Hydrotherapy plays a vital role in improving mobility, reducing pain, and enhancing the overall well-being of individuals with various physical and neurological conditions. However, despite its numerous benefits, accessing hydrotherapy pools in the UK is becoming an increasingly difficult challenge for families and care professionals. Innova Care Concepts have a plan to change this...
Making hydrotherapy accessible for all is a growing challenge; a combination of public facilities closing due to rising costs, and a lack of clear information on available pools, have left thousands of people struggling to find the hydrotherapy services they need.
This issue is particularly concerning for individuals with complex disabilities and care needs, as many hydrotherapy users require special equipment, such as hoisting systems or hygiene rooms, to access the pools safely.
Without reliable and easy to find information about the availability of such facilities, it becomes nearly impossible for users and their caregivers to confidently locate a pool that meets their specific requirements.
As the accessibility crisis deepens, a new tool from hydrotherapy pool design and fit-out specialists, Innova Care Concepts, is offering hope by shining a light on available hydrotherapy facilities and providing a resource for local communities to find pools that meet their needs.
The quest for hydrotherapy: where is my nearest pool?
Finding a hydrotherapy pool in the UK has become an uphill battle. While there are approximately 180 hydrotherapy pools open to the public across the country, gaining regular access to these facilities is a significant challenge.
The number of accessible pools pales in comparison to the demand, and a combination of logistical and financial barriers has made it nearly impossible for many families to secure the therapy they need.
A recent study by Muscular Dystrophy UK paints a stark reality on the severity of the issue. The research highlights several key obstacles facing those seeking hydrotherapy treatment, that include:
Limited availability: Many hydrotherapy pools are located in schools and are only open during school hours or term times, making access highly restrictive.
Financial barriers: Privately-owned hydrotherapy pools can charge as much as £75 for a 30-minute session, an exorbitant cost for many families and care providers.
Travel distances: Nearly 20% of respondents in the Muscular Dystrophy UK study reported traveling between 20 and 100 miles to reach a hydrotherapy pool.
Accessibility issues: Many pools lack the necessary equipment for individuals with disabilities, such as hoisting systems or appropriate changing facilities.
This combination of factors leaves many families and caregivers grappling with the physical, emotional, and financial strain of securing hydrotherapy services.
Alarmingly, the same study reveals that there are more than 362 hydrotherapy pools in the UK exclusively for animals – more than twice the number available for people with muscle-wasting conditions.
Hydrotherapy is a proven therapeutic intervention that can significantly improve quality of life for individuals with conditions such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and multiple sclerosis. Its benefits include improved mobility, reduced pain, and better coordination and balance.
Yet, the stark disparity between the number of hydrotherapy pools available for animals versus people highlights the huge challenge in finding and using public hydrotherapy pools in the UK.
Introducing the HydroPool Finder: a solution for local communities
Having worked with families, occupational therapists and case managers over the last decade, Innova Care Concepts have recognised the urgent need to address the hydrotherapy accessibility gap.
To deliver a solution to the problem, Innova have partnered with the Aquatic Therapy Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (ATACP) and The Paddock Pool, to develop the HydroPool Finder.
This innovative tool aims to empower families and care professionals by providing them with a simple, user-friendly way to locate hydrotherapy pools that meet their specific needs.
The HydroPool Finder is very simply an online map that lists hydrotherapy pools across the UK. It allows users to search for facilities based on their location, the cost of sessions, pool depth, and the availability of essential equipment such as hoisting systems. Pool providers are encouraged to make their facilities visible on the platform, ensuring that users can easily find the most suitable pool in their local area.
Each pool listed on the HydroPool Finder includes comprehensive details such as the venue's address, on-site facilities, pool availability, and even photographs of the pool. For those seeking more in-depth information, the tool features a 'Featured Pools' section, which highlights specific venues and provides contact information for aquatic therapy practitioners on site.
Addressing accessibility gaps: real-time pool updates
One of the key benefits of the HydroPool Finder is its ability to notify users about newly available pools in their chosen area. As public hydrotherapy pools continue to close, staying informed about new facilities as they open can be a game-changer for families and care professionals.
The tool's personalised notification system allows users to select regions of interest and receive updates when new pools that meet their criteria become available. This feature ensures that users and carers don't have to continually search for pools, saving valuable time and providing peace of mind.
In an era where access to healthcare services is becoming increasingly complex, tools like the HydroPool Finder offer a much-needed solution to streamline the process of finding hydrotherapy resources.
Building a community of support: adding a pool to the Finder
The HydroPool Finder is more than just a search tool; it is a platform designed to build a sense of community among those who rely on hydrotherapy. By enabling users to contribute information about hydrotherapy pools they are familiar with, the tool fosters a collective effort to expand access to these crucial services.
Users can easily add details about pools they know of by creating an account on the platform. They are encouraged to submit information such as the pool's name, address, and any relevant specifications about equipment and accessibility. Once the details are verified, the pool is added to the database, helping to build a more comprehensive resource for the entire community.
This collaborative approach not only helps ensure that all available pools are accurately represented, but it also encourages users to share valuable insights and recommendations, ultimately making hydrotherapy more accessible for everyone who needs it.
Transforming hydrotherapy accessibility in the UK
The accessibility of hydrotherapy pools in the UK is at a critical juncture. With public pools closing and the costs of private facilities rising, many individuals are being left without access to the aquatic physiotherapy they need to improve their health and well-being.
The HydroPool Finder represents a significant step forward in addressing this issue. By offering a simple, effective way for families and care professionals to locate hydrotherapy pools that meet their needs, Innova Care Concepts is helping to ensure that more people can benefit from this life-changing therapy.
In a time of growing demand for accessible healthcare services, tools like the HydroPool Finder have the potential to transform how we approach hydrotherapy in the UK. By increasing visibility and making it easier to find the right facilities, this platform can play a pivotal role in expanding access to hydrotherapy for all.
For more information about the HydroPool Finder, or to find out how you can make your hydrotherapy facility visible to those in need, contact Innova Care Concepts today.
Check out the HydroPool Finder here.