Devices To Assist In Wiping

Filed under Handicap Bathroom

For a number of people, whether due to age or a medical condition, wiping after using the bathroom can become a task. Not only is it a hassle to ask for help, but it can be a humiliating prospect. Thankfully there are plenty of toilet aids on the market for those who would otherwise have trouble cleaning themselves.

There are a number of reasons why people have issues wiping. For some it’s a mobility issue. Older adults, disabled, overweight or ill people might not have the ability to adequately wipe themselves after using the bathroom. Other medical issues, such as hemorrhoids, Crohn’s Disease, irritable bowel syndrome or nerve damage can make wiping the traditional way very painful. Individuals with those conditions might also benefit from toilet aids that assist in wiping.

Long Handle Wipers

There are several options when it comes to wiping aids. The most affordable and simplest options are long handle wipers. These wands range from $25 to $50 and are easy to use. The clip end of the wand holds the toilet paper, while the user holds the other end. The angle of the wiper allows for easy wiping while sitting on the toilet. Most wipers come with a button on top that releases the paper into the toilet when pressed, so the individual doesn’t have to touch it. These can be washed and sanitized and can last for many years with proper care.

Bidet Toilet Seats

Another option is a bidet toilet seat that cleans the individual with water after using the bathroom. These can replace the original toilet seat or be attached to the side of the seat. In order to use this wiping aid, the individual is seated and a spray of water fully cleans the bottom area. In some bidet models, after the water is sprayed, there is warm air that dries the area. All of these are controlled with a button panel on the side of the seat. The process is hygienic and simple with the costs of these bidet toilet seats starting at $35 to over $300 for the electronic systems.

Using the bathroom is a private affair, and losing the ability to wipe oneself afterward can be embarrassing. In the past the only solutions were either to hire a caretaker to assist in bathroom matters or to bring the individual into a group care home. With the advent of all of these wiping aids on the market, losing the ability to wipe no longer means a complete loss of independence. It’s possible to use a toilet aid and continue living a self-sufficient life.

Tags: Handicap Bidets, Long Handle Wipers, Wiping Aids

Making Your Toilet Seat Higher

Filed under Handicap Bathroom

Have you noticed yourself physically straining to sit down or stand up from a toilet lately? Did you recently undergo a surgery and now require post surgical aids in your bathroom? Or are you a  taller person who hates squatting down really low to use the toilet? By making your toilet seat higher by a few inches, using the toilet will no longer be strenuous or painful.

Higher Toilet Seats

For people that have suffered injury or have other physical limitations, raised toilet seats can be more than a convenience; they can reduce pain, fatigue and promote healing since less stress is being placed on injured areas. A higher toilet seat can mean less anxiety, too, for those who know they will have a difficult time standing up from a low sitting position. It is also great for camping trips and outdoor sports to ensure hygiene in public bathroom and portable toilet facilities.

So what is the basic cost of toilet risers? How can you make your toilet seat higher to improve your health? Is there any special cleaning or care for higher toilet seats involved? Let us take a look at some of the basics.

The Cost

Depending on your specific needs, raised toilet seat attachments may cost anywhere from $15 to $70 or more. Basic models are made of molded Polyethylene and other lightweight, durable plastic or synthetic material.

Most models are also portable, making them easy to carry with you on trips or vacations. There are models available with detachable handles, too, for added stability and ease of use for those that need assistance rising. Be sure to check the information about weight capacity before purchasing a raised seat, as some do come with weight limits and restrictions.

Higher Toilet Seat Options

• Cushioned Toilet Seats - For a bit more height and cushion to your toilet seats, make use of these cushions. Great for someone with hemorrhoids or use after surgery.
• Raised Toilet Support Frames - Provides great support when standing or sitting. Side rails and a sturdy frame allow individuals with weaken lower mobility to get the assistance they need.
• Hard Plastic Toilet Seats – Does not offer all the possible safety features but is a simple and affordable design that can be easily installed. Also comes with a lid.
• Bottom Install Toilet Seat Risers - Harder to install because this device requires the removal of the existing toilet. You place this bottom install toilet riser below the toilet to raise the height of the seat. Click here to read more about this product.

Cleaning Raised Toilet Seats

The best raised toilet seats will be easy to clean with little hassle. Typically, wiping down a toilet riser with a proper disinfectant after every use is enough to keep it safe, hygienic and free of odors. Anti-bacterial towelettes, wipes, scrubs or sprays are usually safe to use on raised seats, but it is also important to wipe them down with water afterward to clean away any residue from these cleaners that might irritate skin.

If you have any questions about proper care or cleaning, you can always contact us or call the manufacturer or your doctor for more advice. Making your toilet seat higher with a raised seat can be a great option to consider if you or a loved one needs added comfort in the bathroom, at home or on trips.

Tags: Higher Toilet Seats, Raised Toilet Seat with Safety Rails