Reduced Mobility- How Toileting Aids Help
Toileting aids provide more than just a means of going to the bathroom. As we age, we might find that we need help with tasks that we have done by ourselves throughout our lives. One of the main examples of this is using the toilet, an action that for many of us is so simple that we don’t even think about it. Unfortunately, ageing often results in reduced mobility, and many elderly and disabled people either struggle or are dependent on the help of carers when going to the toilet- an action that is so private for many of us.
This can cause unnecessary stress and embarrassment, as well as a confidence drop. Individuals may feel like they are less likely to complete other tasks by themselves, which can lead to depression and further dependence on others. This results in less tasks being carried out by the individual. According to a study by Sherry L. Willis (PHD), “a critical aspect of functional health is the maintenance of independence — the ability to care for oneself, to manage one's affairs, and to live independently…” This highlights why it is essential for steps to be taken to ensure that the individual is able to use the toilet by themselves for as long as possible.
Essential Toilet Aids
Padded toilet seats are a staple for care facilities, as they offer the user a comfortable surface to sit on and relieve any unnecessary aches and pains.
Many padded toilet seats are also raised, so that the user doesn’t have to lower themselves or over-extend to sit on the toilet. This makes them the ideal choice for patients with arthritis or with disabilities which limit movement.
Toilet surrounds can provide users with additional stability and support, helping to promote independence and reduce any unnecessary strain placed on carers. Many toilet surrounds are adjustable, meaning that they can be modified to suit the height requirements of the individual. Some toilet surrounds are even coloured, which has been proven to help patients who are living with dementia.
Sometimes it might be too difficult for the individual to reach a conventional toilet due to stairs, distance etc. Enter the commode. These chairs are either static or mobile, and contain a removable chamber pot which can be switched by the nurse or carer. Commodes require manual emptying, however they can be placed in locations suited to the user as their location isn’t restricted by plumbing. In fact, they can even be disguised as normal furniture when not in use. The commode can also be used without the chamber pot by placing the user in the chair and wheeling them over a functional toilet, offering them additional privacy.
How can we help?
Beaucare supply a great range of toilet aids as part of our selection of care products for domestic use, medical facilities and care homes. If you would like to learn more about which toileting aids are best suited to your requirements, please don’t hesitate to give our friendly, knowledgeable team a call on