HEWI MAG / Accessibility
Planning accessible living: The HEWI planning service is there to help
Planning accessible living means specifically removing obstacles and making living spaces accessible for everyone. In this article you will find practical tips on how you can support your customers in creating a barrierfree living space through targeted planning, suitable funding opportunities and innovative solutions from HEWI. You will also receive important information on the implementation of DIN standards and relevant funding programmes.
Accessibility definition: What it means to plan accessible living
Accessibility means much more than just ramps, wider doors and lifts. A barrierfree home must be designed in such a way that all people, regardless of physical limitations, can use it without assistance. DIN 18040-2 for barrierfree construction plays a central role here. This standard specifies the standards for accessible living spaces that planners and architects should know and apply.
ACCESSIBLE BATHROOMS: IMPORTANT COMPONENTS WHEN PLANNING ACCESSIBLE LIVING
The bathroom is a central room in every accessible living space. Make sure that all relevant DIN standards are complied with, or check whether low-barrier equipment is sufficient in the specific case.
Barrierfree shower
The barrierfree shower requires a floor plan of at least 120 x 120 cm and must be flush with the floor. You should provide an area of 150 x 150 cm for wheelchair users. If space is limited, shower curtains are recommended instead of fixed partitions. Practical HEWI solutions, such as the patented magnetic shower holder, can also be integrated for more barrierfree comfort and convenience.
BARRIERFREE WC
The specifications of DIN 18040-2 must be observed for barrierfree WCs: A seat height of 46-48 cm, a WC depth of at least 70 cm and retrofittable hinged support railsare essential. Specific HEWI products, such as L-shaped support rails, offer additional safety, comfort and convenience for wheelchair users.
Barrierfree washbasin
A barrierfree washbasin should be wheelchair-accessible and offer a wide range of usage options. Look out for integrated support rails and a hygienic design. HEWI washbasins offer numerous options to fulfil the individual needs of your customers.
Learn more about the barrierfree fitting of showers, toilets and washbasins in the HEWI MAG.
Plan accessible living: Funding opportunities for your customers
There are numerous funding options for planning accessible living that your customers can take advantage of. These provide support for both new builds and redevelopment projects in order to adapt living space to individual needs. Various government programmes, insurance companies and institutions offer financial support to make barrierfree measures affordable and feasible.
Subsidies from the care insurance fund
For customers with a care grade, the care insurance fund offers up to 4,000 euros in subsidies for barrierfree conversion measures, such as adapting sanitary facilities or wider doors. If the care grade increases, a subsidy of up to €4,000 per person can be applied for again. Work with your customers to plan which measures are subsidised by the care insurance fund and support them with the application process.
Health insurance company finances aids
The health insurance fund subsidise accessible living if a doctor prescribes appropriate aids. These include shower stools, hinged support rails and support rails.
State funding programmes and other grants
Each federal state has specific state funding programmes to support barrierfree conversions. These often depend on income and vary from region to region. Refer your customers to the relevant authorities, such as housing subsidy offices o f towns, municipalities or districts, and support them in the application process. In addition, subsidies can be applied for from foundations, social welfare organisations or integration assistance.
Benefits for participation in working life
This subsidy helps people with health restrictions who are no longer able to work to reintegrate into working life. This includes measures such as ramps, door openers, lifts and stair lifts to enable people to reach their workplace independently. The costs are covered by the German Pension Insurance, the Employment Agency or the Integration Office, provided that the person concerned has a severe disability and is able to work.
Planning accessible living:
In addition to the aspects mentioned above, you should also consider floor coverings, handrails, door lever handles, switches and lighting when planning accessible living. Slip-resistant flooring and well-placed support rails increase safety, while light switches and sockets at a suitable height improve accessibility. Also support your customers in planning an accessible kitchen and in selecting suitable communication systems to support people with hearing or visual impairments.
Planning accessible living: Let us support you
The free HEWI planning service supports you as architects and planners in the planning of barrierfree bathrooms. Benefit from our many years of expertise and ensure that the planned measures meet the requirements and create long-term solutions that satisfy your customers. Use the form to communicate your request quickly and easily.
