Page 8 of 11 Accessible Showers

Electric showers heat water inside the unit and are rated by power (for example 9.8kW or 9.5kW models on offer), so they're useful if you don't have a reliable hot-water supply. Mixer showers blend hot and cold from your central system and suit homes with a combi boiler or mains hot supply. Thermostatic showers hold a set temperature for safety, which is ideal for assisted living because they reduce scalding risk; many accessible models combine thermostatic control with long riser rails and easy controls. If safety and steady temperature are top priorities, a thermostatic mixer or thermostatic electric is usually the best option.

Yes, many accessible showers include longer-than-normal riser rails and shower hoses so a handset can reach a seated user or a carer, plus clear, easy-to-use controls that are simple to operate with limited dexterity. Doc M shower packs and brands in the range focus on assisted-living needs, offering thermostatic valves for safe temperatures and bar-style mixers that mount at a reachable height. A typical practical setup is a hand shower on an extended hose plus a thermostatic bar mixer so you can adjust temperature from a seated position without stretching.

Look for low-pressure electric models (for example the Mira Advance ATL Low Pressure 9kW) or showers designed to work with gravity systems; alternatively a power shower with an integral pump (such as the Triton Silent Running Thermostatic Power Shower) will boost flow. Electric showers can be specified in low-pressure variants because they heat independently, while pumped units give stronger flows but need space and may be slightly noisier. If you want a quieter, stable-temperature experience for assisted showering, a gravity-pumped digital or thermostatic option is worth considering.

Dual-head setups give you both a fixed overhead spray and a handheld, so someone can sit under a gentle rain head while a carer uses the handset for targeted rinsing, very useful for assisted bathing. Shower towers often add body jets and a handset for more flexible access, and concealed dual-head digital units (like smart Mira Platinum models) deliver neat aesthetics with precise temperature control. If you need quick reach and multiple spray options, a dual-head thermostatic mixer or concealed smart dual-head is a practical choice.

Prioritise thermostatic temperature control and "cool touch" surfaces where listed (for instance some Merano models) to reduce scald risk, plus large, tactile controls that you can operate easily with wet hands. Finishes such as chrome, brushed brass or matt black are available across the range, so pick a finish that contrasts with tiles for better visibility and complements any grab rails or fittings. For maintenance and accessibility, exposed fittings are typically easier to service, while concealed options give a sleeker look if you prefer less visual clutter.