Retired nurse of 40 years. Worked in nursing homes 4 years. Skin on elderly is thin and prone to chafing or bleeding from wiping to remove feces. And the concentrated urine in the dehydrated is very difficult to remove the odor from diaper area. We used a non rinse spray cleanser and I insisted on warm water ( in bath basin) with soft washcloths ( oh, how much resistance from nurse assistants!) but this technique was the best way ( and of course clean clothes and sheets/ protective pads under patient, every time. Long term care facilities are known for unpleasant odors. But, a great nurse manager or Director of facility won’t tolerate poor care. His/ Her pay depends on it
@@alexandraday3685 69. I’m not sure what you mean, but I taught high school for 40 years, and the boys’ locker room smelled down the hall! I think my mom and grandma took me to a hospital where my great-grandmother or someone like that, was. I’m not sure. I was too young, but I sure remember the smell.
Right across from the toilet is my bathtub which has a wide sill and a vertical grab bar attached to it. This enables me to use the tub as a bidet. I place a washcloth on the wide sill (for comfort) then sit on the cloth with my "exit" hanging into the tub area. I use the handheld shower device to clean the area. I pat myself dry then rinse the tub thoroughly. This arrangement works well for me, takes only a minute... and costs nothing. PS - another plus is that I can use WARM water if I wish.
@@oldegoatee8450 I'm able to set my handheld shower to a single stream as well as control the power of that stream. This is an extremely comfortable way to clean my butt without a lot of hassle. PS - To dry thoroughly I use a small hairdryer on warm setting. Towels only get me "damp dry."
@@msherry5 Sure works well for me. Just make sure you don't lose your balance and fall backwards into the tub. I wouldn't even try it without one of those grab bars attached to the tub to aid in sitting down, getting up, and balance.
Install a Bidet - you will thank yourself. Best thing as you age for helping you stay clean and fresh. It has been a major blessing for me as I take care of my 94 year old FIL.
We have one in our en suite and also a bum gun in the other toilet which my husband uses. We had an Asian lady own the unit before we bought it and she installed the hygiene devices.
Seven years ago I fell down some stairs and broke both ankles. I remembered back when I had a caesarean section and the hospital sent me home with a " Personal Spray Bottle", and was thankful to have one, and a donated commode. Since my home was built in 1927 and doorway to the bathroom was to narrow for my wheelchair. I'm healed now and still use a personal spray bottle
A little off topic: Fell & Broke both ankles? Ohmygosh. 7 years ago or now: You get Respect. That you thought of your C-section & Spray Bottle---mmm-hmm, THAT pretty much says it all. Thanks for info.
An interesting and instructive video for elderly people. But why the background noise? Many old folks have hearing loss and the "music" makes understanding difficult.
I'm not elderly yet (I'm definitely middle aged, although my body disagrees and acts older than my parents who are in their 80s thanks to being terminal and being in a double lung transplant program from a bad immune system), but some of the sounds DID hurt my ears (hard of hearing) which made me turn the volume down and watch it with the closed captioning on!
I generally HATE background so-called 'music'. They're mostly so loud, tasteless, distracting and deafening. I fully agree, they should be banned. Luckily, the music here was very soft and I did not notice at all. Maybe I have learned to become a little deaf. You are definitely more sensitive than I.
Very helpful information for anyone that has a sudden on set of disability. Some of these options can benefit women during pregnancy. I am a care giver, and one of my clients is morbidly obese and struggled with cleaning himself after a bowl movement. We opted for the shower wand. Had grab bars mounted in his shower, and purchased a bariatric shower chair. Hi uses the chair to stabilize himself while rinsing off. As to the first comment about ‘water alone isn’t good enough’ there is some truth to it, but not to that degree. The difficulty in removing feces because it’s stuck to their skin, comes not with people that defecate in the toilet, then use water alone, but this pertains mostly to patients that are wearing adult diapers. If the feces is stuck to the skin, it’s because it’s been there, most likely while the patient is in bed, laying on it, or sitting in it. If it’s there for a little while, just like a baby, it’s going to take wiping and cleansers. I am grateful videos like this exist. Sometimes when trying to convince a patient to try something different, and they are skeptical, I validate the idea by sharing TH-cam videos, this one will be very helpful. I find it helps them realize that this isn’t weird, they aren’t the only one experiencing this issue, it’s normal, and nothing to be embarrassed about.
Thanks for your validation and kind words. This is an unfortunate but necessary part of life for many disabled people and older adults. So, the best thing to do is find a viable, workable solution like you and your client did!
I am obese myself and it is impossible to reach around my body to wipe myself. When using wash clothes after a BM: Be sure there is a thick toilet seat cover; stand up, close the seat cover; place a nice warm soapy cloth on the seat; grasp the sides of your bum, spreading the cheeks, and sit down; wiggle a bit to rub your skin and anus on the cloth. Repeat the action with a wet rinse cloth to wipe any soap away; and repeat the action again with a dry cloth to dry your bum. Seems like a lot of fuss and bother, but well worth the clean comfort when you return to social/public seating in fress dry clothes. If you try this even once, you'll be hooked. The dry cloth sit down is great after using a bidet.
My son is disabled. I use either a warm washcloth or wet wipes or just TP depending uoon the type & level of mess. Baking soda water spray bottle is another idea. Rose oil smells wonderful apply with a paper towel or clean cloth rag. Very relaxing. ❤
I agree! Soft stool gets everywhere and sticks like glue! I personally prefer formed stool for easy clean up. We all remember this from when we diapered our little ones. Of course, this situation is often dependent on diet and success will require observation and management. Even diarrhea is easer to clean up after then soft, poorly formed stool. Soft stool often causes problems with evacuation in the elderly because it doesn’t provide enough pressure against the anal walls to allow proper emptying. The worst thing is an impaction with soft stool in the anus area. It’s very painful to remove. I have been a RN since 1978, and have worked many years in hospitals, nursing homes, for home health agencies, and for hospice. For people who are able to go to the toilet alone, or with minimal assistance, I have developed a simple routine. Save a dishwashing liquid bottle, or two. When going to the toilet , fill the bottle with warm water, add a drop of mild soap or shampoo to the bottle. When the job is finished, rinse the area throughly with your solution. Rinse with clean water to remove any soap residue. Use toilet paper, or a soft cloth to dry the area throughly. This method cost nearly nothing and requires no special equipment. One yard of soft flannel cloth will make several 12x12 drying cloths. You can even use old flannel receiving blankets cut into squares for drying cloths. Buy up a few at thrift stores and cut them up. Store the clean cloths in a decorative box on the back of the toilet. Put wet or soiled cloths into a watertight container to await laundering. BTW, this peri bottle method of cleaning also works very well for women while they are having their Period. I used it before bed and other times throughout the day to stay fresh and clean. I am 75 , so thankfully , I don’t have to worry about hygiene during my period anymore. At this stage of life, I have other worries but still find this to be a cheap , effective way to stay fresh and clean whenever problems arise.
@@ShirleyDrake-xx2cs When using wash clothes after a BM: Be sure there is a thick toilet seat cover; stand up, close the seat cover; place a nice warm soapy cloth on the seat; grasp the sides of your bum, spreading the cheeks, and sit down; wiggle a bit to rub your skin and anus on the cloth. Repeat the action with a wet rinse cloth to wipe any soap away; and repeat the action again with a dry cloth to dry your bum. Seems like a lot of fuss and bother, but well worth the clean comfort when you return to social/public seating in fress dry clothes. If you try this even once, you'll be hooked. The dry cloth is great after using a bidet.
Im 65, have severe full body osteoarthritis.. I had moved in with a friend a couple years ago and discovered she had a simple budet attachment on the toilet. Thats when O discovered the utter joy if bidetsand the cleansing ability. I eventually moved out a couple years later . I bought a portable bidet. I niw live in my mini van and depend on wet wipes,that bidet, And fast food bathrooms for alot of my hygiene.
Susan, it's got to be difficult ambulating in that mini van in your condition. And fast food restaurant bathrooms are nasty with germs. I'm 61, have OA bone/on/bone hips w/severe muscle atrophy, so I can empathize. I wish you all the best girlfriend🥹🙏🏼
I'm 59 and I don't think I could survive living in my van. If you really don't have any assets but your van perhaps this channel can refer you to some place that can help you.
