Using a toilet or shower chair successfully
Some people using a toilet chair may have difficulty controlling when their bladder or bowels release.
If they cannot get to the toilet fast enough, they may have an accident.
Remember Aida?
She has her toilet chair next to her bed at night so that she can get to it quickly. This helps her to avoid accidents.
Below are some ways that can help a person get to their toilet chair and avoid accidents (leaks):
- Make sure the toilet is close by and easy to get to
- Improve mobility with the right mobility assistive products
- Get assistance from family members and carers to get to the toilet in time
- Choose clothes that are easy to get on and off
- If a person gets confused about where the toilet is, put a sign with a picture on the toilet door
- Use the toilet routinely after drinking and eating. Or set a time to remember to go at regular intervals
- For successful bowel movements, allow enough relaxed time on the toilet
- Use absorbent cloths as a back-up.
Question
Remember Mathias?
Mathias has diabetes and is frail. He lives with his wife. Sometimes he reaches the toilet but cannot get his clothing undone in time and leaks urine. He finds this upsetting.
What might help Mathias to avoid accidents?
- Mathias could wear trousers that are easy and quick for him to pull down
- Mathias could go to the toilet sooner, for example soon after he has had a drink
- Mathias may benefit from wearing absorbent cloths when he is out, as a back up.
Meet Luciana and her husband Jose
Luciana is 73 years old and lives at home with her husband Jose. Luciana has difficulty remembering and planning activities. She also has arthritis and walks with a rollator. She uses a toilet chair over the toilet to make it easier to sit down and stand up.
Sometimes Luciana forgets to go to the toilet. When she remembers, she does not get there fast enough. This is upsetting for Luciana and Jose.
What might help Luciana to avoid accidents?
- Depending on how far away Luciana’s toilet is, move the toilet chair to a private place closer to where Luciana spends her time. The toilet chair would then need a removable bucket.
- Jose could remind Luciana to go to the toilet, for example every two hours.
After teaching people how to use their toilet or shower chair, it is important to teach them how to take care of it. The next topic gives information about cleaning and maintaining a toilet or shower chair.