{"id":767,"date":"2019-06-12T09:00:28","date_gmt":"2019-06-12T09:00:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/activeseniorsclub.co.uk\/?p=767"},"modified":"2019-06-11T13:11:14","modified_gmt":"2019-06-11T13:11:14","slug":"how-to-wipe-an-elderly-person","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/activeseniorsclub.co.uk\/how-to-wipe-an-elderly-person\/","title":{"rendered":"Helping An Elderly Person Use The Toilet"},"content":{"rendered":"

Using the toilet can be dangerous for seniors with limited mobility, reduced strength and health problems.<\/p>\n

Even those who are still independent to a high degree may find it difficult to navigate the small bathroom space, sit down on the toilet seat and stand up when they are done.<\/p>\n

Routine habits like wiping can be troublesome too.<\/p>\n

When assisting someone to use the toilet what should you be considering?\u00a0How to wipe an elderly person? These are the questions you may ask.<\/p>\n

If you are assisting an elderly person to use the toilet, safety is the most important thing; safety for the senior and safety for you as well.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s easier than you think to hurt yourself while helping them sit down or stand up.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also important that you are both comfortable with the situation.<\/p>\n

Here are some helpful tips and some things to consider when helping an elderly person use the toilet.<\/p>\n

Get a Raised Toilet Seat<\/h2>\n

A normal toilet seat may be too low to use comfortably. Even with your help, they\u2019ll have difficulty sitting down and standing up.<\/p>\n

A raised toilet seat makes bathroom visits so much easier, and safer.<\/p>\n

There are different types of raised toilet seats<\/a>. Some are freestanding while others attach to the existing toilet seat (usually no tools needed for installation).<\/p>\n

Get one of those raised toilet seats with bars or armrests. These are good if your elderly family member want to retain some independence. They can sit and stand on their own.<\/p>\n

If the toilet seat has no bars, have a support bar installed near the toilet.<\/p>\n

Use a Commode<\/h2>\n

For bedridden seniors or those who cannot use the normal toilet, a commode is a great choice. You can set it up by their bedside or in the room where they spend most of their time.<\/p>\n

A commode is a chair with a potty at the bottom. In many cases, the potty is hidden under the chair\u2019s bottom.<\/p>\n

Make sure the commode is high enough for easy and safe use.<\/p>\n

Staying Safe<\/h2>\n

If they have a lot of difficulty walking to the toilet, a bedside commode is really the best and safest option.<\/p>\n

Trying to force them to use the toilet can cause injury for them and even you.<\/p>\n

If their mobility is still good, help them get to the toilet safely.<\/p>\n

You may need to help them undo buttons on their clothing or remove some of their clothing.<\/p>\n

Make sure they are safely seated on the toilet or commode before you leave them alone to provide some privacy.<\/p>\n

Ask them to call you when they are done. If they have trouble speaking, a simple bell near the toilet can provide an easy way to get your attention.<\/p>\n

How To Wipe An Elderly Person<\/h2>\n

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Some seniors are able to wipe on their own. Just make sure that there is enough toilet paper and that it\u2019s within easy reach.<\/p>\n

You can even unroll several lengths and leave them nearby before you go.<\/p>\n

If your elderly family member or friend cannot wipe on their own, here\u2019s how to help them.<\/p>\n