You started out working as a carer. What helped you make that career decision?
I began my early career working in design, sales & marketing. However at 22, I made the decision to move into an area I felt would give me more personal job satisfaction. For two years I worked as a carer looking after the elderly, disabled and those with challenging behaviour in a local care home. This unique and valued experienced was to determine the future path of my career. It is a period of my life I still look back with much fondness.
Subsequently I joined one of the first shower adaption companies in the London area as a surveyor. This was to give me the specialist training and knowledge that subsequently allowed me to build my own company offering a more personal and caring service.
What made the most impact on you while you were working is a carer?
Understanding that everyone is unique and has different needs and challenges. My manager was very supportive in allowing me the freedom to accompany clients into everyday situations, conversing with others, and being part of the community. This allowed me to see life and its challenges through their eyes.
What was the driving force behind your decision to start Aquaneed?
Having worked my way up through the ranks at various adaptation companies, the company I was working for at the time was sold. This gave me the push I needed to start the company I had always hoped to build. Thankfully clients I had worked with over the years were extremely supportive and allowed Aquaneed to tender for works.
My aim was always to offer higher levels of thought, care and design whilst maintaining a sense of compassion and kindness; making the transition as smooth and as stress free as possible. I was free to incorporate all the experiences of my past roles to offer a personal, honest and dedicated service.
You have been in business since 2001. You must have many stories with regards to changing people’s lives in their own homes by making it more accessible. Is there a story that sticks in your mind you can share?
There are very few things in business that give me a greater sense of satisfaction than when a client contacts us after an installation to say how much it has changed their life for the better. Ultimately that is what this business is all about. Improving lives. There are many unique tales I could tell but professionally I cannot give details! We do get given a large share of projects that need that extra level of care and thought. This is down to the reputation we have built by knowing which team is suited to each unique job.
Adaptations can be quite an investment. It has always been important to me to make sure all private clients are aware of available grants and VAT exemptions before committing to the costs. In many cases this has saved many clients a significant amount of money. It has also allowed them to get the adaptation they need and deserve, for which they are very grateful.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
Right now, I must admit, I’m feeling a bit home and office tied due to COVID-19 (as a diabetic I am taking extra care to keep safe and healthy). I am lucky to have an amazing team at Aquaneed who are all extremely professional and I am proud of the service they offer our clients.
Whilst overseeing the business, I now concentrate on the marketing and development, new 3D software, and private clients. Though I enjoy ringing our clients and having a natter to ensure that the service they receive is correct and meeting their requirements, we must change with the times to expand our client base and grow the business.
Once we are allowed out more, I am looking forward to seeing all our clients and undertaking surveys again as I miss the interaction of helping others.
How do you assess requirements when there is a request for a bathroom adaptation for an individual with limited mobility or someone requiring wheelchair accessibility? Could you talk us through the process?
After an initial enquiry, we always recommend clients obtain an independent occupational therapist report. This will give them the best understanding of what they require for their long term needs. It is the role of a qualified occupational therapist (OT) to offer recommendations based on needs.
We organise a suitable time for our contract managers to visit, introduce the service, measure the client’s bathroom and set out ideas for the most suitable adaptation that can be achieved. Having worked with occupational therapists for nearly 30 years, we do have a clear understanding of adaptations. That said, an OT can offer the client additional peace of mind that their adaptation will meet their long term needs.
We never offer any hard sales techniques and never give a cost on a visit.
Each job is individually and thoroughly costed to ensure we meet best value practise. Each quotation is individually priced. This allows clients to add and change their quotation according to budget and needs. Transparency is key to our service.
Our new 3D software offers a clear view on what the client’s new shower will look like. This makes design decisions easier to approve. We were the first company to offer 3D design 20 years ago, specific to showers for the elderly and disabled and we continue to look at ways to provide great choices to our clients.
In your view, how can accessibility in the home change someone’s life?
The market has changed over the years and wet rooms are becoming the new norm. Higher levels of design and improved products can enhance the cosmetic appeal of a bathroom space. There is now a vast range of options to suit all needs and tastes. A wet room offers the ultimate long-term solution, in allowing clients to remain independent in their homes.
Wet rooms allow for more space and give carers easier access when needed. Keeping independent in your own bathroom is key for many. Sadly not everyone is aware of the significant advantages a wet room can bring in maintaining independence.
Other adaptations that can significantly improve life for the less able is access to and around their homes. With more thought on shallow inclines, level access door frames, kitchens that allow for multiple users and even having a garden designed to allow easy access can improve the lives and wellbeing of many.
Though the demographics are changing, more and more people are looking to enable their homes. They are embracing new technologies including CCTV, monitors, and automatic controls from a phone or ipad. All of these can enhance home life and also keeps the individual connected with family.
How do you see the industry changing in an effort to provide more assistance to the disabled and elderly?
Industry changes are happening with new products coming to market constantly. Manufacturers such as Hewi, offer superior levels of design and appeal which can be integrated into adaptations. Colour schemes, tiles and lighting are additional features that allow the new shower room to look high-end and more interior designed. Alternative solutions such as toughened glass panels rather than curtains can result in a more stylish result. However, priority should always be given to a client’s long term needs.
Looking at the market, there are many highly advertised companies offering an adaption service. Sadly many don’t always look at what the whole of life design and sell what is most profitable to them.
Aquaneed are looking to expand more into the private market and offer the service which secures clients the best solution in meeting their needs, ie. best value and design.
Contact us
Aquaneed is endorsed by Which? Trusted Trader. We are passionate about maintaining the independence and dignity of individuals in their own homes and have done so for 20 years.
If you are considering bathroom adaption or creating a wet room to suit your current and future needs, we can recommend an occupational therapist in your area.
We can also provide you with advice and a free survey, should you require one.
You can contact our friendly team on 01784-440333 or leave us a message via our Contact form.
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