‘Life-changing’ wet room installed for resident as part of Major Works Investment Programme

A mum is now able to have a shower safely while her daughter is at work, after a new wet room was installed in her home as part of L&Q’s Major Works Investment Programme.

Gloria, who lives in Lambeth with her daughter Amy, says she feels like she has her independence back, since having the specially adapted bathroom fitted, by L&Q’s Major Works contractor Axis Europe.

She said: “It was just a really lovely experience having the workers here. They were so professional and polite.

“They took such good care of me. They knew I had difficulty getting up and down the stairs, so they kept the floors clear. I couldn’t say a bad word about the experience.

“I feel like I have my independence back.”

Gloria, who has been an L&Q resident since the early 1980s, has rheumatoid arthritis and COPD, which cause weakening of her muscles and tiredness. In recent years, she also had a subarachnoid hemorrhage and a stroke.

She was due to have her bathroom replaced as part of the standard programme, but after a visit from occupational therapy, it was decided that a specially adapted wet room better suited her needs.

Her daughter, Amy, said: “She has difficulties at times getting in and out of the bath, so when she is having a bad day, we need to assist her.

“The wet room has been so much better for her independence, and it will really benefit her as her health gets worse.

“With Laura overseeing it and led by the team at Axis, it was brilliant from start to finish. There was no hold-up at all once it was agreed.

“They were only here for five days. It was so quick for the level of work and quality of work that was done. They had to reinforce the walls, take the bath out and basically completely change it.

“They really did a great job. I could see in my mum’s face that she was really happy. And she’s happy with the colours, the quality, just everything. It’s amazing.

“Mum said she hasn’t asked for much help in the time she’s been a resident. She’s so grateful. It was worth the wait.”

The team even put up Gloria’s new toilet roll holder and mirror for her, to complete the refurbishment.

Amy continued: “We’ve wanted her to have this normality and independence.

“You can see it’s been great for her. She doesn’t have to rely on me, and if I have to go out to work now, I know she is safe.”

Bradley Green, Head of Delivery in the South for L&Q, said:

“We’re thrilled that Gloria and Amy are happy with their new wet room. Residents are at the heart of our Major Works Investment Programme, and it's wonderful to hear that the works, carried out by our partner Axis Europe, went well.”

Joe Ibrahim, Managing Director at Axis, said:

“We are so motivated to put residents at the heart of everything we do.

“Our staff and supply chain are empowered to put them first in everything we do, and we want this resident’s experience to be a standard bearer for all projects we carry out.”

Learn more about L&Q’s Major Works Investment Programme.