AKW Invited to Launch of ‘Bath Out 2’ Study Findings

On 30th January 2025, CEO of AKW Holdings Group Stephen Murphy, and Regional Directors of Sales Kyle Knights and Stuart Fearn were invited to the House of Lords at the Palace of Westminster, London to attend the launch of the ‘Bath Out 2’ study findings.

Hosted by Lord Best and Foundations, this event brought together industry figures and stakeholders to hear the findings of ‘Bath Out 2’, a ground-breaking study led by a research team comprised of experts from the Universities of Newcastle, York, Northumbria, and Nottingham.

Using a randomised controlled trial (RCT) and economic and process evaluations, the study aimed to find out whether delivering DFG bathroom adaptations quicker has a positive impact on the mental and physical wellbeing, safety, and quality of life of older people. It also aimed to explore the financial impact of adapting bathrooms for older people in the long term, and assess the negative effects of delaying these adaptations.

The study was conducted by comparing 360 participants aged 65 and over across four regions, who had been referred for a bathroom adaptation through their local council.

The participants were then randomly separated into two control groups; one had their bathroom adaptation expedited and works commenced immediately, while the other remained on the usual waiting list, with works taking between four and nine months to commence.

Participants in both groups were then evaluated multiple times to assess and compare the impact of their bathroom adaptation, and the timely delivery of the works.

The results compiled by the team were presented at the House of Lords, with the research providing clear and credible evidence:

Physical wellbeing scores were 2.5 points higher for expedited participants
The expedited group experienced 70% fewer falls
Barthel Index scores (used to assess daily functional independence) increased by 8.7 points, with bathing-specific independence 10 times higher in the expedited group
Faster delivery of works saved £1,107pp in health and social care costs
Increase of quality-adjusted life years by 5% in the expedited group

The results also highlighted that installing an accessible shower earlier can help to prevent poorer mental health in older people, as initial struggles with bathing can spiral into dependency or fear of falling, which can have a negative impact on daily life.

The study’s findings were received well by all those who attended the event:

“The Bath Out 2 study gives us the strongest evidence to date that speeding up adaptations isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about improving lives. By reducing delays, councils can empower people to live independently, safely, and with dignity in their own homes.” Paul Smith, Director of Foundations

As accessible bathroom providers, AKW design products to support and promote the independence of older people, enabling them to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. We hope the results of this pioneering study have a positive impact on government policy and the provision for older people requiring adaptations in the future.

AKW are proud to have been one of the sponsors of the ‘Bath Out 2’ study and to have played a part in its delivery; we’re also grateful to Foundations for the invite to the House of Lords to attend the launch of the findings.

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