Stowmarket-based business helps transforms Ipswich home

Stowmarket-based firm Suffolk Mobility Solutions was set up by Ian Bell during October 2020 after he was made redundant at his previous job.

The following four years has seen Mr Bell and his team of specialist fitters convert homes to accommodate the needs of elderly or disabled people. 

Ian Bell (left) gained insight into adaptations after his wife had a stroke (Image: Suffolk Mobility Solutions)

Recently the business marked its 100th project by converting a bathroom for Liz and Rod Ayden, from Ipswich.

Mrs Ayden suffered a serious stroke in August 2023 that serious affected her mobility and asked the company if it could make some alterations to the bathroom to suit her needs. 

“The stroke I suffered last year has severely affected my left side and with arthritis too, getting around has been increasingly difficult – even in my own home," said Mrs Ayden. 

The en-suite was no longer suitable for Liz and Rod (Image: Suffolk Mobility Solutions)

"Luckily our bedroom was already on the ground floor of our house, but its bathing I struggle with most.

"I can’t get into the bath, and while I have some lovely carers who come round, there’s nothing like being under a stream of warm water and washing your own hair in the shower.”

Mrs Ayden added the adaptations have helped return her "dignity, independence and privacy".

Mr Bell said: “What we do is more than just installing ramps, wet rooms and widening doorways – it’s a personal service which takes the time to ask people what alterations they need to make their life easier and allow them to do the things they love.

"I set up the business to make a difference to people’s lives and offer solutions which help people enjoy their forever homes.

"Achieving this for 100 people in Suffolk is something I am incredibly proud of."