For a number of people, whether due to age or a medical condition, wiping after using the bathroom can become a task. Not only is it a hassle to ask for help, but it can be a humiliating prospect. Thankfully there are plenty of toilet aids on the market for those who would otherwise have trouble cleaning themselves.
There are a number of reasons why people have issues wiping. For some it’s a mobility issue. Older adults, disabled, overweight or ill people might not have the ability to adequately wipe themselves after using the bathroom. Other medical issues, such as hemorrhoids, Crohn’s Disease, irritable bowel syndrome or nerve damage can make wiping the traditional way very painful. Individuals with those conditions might also benefit from toilet aids that assist in wiping.
Long Handle Wipers
There are several options when it comes to wiping aids. The most affordable and simplest options are long handle wipers. These wands range from $25 to $50 and are easy to use. The clip end of the wand holds the toilet paper, while the user holds the other end. The angle of the wiper allows for easy wiping while sitting on the toilet. Most wipers come with a button on top that releases the paper into the toilet when pressed, so the individual doesn’t have to touch it. These can be washed and sanitized and can last for many years with proper care.
Bidet Toilet Seats
Another option is a bidet toilet seat that cleans the individual with water after using the bathroom. These can replace the original toilet seat or be attached to the side of the seat. In order to use this wiping aid, the individual is seated and a spray of water fully cleans the bottom area. In some bidet models, after the water is sprayed, there is warm air that dries the area. All of these are controlled with a button panel on the side of the seat. The process is hygienic and simple with the costs of these bidet toilet seats starting at $35 to over $300 for the electronic systems.
Using the bathroom is a private affair, and losing the ability to wipe oneself afterward can be embarrassing. In the past the only solutions were either to hire a caretaker to assist in bathroom matters or to bring the individual into a group care home. With the advent of all of these wiping aids on the market, losing the ability to wipe no longer means a complete loss of independence. It’s possible to use a toilet aid and continue living a self-sufficient life.