PROCare and Invisible Creations unveil a future vision of accessible homes at the OT Show
PROCare and Invisible Creations have unveiled a groundbreaking installation at this year’s Occupational Therapy Show, offering attendees an immersive experience into the future of accessible design.
The standout feature of Stand B40 is a futuristic tunnel, which transports visitors into a world where every home is fully accessible. This installation highlights the potential for reducing falls, hospital admissions, and crisis relocations through proactive and preventative home adaptations.
At the heart of their stand’s ‘Back to the Future’ theme is the “Fit for Our Future” campaign, launched in July 2024 alongside Foundations, the national body of home improvement, and Lord Best at the House of Lords. The campaign was born from the urgent need to address the fact that most homes in the UK are not accessible, despite the increasing demand for accessible housing solutions.
Laura Wood, Director of Invisible Creation, shares: “The need for accessible homes has never been more urgent. As we face an ageing population and a growing number of people living with disabilities, it’s essential that we ensure homes are both functional and stylish, ensuring dignity and independence for everyone.
“The ‘Fit for Our Future’ campaign is about shifting the way we think about housing. Homes should be safe, comfortable, and accessible for all, and we’re committed to making that a reality.”
A staggering 24 per cent of the UK population live with a registered disability, and four million of these individuals are older adults living with a limiting long-term illness or disability2. As the population ages, this number is only expected to rise.
In addition to this growing demographic, falls remain a leading cause of injury, particularly among older adults. With around 76,000 hip fractures occurring each year in the UK, costing the NHS over £2 million annually3, the need for accessible home environments has never been clearer. These injuries frequently lead to lengthy hospital stays, significant rehabilitation, and in many cases, permanent loss of independence or even death.
At the campaign’s launch, Dr Rachel Russell, from Foundations, the National Body for Home Improvement Agencies, discussed the importance of early intervention in housing design.
Dr Russell commented: “Aircraft designers can’t stop planes from getting older, but they build in lots of systems and measures to keep them flying safely,” she said. “And if I get a headache, I don’t call a neurosurgeon – I just check the NHS website and take some paracetamol.”
She emphasised that quick, simple, and effective solutions for supporting people’s quality of life, such as discreet and beautifully designed grab rails or shower seats are far more efficient than the traditional reactive approach, which often involves costly and intrusive formal assessments and lengthy funding applications.
Dr Russell added, “This traditional, reactive approach often leads to inappropriate home adaptations, which are out-of-date by the time they’re delivered.”
PROCare and Invisible Creations are using their “Fit for Our Future” campaign to drive a fundamental shift in the way homes are designed and adapted. The installation at the OT show features a video screening illustrating how accessible design can reduce these preventable incidents, helping individuals live independently, with dignity, and confidence for longer.
Alongside their installation, PROCare and Invisible Creations are exhibiting products from their extensive range of products. From functional grab rails to complete accessible wetrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens solutions. This comprehensive offering supports the delivery of long-term, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing solutions for the people they work with.
The Occupational Therapy Show takes place from 27-28 November at Birmingham’s NEC.
Earlier this year, Invisible Creations launched the Garden Accessibility Range, which is a range of products that blend style and functionality, ensuring that gardens remain safe, accessible, and beautiful.
