Disabled Caravans
In the past decade static caravan manufacturers have done much to improve the design of their products to allow better access to disabled and wheelchair users and those with special requirements. Many UK manufacturers now produce a wheelchair access unit as part of their range to allow fully independent use by disabled persons.
These improvements in design have been completed in parallel with the upgrade of holiday park facilities to allow all customers to enjoy a static caravan ownership, with full use of all the on-site facilities.
Many owners now also purchase a mobility scooter or power wheelchair to leave at the caravan to enable them to get around the park easily.
Designers tend to focus on the following areas when improving the accessibility of a static holiday caravan;
Doorways
This type of caravan will have extra width built into the main entrance doorway as well as internal doorways to bedrooms and bathrooms.
Interior
Features that improve the usability of the static caravan interiors to wheelchair users include low level electrical switches, improved kitchen design and wider internal spaces
Bathrooms
- It is in the bathroom where we see the most adaptive modern features fitted and these include;
- Improved access to shower with larger doors and low level shower trays without traditional lip
- Introduction of low level taps, sinks and mirrors
- Adaptive seating in the shower cubical and the addition of well placed grab rails
- Easy control mixer taps to improve usability and safety
- Non slip flooring
- Optional hoist systems
Bedrooms
To allow the caravan to be used independently by disabled people the bedroom/s must also have special adaptations including;
- Improved access bedroom furniture
- Wider single beds
- More considered floor plan
For an excellent example of this design in practice we would recommend you refer to The Ruby range produced by Atlas caravans.