Wheelchair Toileting - Commode

Self-care is one of the most important elements of independence. Unfortunately, the ability to take care of personal hygiene is usually very difficult for individuals living in a wheelchair. While most people simple run to the bathroom, or take a quick 5-minute shower when necessary, the disabled may need 10 times longer, even with assistance. Therefore, the handicapped are willing to try almost anything to make toileting easier.

Going to the restroom is a daily part of life. Under normal circumstances, activities are disrupted for a minute or two. For the handicapped, the biological need becomes a major production. Even for paraplegics, who have excellent body strength, eliminating waste takes much longer than the average person. However, several options are available to make the task a little easier. For example, a raised toilet with handrails is standard in handicapped accessible public restrooms. At home, an apparatus can be purchased to raise the toil seat and provide transfer grips to slide from the chair to the stool.

For the quadriplegic, the simpler aids will not suffice. For safety and strength in lifting, hydraulic lifts can swing the disabled over the stool or into the bathtub. Years ago, hospitals had swings to move patients. Now, smaller portable versions are available for home use. The lifts are designed for a single caregiver to guide and lower into position.

Some patients cannot easily be moved, with or without a sling. Thus, toilet wheelchairs are available with a slide pan, much like a bedpan, to remove and empty. The wheelchair potty is also great for showers. Putting a regular wheelchair into the shower is not a logical choice. When the shower is over, the patient has to be moved to dry off the chair. The stool wheelchair (commode) allows for the water to flow and not pool under the handicapped individual.

For patients with a little more mobility, a simple shower chair may be the answer. With transfer seats, the person slides into the shower. With a handheld shower nozzle, and handrails, the rest is easy. After the shower, dry off as much as possible and transfer back into the regular wheelchair.

Realistically, with all the aids in the world, life for the physically challenged will also be more difficult. In a pinch, the average person can take care of toileting needs in 5-10 minutes. Meanwhile, wheelchair toileting can take hours. Whether the disabled need hand rails, raised seats, transfer seats, or the almighty swing, purchasing thoughtful technology can save time, avoid serious injury from falls, and prevent caregivers from getting hurt. So, maintain some measure of dignity and make life a little easier with toileting aids.

Next article: Wheelchair Transfer Boards