Spent time in Japan in 1999 and the Toto with all the bells and whistles was for me Love at first use. I bought a wand to hold the TP but it didn’t let the paper drop into the toilet so they haven’t perfected that yet. During the pandemic I carried 90% alcohol in a spray bottle to wipe off the toilet seat and would spray water on the TP to clean my lady parts. I am 71 now and utilize adult wipes which I dispose of in a small covered waste basket next to my toilet. Still fondly remember that Toto toilet that was a dream come true for a lady with hemorrhoids.
Bidets and shower heads don't wipe, so some mess will still be left behind. They are also hard to aim accurately, more so if you have health issues. They will also get you and your immediate surroundings wet. I've tried the toilet paper wands, and the paper comes out before you can do a good job of wiping yourself. They also didn't reduce the strain on my bad back and bad knees. I use baby wipes, which work great! Although I haven't tried it, a moistened washcloth with just a little bit of very mild soap will also work. Baby soap or a natural type of adult soap would be best. The washcloths will need a container for dirty ones until they can be washed, and it will take a couple of minutes to prep it for use. Baby wipes can be used right out of the pack, and can be thrown away when you are done using them. Just remember, never flush them, even if the package says you can. Those ones don't really fall apart well enough in the toilet to avoid clogging the plumbing., so better safe than sorry.
For Mom I found woven cotton disposable cloths in a pack (like baby wipes but dry) Better than BWs because they can be made wetter and soapier with baby soap or similar.. You can use like a washcloth then throw away, *do not flush* (keep a separate small lined bin in the bathroom) empty, tie the bag & dispose.. A clean one with some disinfectant on placed in the base allows perhaps a daily empty... Great for going out too, just pop in a purse/pocket. Also good for wiping hands etc.... They *can be washed a few times to save money but are not expensive anyway & the risk of cross contamination might not be worth it.. (not sure if they hold up to a hot longer wash) Ebay, Amazon or the Temu ones are pretty good.
@@emmsue1053sorry to say I won’t be putting cloths in my washing machine my clothes go in there. Wet wipes are so much more convenient and disposable in nappy sacks. Just like you would use with a baby. Eating clean food helps no chocolate cake fats crisps makes the job so much harder.
I keep a small spray bottle of water with a squirt of gentle handsoap added at each filling. I spray that on my toilet paper to wipe. Far fewer steps involved
When using wash clothes after a BM: Be sure there is a thick toilet seat cover; stand up, close the seat cover; place a nice warm soapy cloth on the seat; grasp the sides of your bum, spreading the cheeks, and sit down; wiggle a bit to rub your skin and anus on the cloth. Repeat the action with a wet rinse cloth to wipe any soap away; and repeat the action again with a dry cloth to dry your bum. Seems like a lot of fuss and bother, but well worth the clean comfort when you return to social/public seating in fress dry clothes. If you try this even once, you'll be hooked. The dry cloth is great after using a bidet.
My bidet was only about $60, and i installed it myself with a broken thumb. It fits right on the rim, under the seat. It has temperature control and cleans the "undercarriage' so thoroughly! I dry with baby washcloths, which go into their own dedicated waste bin for weekly washing.
I'm a couple of month past the age of 75, and have had converstation with other slightly older and slightly younger. Whom have the same issue most elder have when it comes to cleaning themselves after going potty, which mean's more directly, going number two. Going number two, envolve's muscle's in which the elderly and sometime considerably younger have less control over. Even when their own body and not their mind is in control of the muscle. Such as the sphinter muscel's and there more than one envolved in the release of waste other than urine. After getting ones self as clean as possible while sitting on the John. An elderly sphinter doesn't operate as sufficent as a considerably younger person or as it did when I was younger. Thus after a few minutes of standing and going about one's other bussiness they may get or be envolved in. The sphinter not operating as it did when one was younger, cause what is referred to as skid mark's in one's underwear; Sometime more than other's. The only remedy was taught to me by one who had been doing it for more than a decade. I started doing as he instructed me, and to this day, which is some 5 year's since the first time. Have no more issue's with skid marks in my underware. Unlike when I was young, were as I could simply sit, get it done, wipe sufficently and get back up and carry on as if nothing happened in just a few minute's. It generally take a elderly person a bit to several bit's longer. Thus in the additional time I have now when using the John for the purpose of releasing number two. I simply take two sheet's of toilet paper still stuck together thus making one longer piece, fold it at the crease in two. Take the bottom 1/4 and fold it upward's towards the middle, and then the top 1/4 and folding it down to the middle, basically touching the other 1/4 in the center; Than folding at the center both in half again ending up with basicall what would appear to be that simular to a tampon, without the string. Placeing it directly over my annus while my butt cheek's are slightly apart, allow;s it to stay as long as I need it to. Sometime hour's go by before I rememeber it's ok now to remove it. And after such, need to wipe the area again of any residual's and there will alway's be residual's. that happened to leak from my old antiquatied sphinter muscle, which then cause's no more skid mark's. Though I do think of when the time come's and I'm declared dead, there are going to be those that wonder, what the hell is that covering his rectum. But then I'll be dead, and thus no way to be embarassed as do the skid mark's do if and when not doing what I've been doing to avoid them.
Some may think this is TMI, but I love it! Whatever it takes, right? A little secret...I do basically the same thing (although much less exacting) in the summertime. I CANNOT stand the feeling of sweat running into my backside 😅 A few folds of toilet paper or approx 2" of paper towel does the trick every time. All I can say is don't knock before you've tried it 😀
I use 3 sheets of toilet paper hooked together and folded. I usually have a large stack of the folded ones right next to me. Since I am in an older condo, and cognizant of the older plumbing, I typically flush after 4 wipes.
I am 77 and I use lightweight pantie liners so if there are "skid marks" I don't have to change my underwear. They are also helpful in case of wetting when laughing or coughing!
Bidets are life changing. They do such an amazing job. Just had spinal fusion and this thing saved me. Easy peasy and only paid $15 on Amazon. Caught it on sale but normally only like $22
Having Irritable Bowel Syndrome, I long ago learned to use washcloths after toilet. This came in handy during the 2020 Toilet Paper Shortage. I don't find it necessary to have an airtight receptacle. In fact. leaving them open to the air lets the cloths dry somewhat, making the preventing stink from developing.
Hi I have some tips. As I have suffered with IBS for almost 40 years I tried everything to help and yes wet wipes do help but are phenomenally bad for the environment. I just wet my toilet paper initially so it is semi saturated. I use 2-3 sheets each time until I can see the paper becoming less dirty with faeces. Sometimes it takes many attempts to clean myself up adequately but this is far easier than having a huge pile of dirty wet wipes or cotton cloths to deal with. You can flush the toilet paper regularly whilst you’re cleaning yourself so you don’t clog up the plumbing! Also I find if I have a particularly sore anus then I use some sudocrem on the toilet paper as it soothes the butt hole from the rubbing to get it clean. Please try these simple and cheap alternatives to using wet wipes if you can. It helps save the planet and also won’t cost you as much.
I do the same with the addition of a couple pumps (foaming dispenser) of water diluted with a few drops (Just a FEW in the dispenser) of feminine wash soap on a damp bit of toilet paper. I then gently pat dry with a few squares of dry tissue. I find this really helps prevent musty smells as well.
We got an Omega toilet seat. Actually you keep your old toilet seat and the Omega is a thin hose that fits underneath the seat. It hooks into the shutoff valve by the toilet. It comes with a dial to squirt the water. We can use it in the apartment, no plumbing issues.
There are inexpensive bidet attachments without all the bells and whistles such as BioBidet’s, some for less than 50 bucks. No electricity nor warm water. Can be installed without plumber, but we hired one anyway. They get the job done. Have been using one since before the pandemic when a big warehouse store had them online for $39. I can recommend. * In the past I used toileting tongs (simply like the old fashioned all metal hot dog tongs but the handles of mine were coated with yellow). If going this route be sure household members and attendants know what these are and not to put them in the kitchen.
I have a Bio Bidet it has a heated seat cold and warm water and a dryer and a bowl light for night time bathroom runs. i paid $300 but it is worth every penny i paid for it.
I’ve had one installed in 2019. It’s the type that works on water pressure, just like turning on the faucet. No plugging it in. It does not. Matter if the water isn’t heated. Turn the dial have a good rinse. Only use TP to dry yourself off. I feel so fresh afterwards.
We are so far behind many other developed nations where bidets are the norm. I also installed a bidet attachment to my toilet and wouldn’t ever go back to a bidet-less toilet.
I saw toilet paper spray and looked it up and made DIY sprays. Even my granddaughter loves it! People ask me to make them for them. Not as great as a bidet, but handy and portable!
