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Designing an inclusive home starts with the details that make daily life easier and more dignified. Choosing the right bathroom taps is essential for creating a space that's safe, comfortable, and easy for everyone to use,  whether it’s a child just learning to wash their hands, a busy parent with full hands, or a senior with limited hand strength.
From accessible bathroom design to senior-friendly taps, the right fixtures do more than just provide water; they prevent accidents, provide essential scald protection, and promote long-term independence. Many people assume that "accessible" means "clinical," but modern universal design ensures that functionality and high-end style go hand in hand.
Here, at The Bathroom Showroom, we explore the most user-friendly bathroom tap designs for all ages and abilities. Looking at leading brands like Hansgrohe, Roca, and iflo, we highlight the latest in Cold Start technology, Cool-Touch surfaces, and ergonomic lever handles to ensure your next renovation is both beautiful and inclusive for the whole family.

The Best Easy-to-Use Bathroom Taps for Seniors, Kids, and Arthritis

1. Lever-Style Taps (The Gold Standard)

Lever taps are the most popular choice for universal design. Instead of requiring a "grip and twist" motion (which can be painful for those with arthritis), they only require a simple push or pull.
  • Single-Lever Mixers: A single handle controls both flow and temperature. They are intuitive and can even be operated with the side of the hand or an elbow.
  • Extended Levers (Clinic/Medical Levers): Often 150mm or longer, these provide extra leverage, making them incredibly easy to move with very little force.
  • Ceramic Disc Technology: Look for taps with ceramic discs rather than rubber washers; they allow for a smooth, "quarter-turn" operation that won't stiffen over time.

2. Touchless / Infrared Sensor Taps

Sensor taps are excellent for both the very young and the elderly because they eliminate the need for physical handles entirely.
  • Hands-Free: Water starts automatically when hands are detected, making them ideal for those with severe dexterity issues.
  • Safety & Hygiene: Since you don't touch them, they reduce the spread of germs. Most models have a pre-set temperature to prevent accidental scalding.
  • Eco-Friendly: They automatically shut off, preventing the common "forgotten tap" that can lead to bathroom flooding.

3. Push-Button (Select) Taps

Brands like Hansgrohe offer "Select" technology, which lets you turn the water on and off with a single button press.
  • Ease of Use: Great for children who may lack the coordination for levers.
  • Memory Feature: You can set the temperature to a safe level and simply press the button to get the exact same flow every time.

4. Key Safety Features to Look For

When selecting a tap for a multi-generational home, look for these specific safety certifications:
  • TMV2/TMV3 Rated: These thermostatic mixing valves maintain water temperature stability even when a toilet is flushed elsewhere, effectively preventing accidental scalds.
  • "Cold Start" Technology: When the lever is in the central position, only cold water flows. This saves energy by avoiding unnecessary boiler starts and protects children from a sudden blast of hot water.
  • Cool-Touch Bodies: This design ensures the exterior metal of the tap remains cool to the touch, preventing contact burns from the fixture itself.

Buy Accessible Bathroom Taps At The Bathroom Showroom 

Here at The Bathroom Showroom, you’ll find several high-quality brands that prioritise the "Safety Trio" (Thermostatic control, Cold Start, and Cool-Touch) and meet the criteria for user-friendly taps in this space.

Hansgrohe Rebris S Bathroom Taps (The Sustainable All-Rounder)

The Rebris S is designed for modern, multi-generational bathrooms where water efficiency and ease of use are top priorities.
  • Safety & Ease of Use Features:
CoolStart Technology: Like other premium Hansgrohe models, the Rebris S features a "Cold Start" function. When the handle is centered, only cold water flows, preventing accidental scalding and reducing energy bills.
Ergonomic Handle: The sleek, flat lever is designed for a comfortable grip, making it easy to flick on or off with minimal force—ideal for those with reduced hand strength.
EcoSmart+: This range uses significantly less water than standard taps without compromising the "plump" feel of the flow, which is great for families looking to be more eco-conscious.
  • Why it’s good for all ages: The "S" stands for "Soft," meaning it has rounded edges that are safer for children and easier to clean for seniors.

