One of the most important aspects of maintaining dignity and autonomy as an elderly or disabled person is hygiene. Being able to take care of oneself, to practice regular hygiene habits on your own is a core part of maintaining one’s wellbeing. And it is sadly very common that the disabled and the elderly lose control over this very basic function of life. Doing everything we can to take care of our loved ones by helping them be as independent as possible is the best way we can show love. There are of course many ways we can do this, but one of the better choices is having a bidet installed.
A properly installed bidet can help people with disabilities maintain hygienic practices much more easily. Furthermore, it can also assist with mitigating some common ailments and issues that can occur in people’s private areas.
Bidets – the basics
Bidets have had a bad rap, seen as either exotic, snobby European aristocrat luxuries, or unhygienic, vulgar tools. However, these tools are both very affordable, and rather hygienic at the same time. Originating in France in the early 17th century, it was more a matter of practicality than luxury. At the time regular bathing of one’s entire body was impractical and inconvenient. However, the bidet allowed people to still maintain the hygiene of their private areas on a regular basis.
As far as its function is concerned, it’s kind of found in the name. The word “bidet” is French, for pony. It is named in this manner because the user straddles it, like he or she would a small horse. It functions by having a spray of water shoot up, coming from the basin of the bidet. Then all you have to do is dry yourself off, something that is much simpler than simply wiping with toilet paper.
Helps with hygiene
One of the more common issues that prevent the disabled and the elderly to take care of their own hygiene is that they have limited hand and arm mobility. Whatever the cause, perhaps nerve damage because of a car crash, an inherited genetic problem that decreases motor function, ailments that come with age like Parkinson’s, it doesn’t matter. The point here is that a bidet simply doesn’t require the usage of your hands. A person who had issues with cleaning themselves after going to the bathroom because of their hands will now find it much easier to get the job done.
And in general, a bidet is more hygienic. Your hands are not in contact with germs and waste, since the water will wash most of it away. Furthermore, women will find it much easier to handle that time of the month when using the bidet.
Improves your health
Bidets also help with some health issues. Namely, toilet paper, even the softest brand, is still pretty harsh. It can cause damage to your private area, irritate underlying issues, and just be rather uncomfortable. And all of these problems are exacerbated by old age or certain disabilities.
Namely, things like haemorrhoids, constipation, general skin irritation, these all can be caused, or made worse, by using toilet paper. There are even moments where you can cause serious damage that can lead to infections in the private area, something that is not uncommon for the elderly and the disabled. A bidet will wash away most of the bacteria, as well as actually soothe the inflamed region. Most bidets have a system where you can change the water temperature. Using cold or warm water can help alleviate some of these issues even more.
Special additions
Another great aspect of bidets, especially for disabled and elder care, is its customizability. Namely, you can get a host of options that make peoples lives much easier and simpler. If it breaks down, getting bidet spare parts is pretty easy, and installing new functions is not difficult either.
Now, there are a couple of things you can get. For example, a bidet with an aerated wash system infuses the water jet coming out of the bidet with air bubbles. This makes the washing process much gentler, soothing even the most sensitive of skin conditions. Some bidets can come with a warm air dryer function. This means that people with very severe mobility issues don’t have to worry about drying off in the regular way. And, as always, it’s much gentler than a regular drying method.
Finally, there are bidets with wireless remote controls. These are much easier to use when compared to actually pressing the buttons on the bidet, specifically for people who might have neck or shoulder issues, while still maintaining hand dexterity.
Conclusion
Bidets are a very useful tool that can assist the elderly and the disabled in many ways. It minimizes the chance of infections occurring, bidet attachments are great for sensitive skin, and can alleviate certain issues that are directed at the groin area. But, above all it helps the elderly and the disabled stay independent, allowing them to take care of their hygiene and health.