I have a My Buddy toilet Tissue wand works well for me. I have short arms and have 4 lowest vertebrae are fused together. I have learned how to use My Buddy. It took a bit to learn just how much to use and I am getting better at it and it uses less toilet paper too.
The hospital where I worked offered Vaseline intensive care lotion. A thin coat of this on peri area after cleaning, (esp with diarrhea or soft stool) made cleaning this area much easier the next time. It also provided a protective barrier.
We have a bidet hose. It can be attached, quickly without the need for a plumber, to the tank of the loo (the hose generally has installation instructions), and it requires no batteries, electricity etc. It's the best thing, we find, because we can wash our bits while still sitting on the loo, and then dry ourselves with only a tiny bit of loo paper. When travelling our outside our home I use a folding plastic pouch, such as those that contain refills for liquid soap, as a portable bidet. It's folded in my pocket, occupying almost no space, at all times and then I unfold it and fill it with water for use. I think that washing one's bits after going to the loo is ideal. It's cleaner, it's gentler on the skin and it uses hardly any loo paper (whose manufacture uses loads of water).
Mu tip....fill an old washing up liquid bottle with water and use to help wash clean after wiping. I keep a small bar of soap handy and a stack of flannels to dry, my toilet is next to sink so can easily fill my bottle.
Another suggestion is a sinus rinse plastic squeeze bottle. It directs the spray upward when held vertically. I keep one next to my toilet and use from the front.that way I am "wiping" front to back. Buy a two pack at Costco. Neil Med brand. Walgreens has single pack.
You buy an add on bidet for less than $100 called “Tushy”. I love ours as it does the job for disabled folks. It’s worth every penny and easy to install.
I have a LUXE Bidet NEO 185 Plus from Amazon. Was less than $60, easy to install. It even flips up for easy cleaning. Works wonderfully and I love that the water is non-heated.
I use a makeshift portable bidet by using squeeze bottles from Dollar Tree that look like what restaurants have for ketchup / mustard. Works great - and only $1.25
You are absolutely correct! I have tried bidet and it doesn’t clean after soft, unformed stools, which many post-intestinal surgery or IBS patients have, multiple times a day. Must wipe first, somehow. And must dry afterwards!
I bought a very small, flip top trash can with a box of liners. When it becomes full, just tie the pull strings and drop the bag in the outside trash can. It beats a one-ton ball of wipes such as clogged up the sewer in England!
A $1.00 bamboo back scratcher, cut to length, works for me with tissue wrapped on curved end which removes easily. It is portable about 6 to 8 inches long.
I watch home renovation proggrames seen some with the old fashioned bidet (like a toilet bowl )minus the lid and has hot and cold taps.most people remove them.im 76 myself was my disabled husband's carer till he died in 21.one of those would have made a massive difference! I'd love one.as would most people I'd imagine.and not for just washing feet in as some think
I had children in the 80's and in military hospitals. They gave us peri bottles for cleansing and I always found them to be efficient. I bought bidet sprayers for the American toilets in our house and they are perfect if there's no room to install a bidet.
The toilet tissue wands are great, even the travel variety. I would suggest having one on hand if you ever get back-aches. Having a dedicated small brush for cleaning the wand thoroughly is very helpful.
As an 80+ year old, I can attest that this advice is solid! I would also suggest getting a higher toilet which is much easier on hips and knees. They are not expensive, but need to be installed by a plumber. But SO worth it!
For $45 I bought a thing that you put on top of your toilet bowl and added 4 1/2 inches in height. It’s absolutely wonderful. No plumber needed. There are many different kinds on the Internet.
I installed a bidet attachment to my existing toilet. No warm water connection needed, as the water is not that cold until it has been running a bit. We use just a small bit of TP to dry off the water. I’ve found that having to use a regular toilet when outside the home is now annoying. I wish I had done this sooner, but wasn’t aware that you could add it to an existing one. Do get the dual nozzle one tho, as it is more effective for women after a number 1
Yes! We installed a bidet hose on our loo. Going to a public loo that has no undercarriage-washing possibilities is tiresome. We use those pouches in which refills for liquid soap, cream etc (it could be washing-up liquid, shower soap, laundry soap etc) are often sold. I cut off the top, wash it out, fold it in half and always have it in my pocket. Then when I'm in a loo that has no bidet, I open it, fill it with water and use it for washing after going to the loo. That way, only a tiny amount of paper is necessary for drying afterwards. Whenever we go to Japan where almost every loo is a washlet, I think 'thank heavens: I don't have to fill my loo bottle before queuing up for the loo'.
I’ve had a Costco bidet since inc they first sold them and used it ever since really cheap less than 100 bucks but had to easily install it myself I really like it.
This is beautiful, but I wish you would have left a description of what country or religion and the period of time was from. I have been asked to make a wedding dress for a friends new daughter-in-law who is from Morocco. She would like a traditional Burber dress.
This is a very helpful video. It would seem for the most part the bidet or portable bidet would be the simplest and most efficient way for seniors and the elderly to continue their own hygiene. I wish I had thought of it for my 88 year old mom. She struggled with the bathroom buddy (wand) occasionally, but it did give her some independence, which she was fierce about keeping as long and as much as possible! I think these were some great suggestions! I must say I did get a bit of a giggle @2:50 where it listed "useful during periods." I realize some women have periods later in life, but for some reason it gave me a laugh! ☺
Bidet is the 8th wonders of our life . I have it installed in my house , my son/daughter house at least 10 years ago . Just flushed it as often as needed and you don’t have to see. ‘It’ anymore. Btw, I recommend to all of my friends and all of them got hooked
Such a good public service, this video. We all have dear ones who have grown old, which is all the reason one needs to pay attention. But never to forget that we ourselves are on our way there. Diet is of foremost importance, because firstly, it will give us improved strength and dexterity and secondly, the stools themselves will be more comfortable to pass and will demand less fussing to clean up after. Thank you!
Costco wipes are cheaper and buying no rinse cleansing foam also helps with the wipes. Another alternative to showering is a collapsible sitz bath that sits over the toilet and has holes for the water to drain towards the back and into the toilet. I like buying an Epsom salt for hemmroids to add to the bath and take my entire pants and socks off and have a bath towel ready. Tudca is also helpful for constipation and digestive issues.
I used to use hankies but there was a surplus of soft cotton masks during covid so now I use them. You have to wash your hands anyway so i wash them then and hang them by the ear piece. I only use them when peeing but they save a lot and are nice and soft. Usually I dampen them first.
Kleenx tissues work well. A layer of three, no folding required so minimizes the risk of contamination as with TP,minimizing the risk of infection. Just more expensive than TP.
I hear that even tissues do not disintegrate like toilet paper does and may not be suitable for flushing. You can test this by placing a few clean tissues in a bowl of water to see if they break up into pieces or stay in one sheet which can be caught up inside the plumbing pipes, and build up to a blockage eventually. Might be worth checking up on.
I get a piece of wood say from adopt handle. Wrap toilet paper or rag round one end dip in water stand bend over forward. Place wood behind back wipe forward. Cleans well.
As I was raised in a Muslim household we used toilet paper and water afterwards. Now I use toilet paper wet wipes two at a time and clean right inside and I use several wipes and in the bathroom for at least 10 minutes throughly cleaning myself and I have never ever had marks in my underwear. I’ll shower afterwards as well. When using water you need gallons of water not just a little bottle. I’m 59 this year.
Hand held bidets, also known as "bum guns" are used by every member of our household. People's first reaction is usually negative, but everyone I know who has tried it even once is sold on it immediately. Inexpensive and easy to install.
There are bidets that attach to the existing water connection for the toilet. No need for a plumber or any additional water lines. The only drawback is the water is cold. I switched to a bidet during the Covid pandemic when TP was hard to find and will never go back. I carry a collapsible with me when I'm away from home. After getting used to using a bidet I still feel nasty dirty when I only have to use TP.
Nothing but the shower would work for me. Sounds fine but how many showers with getting in and out of a slippery tub or shower (must get shower bench), wash, pat dry, petroleum jelly or powder can a person do in a day? I can't help anyone because the smell makes me vomit and vomit and vomit. Bidet or hand held shower are a good idea except that in Phoenix the water is so hot for a lot of a year that a separate indoor tank would be required. I like to use empty toilet paper or paper towel (cut in half) tubes held in the proper position to direct feces away from the skin and into a toilet or receptacle. I also trim my pubic hair (NOT WAX). Good luck to us all.
