Toileting: Tips, Equipment and Techniques

This Fact Sheet accompanies the Toileting class in the Techniques for Everyday Tasks classroom.

Problems with toileting may be caused by:

Encourage person to do as much as possible, such as manipulating and adjusting clothes
Use Velcro tape on clothing instead of zippers or buttons to simplify clothing
Make sure the person can sit on the toilet without discomfort or instability
Feet should rest on the floor and the person should have something to hold on to
Close bathroom door for privacy and to avoid excessive exposure
Remove scatter rugs to prevent accidents

Bring toilet closer to person to prevent accidents, using a three-in-one commode
Leave bathroom door open and the light on, so the toilet is visible
Install a sensor, so the light will turn on when someone enters the bathroom
Put nightlights in the bedroom, corridor and bathroom
Paint the bathroom door a bright color or put an sign on the door
Make sure the hallway leading to the bathroom is free of clutter
Make sure the bathroom has only the essential items
Avoid all external noise to prevent distractions

www.allegromedical.com (go to Bathroom Assist and look under various categories)
ecom1.sammonspreston.com/ (go to "personal care")
www.walgreens.com (look under Home Medical and then Toilet seats and commodes)
www.homedepot.com (look under “Shop” then “Kitchen and Bath ” then “Bath Safety”)
www.sears.com (look under “Catalogs” find Health and Wellness and then Bathroom Safety)

Home Depot and Lowe’s (may vary by store)

Eckerd and Walgreens (may vary by store)