Toilet Aids for Handicapped People

Toilet aids are gadgets designed for people with limited mobility. For people who are handicapped, caring out their daily hygiene tasks may be a challenge them. Toilet aids for handicapped people have been made to make these tasks easier for them. They are numerous and each aid has its own unique feature and use.

Types of toilet aids

The tools can be categorized into 5 sub-groups namely:

• Toilet surrounds and frames
• Commodes
• Grab rails and bars
• Raised toilet seats
• Urinals and bedpans.

Since these mobility aids have different uses, there is, therefore, a need to make the most appropriate choice. This can be guided by the help of an expert such as a therapist. A good aid should;

• Be able to increase users’ self-support ability.
• It should be able to make the user self-reliant by requiring little or no human assistance.
• Be easy to use and non-complex.

Let us no look into each subcategory and what each entails.

• Toilet Surround and Frames

These are aids installed around the toilet mostly with the use of a bolt and screw. These toilet aids for handicapped people help them sit on and rise off the toilet with much ease. They act as support rails on which one can hold on to. These products are super easy and safe to use. They are convenient as they are width and height adjustable.

• Commodes

These are special forms of furniture that are designed with containers underneath them. They are used as toilets. They are convenient as they easy to use and highly portable. The Seat and Frame have a good height and hand-handles for support. Some like the Padded Toilet Seat is designed to give the user a soft and comfortable experience. Raised Toilet Seats have a higher height to reduce the distance one has to bend to seat on the toilet and raise.

• Grab and Rail Bars

These are the most independent aids. They are designed to give a support system to handicapped people. They come in a variety of types. One needs to look into each type before choosing one. These types include;

• Flat end Grab rail. Their flat end makes it easy for them to be attached to the wall. There are durable as they are made of strong stainless steel with a polyester coating.
• Plastic Knurled Grab Rail. They have fixing points in their ends and can be attached to the wall. There are designed to give the users extra grip even with wet hands. They are non-slippery.
• Suction Grab Rail. They have suction cups that attach themselves on any smooth surface. Suitable where drilling is not possible like on tiles. They are easy and safe to use. They can be used both indoors and outside.
• Plastic Fluted Grab Rail. They have molded ends for fitting. The aids are made of polypropylene plastic making them warm to the touch. They are designed to offer the user comfort and ease of use for support.
• Round End Steel Grab Rails. They have an attractive design. Their ends are made of plastic. There are suitable for long term use as they are stainless.

Urinal and Bedpans

Bedpans come in the form of shallow bowls shaped like toilets. They are designed for bedridden people. They are made of plastic or metal for use for both urinary and fiscal waste.   Urinals are shaped like bottles. They are meant for urination only by people with mobility limitations and those with incontinence issues. Due to the human body anatomy, they are mostly made for men. Women use bedpans. They make the user independent as they require minimal assistance.

Their Benefits Of Toilet Aids

• They help especially those who are paralyzed and bedridden to sit on and rise off the toilet seat.
• These aids offer support to users.
• They aid to build the independence and self-reliance of their users.
• They act as safety gear.

The above-mentioned toilet aids for handicapped people are built to help them can carry out their hygiene businesses without disgrace. For those who are bedridden, these aids give their caregivers a hand in keeping them clean. Their simple designs make them useful and convenient.