I'm not exactly skinny but I can manage to stand on one foot with the other foot up on the toilet. (This requires something to lean on like a vanity or a wall or whatever can be arranged). This position allows access from behind (pun intended). So I WET a piece of Viva Signature Wipe and continue to fold and wipe until it comes out clean . . . tossing the used paper in a plastic bag for disposal with the regular trash. Wash hands when done.
I have and use a bidet, but you didn't mention the most distressing problem, after you are washing clean, you are now still wet [usually more wet] and have to find a way to dry anyway.
When I had my kids they sent me home with a special water bottle. And I have even used regular spray bottles. Last year my son bought us a bidet. Love the thing. Getting my husband trained in maintaining it is the hardest part. 😅
I use baby wipes, for my second wipe, I also have used baby wipes to wash my face, have for years, I’m 71 this month n have no wrinkles, wipes can easily put in a trash bag, I love baby wipes for other cleaning other objects, what ever you do “don’t throw in your wipes down the toilet, love the new square toilet, be looking into that soon
Bidets that are easily attached to your existing toilet are sold inexpensively at Costco. Starting at about $150.00. It also great after labor and delivery of a baby. 👍 😉
Basically, get the bidet adapter for your current toilet. I did. Now I need longer seat bolts and a thicker stopper under the toilet seat, so the seat won't break due to its elevation because of the insert of the bidet attachment. Off to the store...
Every brand's installation is different but you are doing the right thing to make sure there you have a stable connection. I have personally used and recommend the Bemis bidet attachments. They have a low profile mounting system and some even work with raised toilet seats. Learn more about them here: www.grayingwithgrace.com/best-bidet-for-elderly/
If you’re in Long Term Care and ring the bell for an aide, good luck! My Dad got out of bed and fell! He died 3 weeks after, guess he doesn’t have to be in pain anymore!!
Guarding against residents falling while trying to get to the bathroom is an ongoing concern in hospitals and residential facilities. The need to go can come up suddenly ! The staff member is in the bathroom with another resident and cannot come at a moment’s notice. Or, a resident is having an emergency that has all the staff trying to manage the situation. There is never going to be enough staff to assist all residents to the bathroom at the same time, especially at night. I could offer a dozen scenarios on this subject. Elderly people also fall at home when attempting to get to the bathroom and safely on and off the toilet, especially at night. Recently, I met an injured lady at physical therapy who had gotten up at night to use the toilet. She has no memory of what happened, but she ended up in her cat’s kitty litter box! She said she hit her head and shoulder on the wall and tub. Yes, she did relieve herself right there in the kitty litter box. The dear lady was injured but lived to tell her story.
Some physical therapists recommend trying a dedicated (only used in bathroom) pair of silicone-tipped culinary tongs to hold and reach with TP. This works for some people.
I cant reach all the way down there so I installed a bidet adapter to both my toilets but they dont remove it all so I follow up w a silicone bottle brush dipped in the clean water of the flushed toilet-then swish the brush to rinse. Works great. HOWEVER, when I am away from home... !
Traveling is a problem! You can get disposable periwash bottles to carry with you when traveling that might be helpful. They are made of a soft plastic and you fill them then squeeze the water through a small hole so that it comes out with some pressure.
The toilet tissue wand at 4:34 sucks big time. I got it in the mail tried several times to use it and it was horrible. I believe it cost me less than 10 bucks and I threw it away. But I’ve been using one that’s a lot easier for the last 20 years. It’s hard to find on the Internet. I’ve dropped it many times and it has not broken or bent. It’s white metal and it has plastic on the tip of it where you wrap the toilet paper. I just don’t know the specific name of it. A nurse gave it to me from the hospital many years ago.
Thank you for the tips. This video was very helpful. TIP I make family wipes for urine. I cut 8x8 inch squares from older soft shirts, t-shirts, and undershirts. I just throw in with the wash. I have very sensitive skin so these are so much better and free. Also, I put a tiny dab of Organic Coconut Oil in Vagina and Rectom. It really cuts down on yeast infections and dryness. Plus it helps prevent rectum irritation. (I do this daily after I shower and dry off thoroughly)
Going to the bathroom as a senior is going to be a long excruciating process in between doing one or both and cleaning up after. It’s easier to just take a full shower after each process and pray not to go more than once daily before showering..it needs lots of planning!
Take care of an elderly person and I don’t know about a bidet If the water comes from the toilet tank, it seems unsanitary. I kind of skim through the video am I wrong about that?
If you use wash cloths to wipe, pretreat them before washing with a bio-enzymatic pet stain/odor remover. My favorite is biokleen BAC-OUT I get at Walmart.
First, wet wipes burn if shin is broken...including open acne or diaper rash (which includes babies) second, diaper rash is cause from contact with urine with too much acid in it...I removed much loved apples from my sons diet and his diaper rash was gone the next day!!! My niece removed much loved spaghetti from her daughters diet and her diaper rash was also gone the next day!!! I now tell every body as from my own adult-life experience, DIAPER RASH IS EXTREMELY PAINFUL!!!
Read the full guide at: www.grayingwithgrace.com/elderly-clean-after-bowel-movement/
😅🎉
Agree. Lived it
Retired nurse of 40 years. Worked in nursing homes 4 years. Skin on elderly is thin and prone to chafing or bleeding from wiping to remove feces. And the concentrated urine in the dehydrated is very difficult to remove the odor from diaper area. We used a non rinse spray cleanser
and I insisted on warm water ( in bath basin) with soft washcloths ( oh, how much resistance from nurse assistants!) but this technique was the best way ( and of course clean clothes and sheets/ protective pads under patient, every time. Long term care facilities are known for unpleasant odors. But, a great nurse manager or Director of facility won’t tolerate poor care. His/ Her pay depends on it
I’m so sorry you work with idiots! Bless yiu.. 😊
Thank you for caring for your people and training the others.❤
I’m glad to hear that! I remember visiting someone when I was a child, probably around the late 50’s or 60, and the smell made me gag!
@@Tinyteacher1111how old are you? I don't think most 50s 60s smell they usually shower every day and do laundry. Teenager Boys smell the most
@@alexandraday3685 69. I’m not sure what you mean, but I taught high school for 40 years, and the boys’ locker room smelled down the hall!
I think my mom and grandma took me to a hospital where my great-grandmother or someone like that, was. I’m not sure. I was too young, but I sure remember the smell.
This is an embarrassing subject for a lot of people at any age. As a nurse, I've seen this over & over. Thank you for sharing this information! 😊
Right across from the toilet is my bathtub which has a wide sill and a vertical grab bar attached to it.
This enables me to use the tub as a bidet. I place a washcloth on the wide sill (for comfort) then sit on the cloth with my "exit" hanging into the tub area.
I use the handheld shower device to clean the area. I pat myself dry then rinse the tub thoroughly.
This arrangement works well for me, takes only a minute... and costs nothing.
PS - another plus is that I can use WARM water if I wish.
Wow! Thank you for this advice. Beats having to get undressed all the way, just to clean one area! Anxious to try that out.
@@oldegoatee8450
I'm able to set my handheld shower to a single stream as well as control the power of that stream. This is an extremely comfortable way to clean my butt without a lot of hassle.
PS - To dry thoroughly I use a small hairdryer on warm setting. Towels only get me "damp dry."
That's a smart set-up!
You have got this figured out!
@@msherry5
Sure works well for me. Just make sure you don't lose your balance and fall backwards into the tub. I wouldn't even try it without one of those grab bars attached to the tub to aid in sitting down, getting up, and balance.
Install a Bidet - you will thank yourself. Best thing as you age for helping you stay clean and fresh. It has been a major blessing for me as I take care of my 94 year old FIL.
The answer, won't go without ever again best thing I've bought!! Mine has a dryer too
We have one in our en suite and also a bum gun in the other toilet which my husband uses. We had an Asian lady own the unit before we bought it and she installed the hygiene devices.
@@tamkid70 yes, mine has a dryer as well, heated seat and temperature from hot to cold. All the bells and whistles!
That’s what one of my boyfriends says. I’m 69, and he’s 67.
@@amyboleszny543I have to look up bum gun!
Seven years ago I fell down some stairs and broke both ankles. I remembered back when I had a caesarean section and the hospital sent me home with a " Personal Spray Bottle", and was thankful to have one, and a donated commode. Since my home was built in 1927 and doorway to the bathroom was to narrow for my wheelchair. I'm healed now and still use a personal spray bottle
that's an awesome idea Mary! Works like a bidet for those, like me, who can't afford that bathroom commode attachment.
Is that like toilet paper spray?
