips and falls when exiting bathtubs and showers, specifying inclusive appliances that cater for residents of all ages under one roof can make showering the safe task it should be.

An adapted set-up that accommodates for all different needs and abilities can also provide occupants with the independence to start or end their day in comfort. Further steps include installing a grab bar to help users maintain balance and navigate areas with slip hazards. Weight-bearing riser rails, for instance, provide discreet support without sacrificing style.

Sustainable specification
Sustainability has been a key industry priority for decades, and the anticipated arrival of the Future Homes Standard is set to bring it even further up the agenda. The impending legislation will set out to ensure that the next generation of housing is prepared for a low-carbon future, and electric showers are expected to play a part in achieving this.

Electric showers are known for their energy and water efficiency. Research conducted by Triton determined that they could save more than 29,000 litres of water per year compared to a mixer shower. This creates the potential to save over 300kg of CO2e – the equivalent of driving 1,050 miles in a diesel hatchback.

Electric showers supplied solely by cold mains run at a flow rate of around six litres per minute, compared to mixer showers, which run at an average of nine litres per minute when drawing on a hot water system. Users therefore have the chance to save a considerable amount of water and reduce energy consumption by up to 68%, cutting water and energy bills in the process.

Inclusive innovation
Today, specifying electric showers that can limit energy and water usage is just a starting point. A real difference can be made through the innovative features set out to improve users’ experiences and safety within the bathroom.

Triton’s Omnicare Ultra+ aids visually impaired users by providing audible confirmation when the shower starts and ends, which is testament to the shower’s accreditation from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB). The shower is also equipped with Care Mark approved thermostatic temperature controls, which are on hand to prevent sudden drops in water temperature, regulating within +/-1OC through its unique Tri-Therm^TM feature.

To cater for different requirements, Triton’s entire Omnicare range allows shower durations to be set in five-, ten-, twenty-, and thirty-minute intervals, assisting people with conditions like dementia or autism. This can be set at the commissioning stage by an installer, with the shower entering a phased shutdown once it is either manually or automatically switched off.

Future-proofing the bathroom
With multi-generational living on the rise, it’s crucial that houses are suitably specified to improve lives at home. As one of the busiest rooms in the house, the bathroom is key to this effort. Opting for a manufacturer, like Triton, that offers a range of efficient showering solutions designed to meet all needs can help purchasers go the extra mile.

For more information about Triton and its Omnicare range of energy efficient thermostatic electric care showers, please visit: www.tritonshowers.co.uk/showers-taps/care-showers

Images © Triton Showers