Roca Ona Bathroom Taps (The Modern Safety Choice)

The Roca Ona collection is a masterclass in "Universal Design", products that are naturally easy for everyone to use, regardless of age. It avoids the clinical look of traditional disability aids while offering top-tier safety.
  • Safety & Ease of Use Features:
Cold Start Technology: The Ona basin mixer defaults to cold water when the lever is in the central position. This simple feature is a game-changer for parents, as it ensures a child won't accidentally get a burst of hot water when they first turn the tap on.
SoftTurn® Lever: Roca’s patented cartridge technology ensures the handle moves with incredible precision and smoothness. It requires very little physical force to operate, making it ideal for seniors with limited hand strength or arthritis.
Optimised Spout Angle: The aerator is angled specifically to direct water toward the front of the basin. This makes it easier for small children or those using a stool to reach the water stream without overstretching.
EverShine® Finish: This extra-thick electrolytic coating is not just for looks; it makes the tap more resistant to scratches and easier to wipe clean, which is a huge benefit for users with reduced mobility.
  • Versatile Sizing for Accessibility: The Ona range comes in three heights: Standard, Mezzo (Medium), and Extended. For an accessible bathroom, the Mezzo height is often the "sweet spot," providing enough room for hands to move comfortably under the flow without being so tall that it splashes users with lower reach.

iflo Collection Bathroom Taps (Trade-Quality Accessibility)

Because iflo is an exclusive brand for The Bathroom Showroom, our taps are engineered for durability and often carry extensive 15-year guarantees. We offer a dedicated "Assisted Living" collection designed specifically for users who need extra help with grip and safety.
  • Safety & Ease of Use Features:
Ergonomic Levers: Ranges like iflo Aura and iflo Calm use smooth-action levers that require very little pressure to operate.
Cold Start Technology: Found in modern models like the iflo Tay, this ensures that the middle handle position only draws cold water, preventing accidental hot water surges for children.
Thermostatic Control: iflo offers several TMV3-approved options (the highest safety standard), which are often used in care settings but are perfect for a safety-conscious home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Accessible Bathroom Taps

What are the best bathroom taps for someone with arthritis? 
Lever-style and touchless sensor taps are best for arthritis. Lever taps require a simple push/pull motion rather than a painful "grip and twist," while sensor taps eliminate the need for physical contact entirely, making them the most comfortable option for those with limited hand dexterity.
How do "Cool-Touch" taps work? 
Cool-Touch technology uses an internal "channel" system where the cold water supply surrounds the hot water flow. This ensures the exterior metal surface of the tap never becomes too hot to touch, preventing contact burns,  a vital safety feature for young children and seniors.
Can I upgrade my current taps without replacing the whole unit? 
Yes. If you aren't ready for a full replacement, you can use Tap Turners. These are ergonomic handles that clip onto your existing cross-head or crystal taps to provide extra leverage, making them much easier to operate.
What is the difference between TMV2 and TMV3 safety ratings? 
Both are thermostatic mixing valves that prevent scalding. TMV2 is the standard for domestic homes, ensuring water stays at a safe, consistent temperature. TMV3 is a higher commercial grade often used in care homes and hospitals for enhanced protection of vulnerable users.
Are sensor taps difficult to maintain? 
Not at all. Most domestic sensor taps are battery-operated or use a simple plug-in transformer. Maintenance is similar to standard taps, but with the added benefit of being more hygienic and water-efficient since they turn off automatically.
Is it a legal requirement to use WRAS-approved bathroom taps? 
While WRAS approval itself is technically voluntary for manufacturers, complying with the UK Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations is a legal requirement for every homeowner. Choosing a WRAS-approved tap is the easiest way to prove to your water supplier that your fixtures won't contaminate the mains supply or waste water. If you’re building a new home, most UK water companies will actually refuse to connect your mains supply unless you can provide proof of WRAS-approved fittings.

Shop Leading Brands for Accessible Bathroom Taps: Bristan, Roca & iflo

Creating a bathroom that works for everyone doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style for functionality. By choosing taps with TMV2 thermostatic safety, Cool-Touch technology, and easy-to-use levers, you can build a safer environment for the whole family.
If you're ready to upgrade, The Bathroom Showroom offers an extensive range of accessible bathroom taps from leading brands like Bristan, Roca, iflo and many more. Whether you need a sensor tap for hygiene or a "Cold Start" mixer for safety, our experts are here to help you find the perfect fit.
​​Book an appointment with your local Bathroom Showroom. Experts in all things bathrooms, we can help turn your dream bathroom into a reality.