Enware Australia  has supplied a range of adaptive kitchen and bathroom solutions to ILCNSW’s display apartment in Westpoint, Blacktown.
 
World-class kitchen and bathroom displays featuring height-adjustable cupboards, benches, sinks and work surfaces that can be raised and lowered to enhance the safety and comfort of people with a disability, are on display at the model apartment installed by the community-based Independent Living Centre NSW (ILCNSW).
 
The model apartment aims to expand people’s awareness of the choices and possibilities available in assistive lifestyle technology. Supported by NSW Family and Community Services, Ageing Disability and Home Care and the Australian Department of Health and Ageing, the ILCNSW provides impartial advice, information and education for everyday living, communication, mobility, home modifications and community services.
 
Enware, one of the companies supporting the ILCNSW in this endeavour, is the principal distributor of Pressalit Care kitchen and bathroom products for the disability, healthcare and aged care markets.
 
Innovations supplied by Enware for the kitchen display at the ILCNSW include a height-adjustable sink and cooktop, combined with height-adjustable wall cabinets easily accessible by wheelchair users or the elderly. Standard vertical movement of the kitchen benchtop and diagonal movement for wall cupboards are achieved via slimline electric motors, or alternatively, can be specified with a manually operated system.
 
Enware Technical Specification Specialist, Mr Sandor Franken explains that Enware supports the Independent Living Centre NSW, which is helping both younger and older people with disabilities find their personal and individual solution to enhance independent living.
 
That impaired mobility should not limit a person’s life opportunities is a key guiding philosophy. When this particular user segment cannot use kitchen facilities because of height or reach problems, the facilities are redesigned around the person rather than requiring the person to adapt to the facilities.
 
Some of the adaptive bathroom solutions from Enware on display at the ILCNSW include a padded adjustable-height adult shower chair, which is aimed at people needing a safe and secure platform to sit on whilst showering.
 
A wall-mounted toilet with folding support arms from Enware’s IFO range of sanitaryware demonstrates the benefits of having these rails fitted directly to the pan and not the wall.
 
A washbasin fitted with one of Enware’s SQX user-friendly taps that can be electronically actuated or single-lever operated using elbow, palm or wrist activation as well as tapware combined for added safety with Enware’s Aquablend thermostatic mixing valves, which deliver water at a pre-set temperature and avoid the risk of scalding are some of the other displays at ILCNSW’s model apartment.