Assisted toileting can be a challenging and sometimes daunting experience for both the caregiver as well as the person being assisted with toileting. Thankfully, there is toilet equipment that can help make this process easier by allowing ample access to hygiene, comfort, safety and convenience.
Whether you are caring for an elderly parent who is no longer able to properly use their own toilet or helping a wheelchair user who may have limited mobility and ability to get up and down, specialty toilet equipment gives caregivers the tools they need so that their loved one can participate in independent activities like using the restroom.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at different types of equipment designed specifically for enhanced accessibility when it comes to assisted toileting.
Overview
Assisted toileting is a necessity for many people with limited mobility due to an injury, chronic illness, aging, or other impairments. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of products available to help people stay as independent and safe as possible while taking care of their toileting needs.
This equipment includes raised toilet seats, seat lifts that provide support while getting on and off the toilet, bedpans and urinals, commodes, and transfer benches that slide over the toilet so users can easily move from their wheelchair to the toilet safely. Consider speaking with an occupational therapist for more information on assisted toileting items and how they could benefit you or someone in your care.
How toilet aids can be helpful as we age
As we age, our bodies are more prone to injury and illness. This can put us at greater risk of falling while using the bathroom if we don’t have the right equipment such as grab bars or extra support from a rail system. Toilet aids provide additional stability and security when getting on and off the toilet, allowing seniors to remain independent and safe.
Toilet Equipment To Help With Assisted Toileting
Bathroom Grab Rails
Grab rails are an important toilet aid for seniors who have decreased strength and balance. By providing a stable handhold, these rails help prevent falls by giving users something to lean on while transferring to and from the toilet. Grab bars can be installed in various places around the bathroom depending on individual needs, such as near the toilet or shower/bath.
Raised Toilet Seats
Raised toilet seats are a great solution for those who have difficulty getting up from the standard toilet seat height. This type of equipment is designed to fit on most standard toilets and can be adjusted to different heights. The extra boost helps reduce strain on hips and knees, allowing users to sit comfortably while remaining steady and secure.
Toilet Frames
Toilet frames provide extra support and stability for those who struggle to get up or down from the toilet without assistance. These frames are typically installed around the toilet and provide a sturdy handrail system that users can use to assist them when transferring. Toilet frames can be adjusted in height, making them suitable for different users.
Toilet Aids For Wheelchair Users
For those who use a wheelchair, toilet aids like transfer benches make it easier to move from the chair onto the toilet without causing strain or injury. Transfer benches can be installed overtop of the toilet and provide extra stability while getting on and off. This type of equipment also helps reduce the risk of falling, as users can use it to safely and securely transfer from their wheelchair onto the toilet.
Commode
What Is A Commode?
A commode is an independent, self-sufficient toilet sans running water – a chair equipped with a toilet seat accompanied by a container underneath. For those who frequently need to get up at night or are susceptible to falling, having their own bedside commode can be incredibly beneficial in increasing independence and providing the convenience of nighttime toileting without wasting energy or feeling fatigued.
Different Types Of Commodes
A static commode, like this one, is an ideal choice for those who are independent during the day and need help with toileting only at night. Unlike wheeled models, it stays in place providing stability and reliability throughout its use.
For those of you looking for a more top-of-the-line product with features such as adjustable leg height, additional padding, and arm removal for side transfers, the Etac Swift Commode Chair may just be your answer. Check out the images below to get a better picture of this amazing commode chair.
When selecting commodes for someone who has care needs, wheels could be an invaluable addition. Ensure to confirm that the flooring of their home is compatible with the wheels and can carry their weight. Additionally, you should keep in mind that while commodes are practical pieces of equipment that aid in assisted toileting, they may not meet your aesthetic standards. Nevertheless, considering them as an option before making a purchase is well worth it!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Q. What is the best-assisted toileting equipment for the elderly?
A. The best type of assisted toileting equipment for the elderly will depend on an individual’s specific needs and preferences. Generally, grab rails, raised toilet seats, toilet frames, and commodes are all good options to consider.
Q. Are grab bars necessary for safe?
A. Yes, grab bars are an important part of bathroom safety and can be especially useful for anyone with mobility issues or balance problems. Grab bars provide an extra layer of security when getting on and off the toilet, as well as when transferring in and out of the bathtub or shower. Installing grab bars is an easy way to create a safe environment.
Q. How do you measure a commode?
A. When measuring for a commode, it is important to consider the user’s height and weight, as well as the width of any door frames or hallways that might be used to transport the commode from room to room. Additionally, measure the height of your existing toilet seat so. that you can purchase a commode of the appropriate height for the user’s comfort and safety.
Q. What is a transfer bench?
A. A transfer bench is a toilet aid designed to help people with mobility issues get on and off the toilet safely and efficiently. Transfer benches are typically installed around the toilet and provided. a stable surface on which the user can sit, allowing them to transfer from the wheelchair onto the seat and back again with minimal effort. They also provide additional stability while getting up or down off the toilet, helping reduce the risk of falling.
Conclusion
For those who have difficulty using the bathroom, toilet aids and equipment like grab rails, raised toilet seats, toilet frames, transfer benches, and commodes offer a great way to remain independent and safe. Each type of equipment has its own purpose and provides different benefits depending on individual needs. It is important to consider all available options when selecting the right toilet aid to ensure that it is suitable for the user.
No matter which type of toilet aid you decide on, they all provide an extra layer of safety and comfort when using the bathroom. So make sure to take your time to find the right equipment for you or a loved one!