A little off topic: Fell & Broke both ankles? Ohmygosh. 7 years ago or now: You get Respect. That you thought of your C-section & Spray Bottle---mmm-hmm, THAT pretty much says it all. Thanks for info.
A friend of mine had MS. After urinating , she was not able to dry herself. She said a hair dryer worked for her.
Where can ‘personal sprays’ be bought please?
An interesting and instructive video for elderly people. But why the background noise? Many old folks have hearing loss and the "music" makes understanding difficult.
I must be deaf. I can’t hear the background music.
@@PM-gx2bpyour deaf. Drove me to turn it off!
I'm not elderly yet (I'm definitely middle aged, although my body disagrees and acts older than my parents who are in their 80s thanks to being terminal and being in a double lung transplant program from a bad immune system), but some of the sounds DID hurt my ears (hard of hearing) which made me turn the volume down and watch it with the closed captioning on!
I generally HATE background so-called 'music'. They're mostly so loud, tasteless, distracting and deafening. I fully agree, they should be banned. Luckily, the music here was very soft and I did not notice at all. Maybe I have learned to become a little deaf. You are definitely more sensitive than I.
I think somebody must be teaching TH-cam creators that they must have background music. It's almost always distracting for me.
Very helpful information for anyone that has a sudden on set of disability. Some of these options can benefit women during pregnancy. I am a care giver, and one of my clients is morbidly obese and struggled with cleaning himself after a bowl movement. We opted for the shower wand. Had grab bars mounted in his shower, and purchased a bariatric shower chair. Hi uses the chair to stabilize himself while rinsing off. As to the first comment about ‘water alone isn’t good enough’ there is some truth to it, but not to that degree. The difficulty in removing feces because it’s stuck to their skin, comes not with people that defecate in the toilet, then use water alone, but this pertains mostly to patients that are wearing adult diapers. If the feces is stuck to the skin, it’s because it’s been there, most likely while the patient is in bed, laying on it, or sitting in it. If it’s there for a little while, just like a baby, it’s going to take wiping and cleansers.
I am grateful videos like this exist. Sometimes when trying to convince a patient to try something different, and they are skeptical, I validate the idea by sharing TH-cam videos, this one will be very helpful. I find it helps them realize that this isn’t weird, they aren’t the only one experiencing this issue, it’s normal, and nothing to be embarrassed about.
Thanks for your validation and kind words. This is an unfortunate but necessary part of life for many disabled people and older adults. So, the best thing to do is find a viable, workable solution like you and your client did!
I never thought there would be videos on this, but now I find it interesting what people do, and the care they take.
I am obese myself and it is impossible to reach around my body to wipe myself. When using wash clothes after a BM: Be sure there is a thick toilet seat cover; stand up, close the seat cover; place a nice warm soapy cloth on the seat; grasp the sides of your bum, spreading the cheeks, and sit down; wiggle a bit to rub your skin and anus on the cloth. Repeat the action with a wet rinse cloth to wipe any soap away; and repeat the action again with a dry cloth to dry your bum. Seems like a lot of fuss and bother, but well worth the clean comfort when you return to social/public seating in fress dry clothes. If you try this even once, you'll be hooked. The dry cloth sit down is great after using a bidet.
My son is disabled. I use either a warm washcloth or wet wipes or just TP depending uoon the type & level of mess.
Baking soda water spray bottle is another idea.
Rose oil smells wonderful apply with a paper towel or clean cloth rag.
Very relaxing. ❤
I think softer is harder to clean than harder! Anyway I’m so glad I have a bidet.
Yeah, I think he got that backwards. 🥴
I agree, Softer makes for "mucky butt" and much wiping.
I agree! Soft stool gets everywhere and sticks like glue! I personally prefer formed stool for easy clean up. We all remember this from when we diapered our little ones. Of course, this situation is often dependent on diet and success will require observation and management. Even diarrhea is easer to clean up after then soft, poorly formed stool. Soft stool often causes problems with evacuation in the elderly because it doesn’t provide enough pressure against the anal walls to allow proper emptying. The worst thing is an impaction with soft stool in the anus area. It’s very painful to remove. I have been a RN since 1978, and have worked many years in hospitals, nursing homes, for home health agencies, and for hospice. For people who are able to go to the toilet alone, or with minimal assistance, I have developed a simple routine. Save a dishwashing liquid bottle, or two. When going to the toilet , fill the bottle with warm water, add a drop of mild soap or shampoo to the bottle. When the job is finished, rinse the area throughly with your solution. Rinse with clean water to remove any soap residue. Use toilet paper, or a soft cloth to dry the area throughly. This method cost nearly nothing and requires no special equipment. One yard of soft flannel cloth will make several 12x12 drying cloths. You can even use old flannel receiving blankets cut into squares for drying cloths. Buy up a few at thrift stores and cut them up. Store the clean cloths in a decorative box on the back of the toilet. Put wet or soiled cloths into a watertight container to await laundering. BTW, this peri bottle method of cleaning also works very well for women while they are having their Period. I used it before bed and other times throughout the day to stay fresh and clean. I am 75 , so thankfully , I don’t have to worry about hygiene during my period anymore. At this stage of life, I have other worries but still find this to be a cheap , effective way to stay fresh and clean whenever problems arise.
@@ShirleyDrake-xx2cs When using wash clothes after a BM: Be sure there is a thick toilet seat cover; stand up, close the seat cover; place a nice warm soapy cloth on the seat; grasp the sides of your bum, spreading the cheeks, and sit down; wiggle a bit to rub your skin and anus on the cloth. Repeat the action with a wet rinse cloth to wipe any soap away; and repeat the action again with a dry cloth to dry your bum. Seems like a lot of fuss and bother, but well worth the clean comfort when you return to social/public seating in fress dry clothes. If you try this even once, you'll be hooked. The dry cloth is great after using a bidet.
@@reneemarielong6798 good advice!
Im 65, have severe full body osteoarthritis.. I had moved in with a friend a couple years ago and discovered she had a simple budet attachment on the toilet. Thats when O discovered the utter joy if bidetsand the cleansing ability. I eventually moved out a couple years later . I bought a portable bidet. I niw live in my mini van and depend on wet wipes,that bidet, And fast food bathrooms for alot of my hygiene.
Yes!! Good for you😄
Sad
Susan, it's got to be difficult ambulating in that mini van in your condition. And fast food restaurant bathrooms are nasty with germs. I'm 61, have OA bone/on/bone hips w/severe muscle atrophy, so I can empathize. I wish you all the best girlfriend🥹🙏🏼
Wow! You’re brave!
I wish they had an agency where they could hook up single older people with each other to share houses!
I'm 59 and I don't think I could survive living in my van. If you really don't have any assets but your van perhaps this channel can refer you to some place that can help you.
This is a really informative and caring video to put out. Nice.
Spent time in Japan in 1999 and the Toto with all the bells and whistles was for me Love at first use. I bought a wand to hold the TP but it didn’t let the paper drop into the toilet so they haven’t perfected that yet. During the pandemic I carried 90% alcohol in a spray bottle to wipe off the toilet seat and would spray water on the TP to clean my lady parts. I am 71 now and utilize adult wipes which I dispose of in a small covered waste basket next to my toilet. Still fondly remember that Toto toilet that was a dream come true for a lady with hemorrhoids.
Oh yes those Japanese toilets are heaven😊
I keep a bottle of witch hazel next to the toilet to moisten folded toilet paper before wiping. Clean, cool, soft, flushable.
Good idea and helpful with hemorrhoids as well.
@@oldegoatee8450 Exactly🤭
Very good idea!!
I started doing this as changes were occurring to body during menopause. Never flush wipes in toilet ever.
@@mismatmomblocks them. Use nappy sacks and put them in there. Dispose of them in a separate bag.
Bidets and shower heads don't wipe, so some mess will still be left behind. They are also hard to aim accurately, more so if you have health issues. They will also get you and your immediate surroundings wet. I've tried the toilet paper wands, and the paper comes out before you can do a good job of wiping yourself. They also didn't reduce the strain on my bad back and bad knees. I use baby wipes, which work great! Although I haven't tried it, a moistened washcloth with just a little bit of very mild soap will also work. Baby soap or a natural type of adult soap would be best. The washcloths will need a container for dirty ones until they can be washed, and it will take a couple of minutes to prep it for use. Baby wipes can be used right out of the pack, and can be thrown away when you are done using them. Just remember, never flush them, even if the package says you can. Those ones don't really fall apart well enough in the toilet to avoid clogging the plumbing., so better safe than sorry.
For Mom I found woven cotton disposable cloths in a pack (like baby wipes but dry) Better than BWs because they can be made wetter and soapier with baby soap or similar.. You can use like a washcloth then throw away, *do not flush*
(keep a separate small lined bin in the bathroom) empty, tie the bag & dispose.. A clean one with some disinfectant on placed in the base allows perhaps a daily empty... Great for going out too, just pop in a purse/pocket. Also good for wiping hands etc.... They *can be washed a few times to save money but are not expensive anyway & the risk of cross contamination might not be worth it.. (not sure if they hold up to a hot longer wash) Ebay, Amazon or the Temu ones are pretty good.
@@emmsue1053sorry to say I won’t be putting cloths in my washing machine my clothes go in there. Wet wipes are so much more convenient and disposable in nappy sacks. Just like you would use with a baby. Eating clean food helps no chocolate cake fats crisps makes the job so much harder.
I keep a small spray bottle of water with a squirt of gentle handsoap added at each filling. I spray that on my toilet paper to wipe. Far fewer steps involved
When using wash clothes after a BM: Be sure there is a thick toilet seat cover; stand up, close the seat cover; place a nice warm soapy cloth on the seat; grasp the sides of your bum, spreading the cheeks, and sit down; wiggle a bit to rub your skin and anus on the cloth. Repeat the action with a wet rinse cloth to wipe any soap away; and repeat the action again with a dry cloth to dry your bum. Seems like a lot of fuss and bother, but well worth the clean comfort when you return to social/public seating in fress dry clothes. If you try this even once, you'll be hooked. The dry cloth is great after using a bidet.
@@emmsue1053 I did an internet search using your description of the product but came up empty. Can you help, please? Thank you.
Accident or debilitating illness can make this you, too. Thank you. 🙏
My bidet was only about $60, and i installed it myself with a broken thumb. It fits right on the rim, under the seat. It has temperature control and cleans the "undercarriage' so thoroughly! I dry with baby washcloths, which go into their own dedicated waste bin for weekly washing.
Thanks for sharing how beneficial and easy bidets can be!
Thank you, I love the baby washcloths to dry with - totally eliminate toilet paper!
What brand did you get? I would like one for my elderly mom. Thanks.
I'm a couple of month past the age of 75, and have had converstation with other slightly older and slightly younger. Whom have the same issue most elder have when it comes to cleaning themselves after going potty, which mean's more directly, going number two. Going number two, envolve's muscle's in which the elderly and sometime considerably younger have less control over. Even when their own body and not their mind is in control of the muscle. Such as the sphinter muscel's and there more than one envolved in the release of waste other than urine.
After getting ones self as clean as possible while sitting on the John. An elderly sphinter doesn't operate as sufficent as a considerably younger person or as it did when I was younger. Thus after a few minutes of standing and going about one's other bussiness they may get or be envolved in. The sphinter not operating as it did when one was younger, cause what is referred to as skid mark's in one's underwear; Sometime more than other's.
The only remedy was taught to me by one who had been doing it for more than a decade. I started doing as he instructed me, and to this day, which is some 5 year's since the first time. Have no more issue's with skid marks in my underware. Unlike when I was young, were as I could simply sit, get it done, wipe sufficently and get back up and carry on as if nothing happened in just a few minute's. It generally take a elderly person a bit to several bit's longer. Thus in the additional time I have now when using the John for the purpose of releasing number two. I simply take two sheet's of toilet paper still stuck together thus making one longer piece, fold it at the crease in two. Take the bottom 1/4 and fold it upward's towards the middle, and then the top 1/4 and folding it down to the middle, basically touching the other 1/4 in the center; Than folding at the center both in half again ending up with basicall what would appear to be that simular to a tampon, without the string. Placeing it directly over my annus while my butt cheek's are slightly apart, allow;s it to stay as long as I need it to. Sometime hour's go by before I rememeber it's ok now to remove it. And after such, need to wipe the area again of any residual's and there will alway's be residual's. that happened to leak from my old antiquatied sphinter muscle, which then cause's no more skid mark's.
Though I do think of when the time come's and I'm declared dead, there are going to be those that wonder, what the hell is that covering his rectum. But then I'll be dead, and thus no way to be embarassed as do the skid mark's do if and when not doing what I've been doing to avoid them.
Some may think this is TMI, but I love it! Whatever it takes, right? A little secret...I do basically the same thing (although much less exacting) in the summertime. I CANNOT stand the feeling of sweat running into my backside 😅
A few folds of toilet paper or approx 2" of paper towel does the trick every time.
All I can say is don't knock before you've tried it 😀
I use 3 sheets of toilet paper hooked together and folded. I usually have a large stack of the folded ones right next to me. Since I am in an older condo, and cognizant of the older plumbing, I typically flush after 4 wipes.
😊
😊
I am 77 and I use lightweight pantie liners so if there are "skid marks" I don't have to change my underwear. They are also helpful in case of wetting when laughing or coughing!
Thank you for discussing this subject
Bidets are life changing. They do such an amazing job. Just had spinal fusion and this thing saved me. Easy peasy and only paid $15 on Amazon. Caught it on sale but normally only like $22
Thanks so much for sharing your personal experience!
I came to say the same thing. Bidets can cost a lot less than $500 and are indeed life changing.
Luv2bbq, good luck on your recovery, I had spinal surgery in Jan.
May I ask what brand you got for that price? I desperately need one but want the cheapest one possible that gets the job done.
Having Irritable Bowel Syndrome, I long ago learned to use washcloths after toilet. This came in handy during the 2020 Toilet Paper Shortage. I don't find it necessary to have an airtight receptacle. In fact. leaving them open to the air lets the cloths dry somewhat, making the preventing stink from developing.
I’d die if I had cloths air drying in my house. Your better if with wet wipes and water.
Hi I have some tips. As I have suffered with IBS for almost 40 years I tried everything to help and yes wet wipes do help but are phenomenally bad for the environment.
I just wet my toilet paper initially so it is semi saturated. I use 2-3 sheets each time until I can see the paper becoming less dirty with faeces. Sometimes it takes many attempts to clean myself up adequately but this is far easier than having a huge pile of dirty wet wipes or cotton cloths to deal with. You can flush the toilet paper regularly whilst you’re cleaning yourself so you don’t clog up the plumbing!
Also I find if I have a particularly sore anus then I use some sudocrem on the toilet paper as it soothes the butt hole from the rubbing to get it clean.
Please try these simple and cheap alternatives to using wet wipes if you can. It helps save the planet and also won’t cost you as much.
I do exactly the same. My toilet is right next door to my bath so it's easy to moisten the tissue without having to get up.
I do the same with the addition of a couple pumps (foaming dispenser) of water diluted with a few drops (Just a FEW in the dispenser) of feminine wash soap on a damp bit of toilet paper. I then gently pat dry with a few squares of dry tissue. I find this really helps prevent musty smells as well.
You're a genious!!! This is such a great and practicle idea. Thank you so much. I can even do this when away from home.
I said in an earlier comment that I make toilet paper sprays and put them on the backs of my toilets.
@@Tinyteacher1111 Can you give instructions, or the source of the recipe to make? Thank you.
In Asia a butt washer is typical. It's the same item used at kitchen sinks to rinse off dishes. It's easy to install/ cheap/ and efficient.
We got an Omega toilet seat. Actually you keep your old toilet seat and the Omega is a thin hose that fits underneath the seat. It hooks into the shutoff valve by the toilet. It comes with a dial to squirt the water. We can use it in the apartment, no plumbing issues.
There are inexpensive bidet attachments without all the bells and whistles such as BioBidet’s, some for less than 50 bucks. No electricity nor warm water. Can be installed without plumber, but we hired one anyway. They get the job done. Have been using one since before the pandemic when a big warehouse store had them online for $39. I can recommend. * In the past I used toileting tongs (simply like the old fashioned all metal hot dog tongs but the handles of mine were coated with yellow). If going this route be sure household members and attendants know what these are and not to put them in the kitchen.
I have a strange question. How did you hook up the water? Is it hooked up or the water back of the toilet?
I have a Bio Bidet it has a heated seat cold and warm water and a dryer and a bowl light for night time bathroom runs. i paid $300 but it is worth every penny i paid for it.
Great tips, but I would add that the open front toilet seat allows for better access of certain hygiene tasks, too. 👍
Never thought of that, but I have both! Thanks!
Especially if you use an elevated portable seat for height! Having more open in front and back is a game changer!
I bought a bidet for $100 and installed it myself. BTW, I’m a 76 yo female.
You go, girl!
I’ve had one installed in 2019. It’s the type that works on water pressure, just like turning on the faucet. No plugging it in. It does not. Matter if the water isn’t heated. Turn the dial have a good rinse. Only use TP to dry yourself off. I feel so fresh afterwards.
We are so far behind many other developed nations where bidets are the norm. I also installed a bidet attachment to my toilet and wouldn’t ever go back to a bidet-less toilet.
I saw toilet paper spray and looked it up and made DIY sprays. Even my granddaughter loves it! People ask me to make them for them. Not as great as a bidet, but handy and portable!
I have a My Buddy toilet Tissue wand works well for me. I have short arms and have 4 lowest vertebrae are fused together. I have learned how to use My Buddy. It took a bit to learn just how much to use and I am getting better at it and it uses less toilet paper too.
The hospital where I worked offered Vaseline intensive care lotion. A thin coat of this on peri area after cleaning, (esp with diarrhea or soft stool) made cleaning this area much easier the next time. It also provided a protective barrier.
Thank you.i use that body lotion never thought of that area .I've got piles they seem to make sitting down hurt but in the perinel area x
Bidet was my answer. It works for me.
We have a bidet hose. It can be attached, quickly without the need for a plumber, to the tank of the loo (the hose generally has installation instructions), and it requires no batteries, electricity etc. It's the best thing, we find, because we can wash our bits while still sitting on the loo, and then dry ourselves with only a tiny bit of loo paper. When travelling our outside our home I use a folding plastic pouch, such as those that contain refills for liquid soap, as a portable bidet. It's folded in my pocket, occupying almost no space, at all times and then I unfold it and fill it with water for use. I think that washing one's bits after going to the loo is ideal. It's cleaner, it's gentler on the skin and it uses hardly any loo paper (whose manufacture uses loads of water).
Can you givr a brand name gor you gadget?
Totally awesome. It probably took some intestinal fortitude to do this video. Seriously thank you.
Mu tip....fill an old washing up liquid bottle with water and use to help wash clean after wiping. I keep a small bar of soap handy and a stack of flannels to dry, my toilet is next to sink so can easily fill my bottle.
Another suggestion is a sinus rinse plastic squeeze bottle. It directs the spray upward when held vertically. I keep one next to my toilet and use from the front.that way I am "wiping" front to back. Buy a two pack at Costco. Neil Med brand. Walgreens has single pack.
I think the best tip of the day!
I never thought of That! And just happen to have an unopened 2 pack from Costco! Thank you ❣️
I bought a Tushy bidet for under $100. I love it❤
You buy an add on bidet for less than $100 called “Tushy”. I love ours as it does the job for disabled folks. It’s worth every penny and easy to install.
I have the Luxe 320 bidet. So easy to install! I can't believe how clean it leaves you!
thanks for the tip! I'll look into it😊
How do you dry yourself?
@@virginiacheuvront2766 mine has a blow dry function.
Another Tushy fan here❣️
I have a LUXE Bidet NEO 185 Plus from Amazon. Was less than $60, easy to install. It even flips up for easy cleaning.
Works wonderfully and I love that the water is non-heated.
I use a makeshift portable bidet by using squeeze bottles from Dollar Tree that look like what restaurants have for ketchup / mustard. Works great - and only $1.25
Wow, handheld bidets and peri bottles! I never knew!
Softer bowel movements are NOT easier to clean up.
You are absolutely correct! I have tried bidet and it doesn’t clean after soft, unformed stools, which many post-intestinal surgery or IBS patients have, multiple times a day. Must wipe first, somehow. And must dry afterwards!
Very true,
I haven’t used a bidet but I would imagine the cold water is uncomfortable
Gloves are a must too
I bought a very small, flip top trash can with a box of liners. When it becomes full, just tie the pull strings and drop the bag in the outside trash can. It beats a one-ton ball of wipes such as clogged up the sewer in England!
A $1.00 bamboo back scratcher, cut to length, works for me with tissue wrapped on curved end which removes easily. It is portable about 6 to 8 inches long.
Thanks for the video. I got alot of info to pass on to a friend.
Thank you for this information.
It should be mandatory for all nursing homes to have a bidets
I agree
Other tha , yes nursing homes are for profit. Plumbing is a nightmare in those settings.@@jayaCatLvr-ys5ix
@@ghostladydarkling3250oh my goodness that’s gross 😷
I watch home renovation proggrames seen some with the old fashioned bidet (like a toilet bowl )minus the lid and has hot and cold taps.most people remove them.im 76 myself was my disabled husband's carer till he died in 21.one of those would have made a massive difference! I'd love one.as would most people I'd imagine.and not for just washing feet in as some think
Only in private ensuites, used by solo occupants.
I stopped getting fissures when I got bidet. $70 bidet toilet seat with soft close for the win.
I’ve never had them use paper then wet wipes then shower you have to clean inside your butt for it to work properly.
I find puting shaving foam on first then wipe off with toilet paper is better than wet wipes.
Merci beaucoup. Informations très pertinentes. Ça va m'aider dans mon travail.
I had children in the 80's and in military hospitals. They gave us peri bottles for cleansing and I always found them to be efficient. I bought bidet sprayers for the American toilets in our house and they are perfect if there's no room to install a bidet.
You do not have to be old or disabled to use possibly a cleaner way to clean after toileting. The use of water helps ensure all soiling is removed.
Indeed. It simply makes sense.
The toilet tissue wands are great, even the travel variety. I would suggest having one on hand if you ever get back-aches. Having a dedicated small brush for cleaning the wand thoroughly is very helpful.
Amazing, Saroandy! Terrific sharing. Continued success. God bless.
As an 80+ year old, I can attest that this advice is solid! I would also suggest getting a higher toilet which is much easier on hips and knees. They are not expensive, but need to be installed by a plumber. But SO worth it!
I didn't have to get a higher toilet. I simply went to Amazon and ordered a thicker seat, which was easily installed (no plumber).
For $45 I bought a thing that you put on top of your toilet bowl and added 4 1/2 inches in height. It’s absolutely wonderful. No plumber needed. There are many different kinds on the Internet.
Instead of changing my whole toilet, I got an extended height sewt, makes a big difference.
Or a riser seat
You can get a plastic elevated seat that you just screw on. It's great, safe and covered by insurance.
Very useful video,explains well
Thanks a lot
I installed a bidet attachment to my existing toilet. No warm water connection needed, as the water is not that cold until it has been running a bit. We use just a small bit of TP to dry off the water. I’ve found that having to use a regular toilet when outside the home is now annoying. I wish I had done this sooner, but wasn’t aware that you could add it to an existing one. Do get the dual nozzle one tho, as it is more effective for women after a number 1
Yes! We installed a bidet hose on our loo. Going to a public loo that has no undercarriage-washing possibilities is tiresome. We use those pouches in which refills for liquid soap, cream etc (it could be washing-up liquid, shower soap, laundry soap etc) are often sold. I cut off the top, wash it out, fold it in half and always have it in my pocket. Then when I'm in a loo that has no bidet, I open it, fill it with water and use it for washing after going to the loo. That way, only a tiny amount of paper is necessary for drying afterwards. Whenever we go to Japan where almost every loo is a washlet, I think 'thank heavens: I don't have to fill my loo bottle before queuing up for the loo'.
I’ve had a Costco bidet since inc they first sold them and used it ever since really cheap less than 100 bucks but had to easily install it myself I really like it.
This is beautiful, but I wish you would have left a description of what country or religion and the period of time was from. I have been asked to make a wedding dress for a friends new daughter-in-law who is from Morocco. She would like a traditional Burber dress.
This is a very helpful video. It would seem for the most part the bidet or portable bidet would be the simplest and most efficient way for seniors and the elderly to continue their own hygiene. I wish I had thought of it for my 88 year old mom. She struggled with the bathroom buddy (wand) occasionally, but it did give her some independence, which she was fierce about keeping as long and as much as possible! I think these were some great suggestions!
I must say I did get a bit of a giggle @2:50 where it listed "useful during periods." I realize some women have periods later in life, but for some reason it gave me a laugh! ☺
Bidet is the 8th wonders of our life .
I have it installed in my house , my son/daughter house at least 10 years ago .
Just flushed it as often as needed and you don’t have to see. ‘It’ anymore.
Btw, I recommend to all of my friends and all of them got hooked
Very useful straightforward information. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Such a good public service, this video. We all have dear ones who have grown old, which is all the reason one needs to pay attention. But never to forget that we ourselves are on our way there. Diet is of foremost importance, because firstly, it will give us improved strength and dexterity and secondly, the stools themselves will be more comfortable to pass and will demand less fussing to clean up after. Thank you!
