Saniflo launches Sanimatic electrically controlled rise and fall WC for disabled and older citizens

(30/11/2009)

As the population of the UK increases the number of registered disabled and older citizens rises, leading to an increased demand for products that will enable people to continue to live in their family homes whilst enjoying the assistance of products of inclusive design.

The population of the UK is ageing. Over the last 25 years the percentage of the population aged 65 and over increased from 15 per cent in 1983 to 16 per cent in 2008, an increase of 1.5 million people in this age group. Over the same period, the percentage of the population aged 16 and under decreased from 21 per cent to 19 per cent. This trend is projected to continue. By 2033, 23 per cent of the population will be aged 65 and over compared to 18 per cent aged 16 or younger.

The fastest population increase has been in the number of those aged 85 and over. In 1983, there were just over 600,000 people in the UK aged 85 and over. Since then the numbers have more than doubled reaching 1.3 million in 2008. By 2033 the number of people aged 85 and over is projected to more than double again to reach 3.2 million, and to account for 5 per cent of the total population.

Saniflo is launching a range of ‘inclusive design’ products under the SaniLife brand. The first product is an electrically controlled rise and fall WC called the Sanimatic, paired with an adjustable height washbasin. This provides finger tip control to the less able enabling them to adjust the seat height and flush the WC without having to turn or stretch.

Sanimatic blends aesthetically with modern bathroom furniture so it looks to be a regular wall hung toilet. The important difference, its adjustability, means it can assist the less able user in sitting down and getting up.

Sanimatic is compatible with all wall hung toilet bowls allowing wide aesthetic choice. It has a height adjustability of 37cms (approx.14. 1/2 inches) from 380mm up to 750mm from floor level. It’s designed to carry a load of up to 150kg and the unit comes complete with a 6 litre cistern that can be flushed from the control panel.

The Sanimatic system can be used with optional folding arm supports or not, as required. The use of anodised aluminium and white ABS provides a clean and modern appearance and, subject to availability of water and electrical supply, the unit can be installed in as little as two hours. It can either be wall mounted or recessed into the wall.

Related categories:  Residential applications   Special needs, elderly and disabled   Toilets