Bidet toilet seat: My husband has PSP and... - PSP Association

PSP Association

9,660 members11,568 posts

Bidet toilet seat

Crochetedcat profile image
19 Replies

My husband has PSP and we are remodeling to accommodate him. When incontinence is a problem, would a bidet toilet seat help? Thanks

Written by
Crochetedcat profile image
Crochetedcat
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
19 Replies
am2015 profile image
am2015

I think it definitely would. My mum is washed every bowel motion, it's hygienic and prevents infection.

Cp612 profile image
Cp612

Hello - for my husband the issue is of him reaching the toilet in time, then when he gets there not being able to remove his clothing in time his hip protectors and pads- then presuming he does not miss the toilet by falling first or misjudging his position as with his eyes he cannot look downwards. The care home where he is has slightly higher toilets than normal with no lids and a sliding door for access as well as grab handles. These considerations do assist him to have a modicum of independence but he needs plenty of intervention/assistance. I would suggest you might like to plan for future scenarios rather than the current situation as it changes so quickly and of course each day could be different. Do not be talked into by the occupational therapist a frame with grab handles that surrounds the toilet - is a major trip hazard, not stable enough etc. Hope this helps?

am2015 profile image
am2015 in reply toCp612

Have you tried using a commode chair, we started using one for mum when her balance became really poor and the grab rails were no longer helping. The commode chair can fit over the toilet and bidet. Transfer from bed straight to commode chair too toilet and back, no risk of falls.

Althea-c profile image
Althea-c in reply toam2015

We had all the grab handles put in when he was standing but now he is bent over and can't stand for long

We now put commode chai over the loo.it does the job. Wishing you the best. 💛🙏

am2015 profile image
am2015 in reply toAlthea-c

Thanks Althea. Anything to make life a little easier. We take the commode chair into the walk in shower to wash mum with the shower head, does the job.

Heady profile image
Heady

Personally, I wouldn't waste your money. They are very expensive. I would imagine, one fall and it would be broken. Allowing for the fact, that it is an area where a lots of falls occur.

Get a toilet that is higher than normal and loads of grab rails around. Make sure a wheel chair can get close, or a stand aid and you are able to move around him, to assist. All incontenance issues are caused because the messages aren't getting through, i.e., not enough time to get to the toilet, can't get there and don't know what to do when they are there or how to clean up afterwards. There was no way my husband would have known how to use the system or been capable of using it.

Save your money and spend it on decent grab rails that don't make the room look like a hospital bathroom. I have huge chunky chrome ones, even now, my bathroom looks great and rails don't look out of place. If you have to room, a large walk-in shower, that you can push a shower wheel chair into. One thing that saved Steve, was underfloor heating, the couple of times he fell in the bathroom and we had to wait for assistance, because I couldn't get him up!

Lots of love

Anne

aliciamq profile image
aliciamq in reply toHeady

Love the warm floor idea - Jack fell onto the cold floor bathroom in the process of pulling his pants on ~ he fell against the door so I couldn't get in 😕 I had to squish my foot through and try to push his butt over far enough to open the door - I got in☺️ Then had to turn him over on the chilly floor 😕Before I could get him up~

Crochetedcat profile image
Crochetedcat

We are installing a wall mount toilet at 19" and a roll in shower. I guess my question about a bidet toilet seat was for cleaning after using the toilet. Would it help with that or not. I realize my husband will not be able to operate a bidet by himself later on, but his career could use it to clean him. Does this sound reasonable? Thanks for your ideas.

CBP1 profile image
CBP1 in reply toCrochetedcat

We had a bidet for over 20 years and my husband loved it. He was diagnosed with PSP approximately three years ago. He has not been able to use the bidet for at least 18 months.

He now is transferred to a bedside commode using a lift.

I would we be concerned that a bidet would not be used long enough to make it cost effective.

Heady profile image
Heady in reply toCrochetedcat

I am sure they are good, but you will still have to assist with the cleaning and I am sure the bulk of this system would get in the way. Although I have never actually seen one personally.

Lots of love

Anne

CBP1 profile image
CBP1

I would not be able to safely get him over the bidet to clean him at this time.

jillannf6 profile image
jillannf6

Or fe t EGEBERITT AKRELE FOPOF TOILE TWHI IS GOOA

Crochetedcat profile image
Crochetedcat

Thanks for all the comments. I guess I haven't thought far enough into the future. I think we will probably not do a bidet. I can understand the problems with a bidet coming up in the future. Thank you all again.

Althea-c profile image
Althea-c in reply toCrochetedcat

PSP is a thief ... he takes our money,time, energy, patience. And just when we thought we were sorted .

Something else happens. 5 years ago my husband was told he would have to use a walking stick. Oh to have those days back. 💛🙏

Brenive profile image
Brenive

You can get a toilet that washes and blows warm air on you , can be used by just moving the arm rest with your elbow , its expensive from £3,ooo.upwards .seen it on line and also on DIY.sos.. lot of money , ok if it is in use for years....Brenda

I remodelled a bathroom for dad; taller toilet, grab bars, etc. He only used it about 9-10 months then it was decided it was unsafe even with help. Now it's all external catheters, Depends and bed pads.

Ron

Althea-c profile image
Althea-c

Is he balanced enough to sit on it. ?

Crochetedcat profile image
Crochetedcat in reply toAlthea-c

Yes, he is. And, there will be grab bars on each side of the toilet. Right now, W is walking without aid. I see him holding on to the furniture when he walks, but he can still walk almost everywhere on his own. I know the future will be much different, and I have decided I will try to take one day at a time, as well as try to plan for the future. I have been reading posts for several months and I can see what the future holds. I hope I will be as brave as all of you have been or are at the present time. Thank you.

laroux profile image
laroux

We had one, but found it not that helpful and ended up with a raised seat and handlebars. Something that can easily be changed at a later date without having to worry about having to plumb it in.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Shower Seat

My Husband has PSP for 5 years and is still able to shower himself standing up. Lately he has been...

toilet problems

my husband is constantly fretting about going for a number two. He said its just so messy. ive...
Kaka1234 profile image

Toilet opinion

Hi All Would like some opinions on best method. My husband is still mobile but needs help with all...
beau1988 profile image

Toilet time

Oh the problems of toilet time. All the struggle to use the equipment to transfer him into the...
jzygirl profile image

Toilet Seats

G now has great difficulty in sitting down/standing up from the toilet seat and if not helped falls...
Gadgetgeek profile image

Moderation team

HelenPSPA profile image
HelenPSPAAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.