Barrier-free bathroom solutions: Functionality, safety, comfort and elegance in the bathroom

In addition to its ceramic products, Villeroy & Boch now offers ViCare accessories; an interesting range of aids in the Design and Function series. The user-friendliness of the ViCare products is not only a godsend for the disabled, but offers everyone comfort and safety in the bathroom. Think, for example, of people who continue to live at home for longer. With the products, stylish and practical bathrooms and toilet areas can be created for the private sector, in senior citizens' homes and homes for the elderly and in care institutions.

ViCare accessories consist of various handles and wall supports in the two series Design and Function, all of which comply with the EU directive CE EEC 93/42 for medical products. Items in the Design series are chrome-plated and have an elegant look. The Function series offers products in neutral white. Both blend seamlessly into the bathroom.

The Design and Function series are characterized by smart solutions such as wall handles, folding handles and a shower handrail that allows for one-handed shower operation, thus offering maximum safety and comfort. An innovative corner solution with a single-point mounting system has been developed for the handrail so that it can be grasped safely. Moreover, installation is very easy. A special advantage: the load capacity of the handles is approximately 20% higher than required for unrestricted wheelchair use; the Function series can be loaded to a maximum of 120 kg and the Design series to a maximum of 130 kg.

ViCare's ceramic series consists of a wide range of adapted sinks and toilets where there is a nice balance between functional comfort and elegant design. The products comply with DIN standard 18040 for accessible building and are therefore perfect for construction projects in the project sector.

ViCare wheelchair-accessible sinks offer plenty of clearance for the knees; the wheelchair fits perfectly under the sink and one can sit comfortably to groom oneself. The handles allow the wheelchair user to easily pull themselves toward the sink. Or choose a ViCare sink with a recess. All washbasins are available in White Alpin and optionally available with the hygienic surface finish CeramicPlus and with AntiBac, which reduces bacterial growth on ceramic surfaces and ring seats by more than 99.9 percent. Several wall-mounted and floor-standing models are also optionally available with the AntiBac glaze. Or choose a rimless toilet with innovative DirectFlush technology for easy cleaning and maximum hygiene.

A variety of ViCare toilets are available, including a wall-mounted, floor-standing or extended toilet and a choice of deep-flush or flush versions. The ViCare toilet seats can withstand a load of 240 kg, which is 90 kg more than required as standard. Special buffers prevent the seat from sliding sideways when transitioning out of the wheelchair. A continuous hinge shaft and the optional comfort features QuickRelease and SoftClosing make use and cleaning easier. A ViCare toilet seat also has a grip edge on the lid, making it easier and more hygienic to lift. In addition to white seats, blue seats with AntiBac are also available, which facilitate orientation for people with dementia. 

A walk-in shower is incorporated into the bathroom in such a way that one can enter the shower completely without thresholds. A walk-in shower looks modern, luxurious and is comfortable. If one can enter the shower by oneself, the Squaro Infinity shower floor is the ideal solution. This is because this shower floor is functional, has the highest anti-slip rating, is pore-free and immediately gives the shower area a stylish look.

For more comfort and safe sitting in the bathroom and shower, choose a bathroom stool, a hanging seat or a folding shower seat. The seat systems can be loaded up to 160 kg.

"Good design knows no limits," says Han van Hardeveld, sales director of Villeroy & Boch. "With the ViCare product family, we offer a full range in the MIVA sector. This makes our portfolio even clearer, so that customers looking for barrier-free products can quickly find the right solutions."