Why Single-lever Faucets Outpace All Other Faucets in Retirement Communities
Single-lever faucets are being chosen again and again for retirement communities – not only for their modern aesthetic but also their functionality. While it may seem simple to some, not all fixtures function equally for someone who is mobility impaired. Being able to easily access and use a daily necessity like water is the baseline for creating a safe and happy environment. Over the years, this has been the priority for anyone looking to build a multi-family retirement community; however, there is a way to marry both ADA compliance and well-thought-out aesthetic design.
Why Single-Lever?
1. Little to No Injury Risk: When designing spaces for senior or assisted living communities, safety is of the utmost priority. Accessibility in terms of faucets lies in the handles. Knob handles on faucets can create challenges for anyone who is mobility impaired. When operating the faucet, turning a knob requires twisting of the wrist anytime the faucet is turned on or off. This poses a particular risk for anyone with arthritis or who has trouble with this motion. Single-lever faucets like the Pioneer Single Handle Bathroom Faucet allow users to simply lift the lever to turn on and off, making this the perfect choice for bathroom designs in an elderly community.
2. Ease of use: Another consideration when picking fixtures for retirement homes is how easy it is to operate. For anyone with slower motor function, it can be incredibly frustrating using a traditional-style faucet. Having to operate two handles (one for cold water and one for hot water) creates an unnecessary added step for the user when trying to find the perfect water temperature. This adds not only extra time to the experience but also can leave a resident feeling defeated if they are not able to attain the water temperature they desire. Using a single-handle faucet cuts down on that extra step and can help make the overall experience feel efficient for the resident.
3. Design: Some may think that to achieve their safety and accessibility goals when designing an elderly community, they may have to set their design aspirations aside. This could not be further from the truth – there are so many sleek and modern single-lever faucets to choose from, such as the Pioneer Single Handle Lavatory Faucet. Single-lever faucets can be found in almost any design style and can complement any bathroom design.
Best Practices for ADA-Compliant Design: Keeping ADA regulations in mind when designing any space in a retirement community is crucial. There are many elements to take into consideration when making an accessible faucet design choice, such as the ability to reach it, how easily the handle turns, being able to operate it with just one hand, and how easy it would be for a resident to keep it clean. So much time is spent in the bathroom, and being able to easily operate each component may seem like a given to some, but for anyone who is mobility impaired, these factors are the difference between a pleasant and unpleasant experience.
Now you’re ready to shop!
Consider these beautiful and exceptionally durable bathroom faucets and accessories from Pioneer and the Pioneer family of products, Central Brass and Olympia. All are backed with a best-in-the-industry warranty, are easy to install, and will stand the test of time.
We’ll Save You Money and Time
There are many ways to the same destination. This saying applies to multi-family housing builds just as much as to anything else in life. The ultimate goal is save as much money as possible while delivering a great finished project – that’s simply showing smart business sense. But, finding a one-off deal or sacrificing quality isn’t the only way to get a healthy ROI. We have a better way.
Pioneer works with professionals every day to develop specification packages and plans that save our valued partners both time and money, sometimes in surprising ways. It’s our goal to ensure your project meets or exceeds its expected outcome. We want to get to know you and your company and show you how we can save you money. Please reach out via our website form or call us at (800) 338-9468.
Thoughtful and accessible design choices are imperative when thinking about designing for an elderly community. Single-lever faucets outshine the rest when it comes to ease of use, ensuring that residents are not only safer but also happier when they can operate it easily without assistance. Consider the following single-lever faucets from Pioneer and the Pioneer family of products, Olympia, and Central Brass for your next project:
