AKW launches “new generation” of dementia-friendly electric care showers and shower waste pump
Accessibility solutions provider AKW has announced the launch of its new generation of electric care showers and P12 shower waste pump after it updated its existing range of showers with new design and water saving features, to make them even more accessible to a wide variety of users.
Tom Doyle, Head of Industrial Design at AKW, comments: “We set new standards in shower design when we launched the world’s first bluetooth-enabled electric shower. And our aim is to continue to make life better for our end customers and installers alike, hence the new features we have included in our shower range and the introduction of the new wireless pump module.
“We can say with confidence that whether it’s for a family bathroom, new development, accessible bungalow or care home, we have the perfect electric shower solution that also embraces the latest water and energy saving features.”
The new generation of stylish electric showers is comprised of updated versions of AKW’s market leading SmartCare Plus, SmartCare Lever and iTherm products. Design features include fewer parts and surface split lines for easy cleaning, more rounded edges, to reduce the risk of fall related injuries and illuminated LED displays to aid operation.
The showers also all feature a matt finished central panel, to enable straightforward control location for those with visual impairment and dementia. Created to be easy-to-use and quick to install, AKW’s SmartCare Plus and SmartCare Lever are BEAB Care certified, RNIB tried and tested, and DSDC dementia-friendly product accredited.
For even greater shower control flexibility, AKW has added a Remote On/Off Button to the range. Designed to control either the SmartCare Plus or SmartCare Lever shower, this wall mounted button has a wireless range of up to 10 metres. For ultimate carer support, AKW’s shower range also features an existing wireless remote control that can turn SmartCare Plus or SmartCare Lever showers on or off from up to 10 metres away and change their temperature and flow settings as well.
A stylish new AKW Care Kit has also been added to the range for use with the SmartCare Plus or SmartCare Lever shower. Designed with ease of use in mind, its shelf, rail and slide mechanism for the shower head are available in a variety of colours, including contrasting blue and mid-grey rails options suitable for those with visual impairments.
AKW’s new generation showers are all WRAS approved and feature an optional eco-setting, that can limit flow rate to 6 lpm, supporting the reduction of both water and energy consumption. The showers come with a built-in
timer function, helping users who are wanting to reduce their water and energy bills to make considered showering choices. An automatic shutdown function is also included, to prevent flooding and minimise water and energy wastage, and for ultimate water usage management, a remote-control option is available with SmartCare Plus.
AKW’s DigiPumps and AKW P12 Waste Pump – with optional wireless module – are ideal for use where gravity drainage isn’t an option. A wireless module connects either a SmartCare Plus or SmartCare Lever shower to either pump and comes with a PCB that is plugged into the shower and pump, connecting them together quickly and efficiently. Once paired, the link is seamless, matching the shower and pump flow rates and it remains paired, even if the shower and/or pump are isolated from mains supply.
AKW works closely with occupational therapists and healthcare professionals, to design and manufacture a full range of easy access showering, kitchens and mobility support products. The inclusive living solutions provider recently announced the addition of a counter-level grab rail to help make the kitchen a safer place for those with restricted mobility.
