Mom is paralyzed on one side and having trouble "wiping" her backside on the toilet in our new home. There isn't enough clearance when reaching underneath and back to reach her bottom. I've been trying to research toilet seats to find out why some toilet seats are easier for her than other but can't find a solution as to what/why causes this dilemma. Any suggestions?
It's available from CVS and other places, too, I'm sure.
Just make sure your LO is not using an abundnace of TP and NOT flushing those 'flushable wipes'. They really aren't flushable!!
Fanwer Toilet Aids Tools,Long... (amazon.com)
before: quick wipe of area with a lightly Vaseline coated TP. Just enough Vaseline to create a non stick surface.
after BM: stand up, dry wipe excess, throughly spray & wipe area with TP or non flushable wipes, dispose of wipes, sit down for a quick rinse in the sitz pan to remove any residuals.
You could also get a bidet toilet if you really want to "splurge" or they do have bidet seats that will aid in cleaning. You should have a power source nearby so that you can adjust the water temp otherwise it will be cold.
And oddly I did recently see a "tool" that enables you to wipe more easily. Think of it as like one of those grabbers that you put the toilet paper onto. Obviously it was angled differently. (OK..Googled it and there are many. Search for Toilet aids, long reach comfort wipe. the only problem that I see with it, and it might be a BIG problem its for Back to Front wiping and that might lead to UTI or other problems if fecal matter gets to the urethra.
I seen toilets sold even taller but they cost hundreds and must be special ordered.
I just lost my wife after a long, disabling process that had her bedridden. We had Hospice, thank God. I still was her 24/7 unpaid caregiver but the “paid” part didn’t matter. We lived month to month. That’s not going to change since she’s gone, as long as I can stay healthy anyway.
My right hand is numb. Swollen, and hurts most all the time. It’s been evaluated. I use to get effective painkillers but that ended with the war on opioids.
Aleve helps. Hot water soaks with massage helps. Braces do sometimes.
You don’t want to be wearing one when trying to clean your bottom.
I live alone with my cat in a nice apartment. I fix my own breakfast every day. So I can still manage that.
I often take my hot food into the bathroom as the IBS some mornings doesn’t leave me much choice.
I keep a plastic jug of Clorox & water close by in both bathrooms. Paper towels. Lined waste basket. Toilet bowl scrubbers. Etc.
A higher toilet would be nice. Can’t wait to ask the Super for them. ( Joke).
I run laundry every other day. Haven’t had any accidents on the bed or other furniture yet. I use a cane & wheelchair. I have a Medicare Advantage HMO with excellent prescription coverages. Lost most of my hearing now, so I don’t engage in conversations.
I am fortunate to have a daughter that looks after me, and a son who does likewise. Plus their very supportive spouses.
I’m going to look into that tool. Never knew such existed until today. Thanks.
Good Luck.
I know a company that specializes in these types of products. Please let me know if you need more information?
John
Rosie, MS, OT
Maybe install one of those French type badges sp?
Look at the toilet seats she has no trouble with. Are they elongated or round. Is toilet higher than the ones she has trouble with. Most pub toilets, like in drs office, are disabled/ADA toilets. Not really much taller than a regular toilet but that extra inch or two might be what she needs. Where are the toilets she has no problem using? Start there.