CDS (Disabled Supplies) Ltd are distributors, merchants and manufacturers of goods and equipment  for the older and less able person.

Shower trays

The first choice is simple.  Do you want to see the tray or do you want it hidden beneath a layer of vinyl flooring or tiles. If the latter; then a wet floor system is what is needed.  If the former; there are hundreds to choose from.  In an attempt to be different from the competition manufacturers have, in recent years, developed more and more sophisticated systems.  It is our belief that simplicity is what is needed. 

Carer screens

It is almost impossible to guarantee that no water will spread beyond the confines of the showering area in an installation of this type.  Standard shower doors are designed with water retaining channels to ensure that they are watertight.  It is not possible to do this in a disabled facility.  Carer screens, which are about half the height of a cubicle, help to overcome the problem, being designed specifically for these situations.  To be realistic we cannot say that they will be 100% watertight in all situations.  Combined with a curtain we feel sure that you will not be disappointed. 

Showering assemblies

An assembly is a collection, often in the same box, of the basic requirements for an installation.  A typical assembly will contain a tray with a trap, a set of screens and a curtain and rail.  There is now an extensive variety available.  Convenience is the reason.  This is not necessarily convenience for the customer as it is often cheaper to buy individual items.  We suggest that you price both ways of purchasing.

Grab rails

These are many and varied.  They will be purchased according to your situation but please be aware of the following.  Only stainless steel, whether coated or polished, should be used outside.  Never use mild steel variants outside.  They will soon discolour and may start to rust.  There is an argument that they should not be used in a bathroom situation for the same reason.  Millions must have been installed and whereas the life of them will not be as long as stainless steel, they have proven to be satisfactory.  Plastic grab rails should always be used indoors, unless they are UV stabilised, or they will become brittle and possibly dangerous.  They certainly quickly become unsightly out of doors.

Showers

There are two types of shower generally available.  Gravity or combi- boiler fed and electrical.  Individual property situations may dictate which you purchase.  Power showers should not be used in these sort of installations as the limited fall of the tray surface combined with often little or no tray lip can cause the showering area to quickly fill and disastrously overflow.  All showers should be thermostatically controlled.  Please be aware that temperature stabilised is not the same as thermostatically controlled.  TC will maintain the temperature no matter what happens.  TS will not.  You will find that the dearer showers will be thermostatically controlled.  Please choose wisely!

Shower pumps

The market leader is the Whale Gulper pump system in its various forms.

There are two possible system; the diaphragm or the rotary impellor.  The latter has been tried and has never proven to be trouble free in the longer term.  There is competition to the Whale but even those are not yet as successful.  Our advice is purchase one of the Whale diaphragm systems.

Walk in baths

These have become very popular and successful but please bear in mind that you do have to step into them.  They are quite an expensive item and if a disability is progressive they may become unusable.

Toilets

The wc pan in a disabled toilet pack is usually higher than the norm.  It is possible at modest expense to sit the pan on a purpose made plinth.  Alternatively seat raisers are available.  Toilets with specialist facilities are available.  The market leaders in this field are Total Hygiene and Geberit.  These are complete replacements for the standard wc.  Other systems are available but do not generally seem to hold favour.

Special baths

Once only in institutional use but variants are now available for the domestic market.  There is a great variance in price depending upon individual needs. 

Shower seats

There are many on the market.  The choice is wall fixed or free standing.  If you choose wall fixed always go for one with a leg unless you are very sure of the wall structure being able to retain it.  They are made from aluminium, stainless steel and mild steel.  Aluminium has the definite advantage that it does not rust.  Stainless steel should not but they are more expensive and much heavier.

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