Everyone needs to use the bathroom, and everyone deserves to have access to a toilet or sanitation system so that they can relieve themselves and wash their hands as safely and independently as possible.  

Sunday 19 November is World Toilet Day, which highlights and raises awareness for the 3.5 billion people living without safe toilets or sanitation, which leads to disease and affects global health and the environment. It is also an opportunity to talk about the ways in which toilets could be more accessible for senior Australians or those with disabilities – and how even the simplest forms of AT can make a huge difference. 

Here are our suggested AT solutions to help you or your loved ones use the bathroom and practise personal hygiene. 

Being able to sit on the toilet comfortably is important – and AT can make it easier to sit down, get up, and even see the toilet seat, like a glow in the dark seat for those with dementia or vision impairments. Seat raisers can be simple to install and use on your toilet and can be adjusted to the height that you need, reducing movement and strain when sitting down. They can also have arm rests which can be used as supports or be moved out of the way if the user needs to move sideways from a wheelchair. Toilet frames are a more portable option, providing a sturdy armrest for users to lean on, and can be dismantled easily for your on-the-go needs. 

For those who need more support, shower commodes can be a safe and comfortable option, particularly for children with mobility needs. Wheeled shower commodes allow for easy manoeuvrability by a parent or carer, and can even come with a bedpan or bowl, or have washable and comfortable seating.  

Suggested AT solutions: 

→ see more toilet seats and toilet frames 

 

Assistive tech can also help with the other mechanics of going to the bathroom. Bottom wipers and portable bidets are excellent for helping with personal hygiene, particularly for those who have limited mobility and might find reaching, grabbing, or wiping difficult. For some older people, or those with chronic illness or disabilities, continence products can help make relieving themselves easier and more hygienic. This can include urinals or bedpans, but also products like bed protectors, pads, and underwear that can make you feel more comfortable.  

Cleaning the toilet is also important, and long handled ergonomic toilet brushes can reduce strain from bending over or help with grip and mobility. 

Suggested AT solutions: 

→ see more toileting aids 

 

Hygiene is important when going to the bathroom, including washing your hands. For a variety of reasons, some people may struggle with handwashing, whether it is a sensory issue, or whether the physical act of turning on a tap or rubbing hands together is difficult. Automatic soap dispensers allow the user to use soap without having to use their hands on a traditional soap pump, which can be slippery! Tap turners can also help users who struggle with fine motor skills or gripping items and make turning on the tap easier. Nail brushes can aid in handwashing by getting under the nails and cleaning hard to reach spots, like in-between fingers.  

For those who find handwashing very difficult, or for moments when you might be too fatigued to wash your hands, products like wash cloths, wipes, or even hand sanitizer can be used.  Fabric wash cloths can be used with soap and water and either rubbed against the hands or placed in or on the sink for you to wipe your hands against.  

Suggested AT solutions: