Toilet Solutions for Immobile People
People who are immobile need to choose appropriate methods for using the toilet based on their physical condition, as follows:
1. Elderly people who can sit in a wheelchair
Use the wheelchair transfer method, following standardized procedures. First, prepare and position: the elderly person sits in the wheelchair facing the toilet, applies the brake, moves the footrests aside, and leaves a space of 30 - 40 centimeters between the wheelchair and the toilet. The assistant stands on the paralyzed side of the elderly person and uses their lower limbs to stabilize the affected lower limb of the elderly person. The elderly person wraps their healthy hand around the assistant's neck or places it on the assistant's shoulder. The assistant supports the elderly person's lower back with one hand and assists in leaning forward with the other hand, shifting the center of gravity to the feet so that the buttocks leave the wheelchair seat. Finally, the family member and the elderly person move their feet in sync and turn around until the back of the elderly person's legs is close to the edge of the toilet. After assisting in removing the pants, support the lower back and slowly lower the buttocks onto the toilet. Key points: Ensure the wheelchair brake is fixed before operation; the assistant uses their lower limbs to stabilize the elderly person's affected side; avoid sudden exertion when getting up to prevent muscle strains or joint dislocations.
2. Elderly people who are completely unable to move independently
Use a transfer lift for assistance. First, prepare and fix the equipment: unfold the seat plate of the transfer lift and adjust it to match the width of the elderly person's buttocks. After transferring the elderly person from the bed to the seat plate, fix the double buckles. Then, move and position: push the transfer lift to directly above the toilet and fine-tune the position using the universal wheels so that the back of the elderly person's legs is in close contact with the edge of the toilet. Finally, perform the toilet operation: assist the elderly person in removing their pants, slowly lower the seat plate or use the built-in bedpan function. If using the toilet directly, ensure that the elderly person's buttocks are in full contact with the seat surface. Key points: Choose a transfer lift with a load-bearing capacity of ≥150 kilograms and made of thickened steel pipes; check the safety belt and buckles for integrity before each use; keep the movement stable during the transfer process to avoid bumps.
3. People who are bedridden and unable to take care of themselves for a long time
They can use special nursing tools, such as using a medical bedpan with a low front and high back, and handle the insertion and removal gently; wear adult diapers/pull-up pants, choose the appropriate size according to body weight and change them frequently; use a bedpan for urination and defecation, which adheres closely to the body and automatically collects and seals the excreta; for male patients who need to strictly record urine volume or have urinary retention, a urinary catheter can be indwelled with an external urine collection bag. Male patients who can urinate on their own can also use a plastic wrap bag-style urine collector or a special urine sheath. At the same time, pay attention to key details in nursing care to prevent bedsores. After each bowel movement, clean the perianal area and buttocks with warm water, dry them by pressing with a towel, and apply a diaper rash cream containing zinc oxide; establish a regular excretion pattern, assist the patient in using a bedpan or commode chair at regular intervals during the day to cultivate a conditioned reflex.
