At PROCare, we believe in making a difference, one accessible home at a time. That’s why we’re bringing a truly groundbreaking installation to this year’s Occupational Therapy (OT) Show, showcasing the future of accessible homes. Alongside our in-house brand of dual purpose, stylish grab rails - Invisible Creations, we’re excited to offer visitors a sneak peek into a world where every home is designed to be accessible, safe, and stylish.
Step Into the Future
This year at the OT Show, visitors to our stand (B40) will experience something truly innovative: a futuristic tunnel that transports you into a world where accessibility is integrated into every home. It's a play on Back to the Future that takes you towards a proactive and preventative approach that aims to reduce falls, hospital admissions, and crisis relocations. Imagine a world where homes are not just accessible, but also beautiful, empowering people to live independently and with dignity.
The “Fit for Our Future” Campaign
At the heart of our stand lies our “Fit for Our Future” campaign, launched in July 2024 alongside Foundations and Lord Best at the House of Lords. The campaign highlights the urgent need for more accessible homes, as most of the UK’s housing stock still doesn’t meet the needs of an ageing population or people living with disabilities.
Claire Smalley, Operations Director at PROCare, shares:
"The demand for accessible homes has never been more urgent. With an ageing population and more people living with disabilities, it’s crucial that we create homes that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and inclusive. At PROCare, we are committed to making this a reality, ensuring that homes are designed to empower people to live with dignity and independence."
Why Accessible Homes Matter
Did you know that 24% of the UK population live with a registered disability?(1) And that number is only set to grow. With 4 million older adults living with long-term illnesses or disabilities(2), the demand for accessible homes has never been more pressing. Meanwhile, falls continue to be a leading cause of injury, with 76,000 hip fractures each year, costing the NHS over £2 million annually(3).
Accessible home design isn’t just about safety; it’s about ensuring people can live with independence and dignity. Simple, well-designed features like grab rails, wet rooms, and accessible kitchens don’t just prevent accidents, they improve quality of life and keep people safe at home longer.
Early Intervention is Key
At our campaign launch, Dr Rachel Russell from Foundations stressed the importance of early intervention in housing design. Drawing a comparison to other industries, Dr Russell said, "Aircraft designers can’t stop planes from getting older, but they build in systems to keep them flying safely." This proactive approach should be applied to housing - simple, effective solutions like discreet grab rails and accessible features should be the first response, not reactive and costly interventions down the line.
See It for Yourself
At the OT Show, PROCare and Invisible Creations will bring this vision to life with a video screening that illustrates how accessible design can reduce preventable incidents, helping people live more independently and confidently. Plus, we’ll be showcasing a wide range of stylish, functional products - from sleek grab rails to fully accessible bathrooms and kitchens—designed to fit seamlessly into any home.
Join Us in Shaping the Future
We’re inviting Occupational Therapists (OTs) to visit Stand B40 at the OT Show and join our “Fit for Our Future” campaign. By working together, we can create a future where every home is accessible, safe, and comfortable for everyone, regardless of age or ability.
Join us at Stand B40—Let’s make every home “Fit for Our Future”
References
1. UK disability statistics: Prevalence and life experiences - House of Commons Library (parliament.uk)
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