Costco wipes are cheaper and buying no rinse cleansing foam also helps with the wipes. Another alternative to showering is a collapsible sitz bath that sits over the toilet and has holes for the water to drain towards the back and into the toilet. I like buying an Epsom salt for hemmroids to add to the bath and take my entire pants and socks off and have a bath towel ready. Tudca is also helpful for constipation and digestive issues.
Get a tushy. Best thing we’ve purchased. It attaches easily to your toilet and makes cleaning after yourself and washing a breeze.
I used to use hankies but there was a surplus of soft cotton masks during covid so now I use them. You have to wash your hands anyway so i wash them then and hang them by the ear piece. I only use them when peeing but they save a lot and are nice and soft. Usually I dampen them first.
This person suffereg wit IBS FOR ALMOST 40 YEARS..I DO IT YOUR WAY FOR MANY YEARS..THE BEST AND CHEAP AS YOU SAY..
Very useful thank you!
Thank you!
Kleenx tissues work well. A layer of three, no folding required so minimizes the risk of contamination as with TP,minimizing the risk of infection. Just more expensive than TP.
I hear that even tissues do not disintegrate like toilet paper does and may not be suitable for flushing.
You can test this by placing a few clean tissues in a bowl of water to see if they break up into pieces or stay in one sheet which can be caught up inside the plumbing pipes, and build up to a blockage eventually. Might be worth checking up on.
I get a piece of wood say from adopt handle. Wrap toilet paper or rag round one end dip in water stand bend over forward. Place wood behind back wipe forward. Cleans well.
As I was raised in a Muslim household we used toilet paper and water afterwards. Now I use toilet paper wet wipes two at a time and clean right inside and I use several wipes and in the bathroom for at least 10 minutes throughly cleaning myself and I have never ever had marks in my underwear. I’ll shower afterwards as well. When using water you need gallons of water not just a little bottle. I’m 59 this year.
Good informative 👍
I have a question concerning bidets in general. How do you dry after using a bidet? If you have to dry with towels etc , how is it less wasteful?
Hand held bidets, also known as "bum guns" are used by every member of our household. People's first reaction is usually negative, but everyone I know who has tried it even once is sold on it immediately. Inexpensive and easy to install.
There are bidets that attach to the existing water connection for the toilet. No need for a plumber or any additional water lines. The only drawback is the water is cold. I switched to a bidet during the Covid pandemic when TP was hard to find and will never go back. I carry a collapsible with me when I'm away from home. After getting used to using a bidet I still feel nasty dirty when I only have to use TP.
Nothing but the shower would work for me. Sounds fine but how many showers with getting in and out of a slippery tub or shower (must get shower bench), wash, pat dry, petroleum jelly or powder can a person do in a day? I can't help anyone because the smell makes me vomit and vomit and vomit. Bidet or hand held shower are a good idea except that in Phoenix the water is so hot for a lot of a year that a separate indoor tank would be required. I like to use empty toilet paper or paper towel (cut in half) tubes held in the proper position to direct feces away from the skin and into a toilet or receptacle. I also trim my pubic hair (NOT WAX). Good luck to us all.
I'm not exactly skinny but I can manage to stand on one foot with the other foot up on the toilet. (This requires something to lean on like a vanity or a wall or whatever can be arranged). This position allows access from behind (pun intended). So I WET a piece of Viva Signature Wipe and continue to fold and wipe until it comes out clean . . . tossing the used paper in a plastic bag for disposal with the regular trash. Wash hands when done.
Well done thank you ,!,
Our pleasure!
Thanks so much! I just discovered you and subscribed, as well as on other social media!
I have and use a bidet, but you didn't mention the most distressing problem, after you are washing clean, you are now still wet [usually more wet] and have to find a way to dry anyway.
When I had my kids they sent me home with a special water bottle. And I have even used regular spray bottles. Last year my son bought us a bidet. Love the thing. Getting my husband trained in maintaining it is the hardest part. 😅
I use baby wipes, for my second wipe, I also have used baby wipes to wash my face, have for years, I’m 71 this month n have no wrinkles, wipes can easily put in a trash bag, I love baby wipes for other cleaning other objects, what ever you do “don’t throw in your wipes down the toilet, love the new square toilet, be looking into that soon
Thank you!🤒
Bidets that are easily attached to your existing toilet are sold inexpensively at Costco. Starting at about $150.00. It also great after labor and delivery of a baby. 👍 😉
👍👍Thank you! ❤️❤️❤️
Basically, get the bidet adapter for your current toilet. I did. Now I need longer seat bolts and a thicker stopper under the toilet seat, so the seat won't break due to its elevation because of the insert of the bidet attachment. Off to the store...
Every brand's installation is different but you are doing the right thing to make sure there you have a stable connection. I have personally used and recommend the Bemis bidet attachments. They have a low profile mounting system and some even work with raised toilet seats. Learn more about them here: www.grayingwithgrace.com/best-bidet-for-elderly/
If you’re in Long Term Care and ring the bell for an aide, good luck! My Dad got out of bed and fell! He died 3 weeks after, guess he doesn’t have to be in pain anymore!!
Guarding against residents falling while trying to get to the bathroom is an ongoing concern in hospitals and residential facilities. The need to go can come up suddenly ! The staff member is in the bathroom with another resident and cannot come at a moment’s notice. Or, a resident is having an emergency that has all the staff trying to manage the situation. There is never going to be enough staff to assist all residents to the bathroom at the same time, especially at night. I could offer a dozen scenarios on this subject. Elderly people also fall at home when attempting to get to the bathroom and safely on and off the toilet, especially at night. Recently, I met an injured lady at physical therapy who had gotten up at night to use the toilet. She has no memory of what happened, but she ended up in her cat’s kitty litter box! She said she hit her head and shoulder on the wall and tub. Yes, she did relieve herself right there in the kitty litter box. The dear lady was injured but lived to tell her story.
so very sorry for the loss of your dad, Linda. God bless you.
Exactly, been there.
My mom fell with an attending at a memory home. No bidet, no raised toilet seat. Broke hip, died next day.
@@northernbettygirl , it was his time.
Where can you buy somr of thease products, for cleaning the bottom
Bidets DO NOT cost $500.00. A Bidet attachment for your existing toilet cost about $30.00. It is easy to install and use
Well, in this case it is not a bidet.
I have a Bidet fitted and find it good but because most are made in Asia the is too small and I find I don’t have enough room
Some physical therapists recommend trying a dedicated (only used in bathroom) pair of silicone-tipped culinary tongs to hold and reach with TP. This works for some people.
Not a bad idea!
I use a long pair of locking silicone tongs at home and carry a 7 “ one in my purse for when I’m away from home. Was a game changer for me
I cant reach all the way down there so I installed a bidet adapter to both my toilets but they dont remove it all so I follow up w a silicone bottle brush dipped in the clean water of the flushed toilet-then swish the brush to rinse. Works great. HOWEVER, when I am away
from home...
!
Oh heavens, I have a silicone bottle brush. You may have hit on something here!!
Traveling is a problem! You can get disposable periwash bottles to carry with you when traveling that might be helpful. They are made of a soft plastic and you fill them then squeeze the water through a small hole so that it comes out with some pressure.
We have your back for when you travel to hotels, airbnbs, family, etc- th-cam.com/video/mtIsyQybD38/w-d-xo.htmlfeature=shared
The toilet tissue wand at 4:34 sucks big time. I got it in the mail tried several times to use it and it was horrible. I believe it cost me less than 10 bucks and I threw it away. But I’ve been using one that’s a lot easier for the last 20 years. It’s hard to find on the Internet. I’ve dropped it many times and it has not broken or bent. It’s white metal and it has plastic on the tip of it where you wrap the toilet paper. I just don’t know the specific name of it. A nurse gave it to me from the hospital many years ago.
Thank you for the tips. This video was very helpful.
TIP
I make family wipes for urine. I cut 8x8 inch squares from older soft shirts, t-shirts, and undershirts. I just throw in with the wash. I have very sensitive skin so these are so much better and free.
Also, I put a tiny dab of Organic Coconut Oil in Vagina and Rectom. It really cuts down on yeast infections and dryness. Plus it helps prevent rectum irritation. (I do this daily after I shower and dry off thoroughly)
Thanks for sharing your tips !
Going to the bathroom as a senior is going to be a long excruciating process in between doing one or both and cleaning up after. It’s easier to just take a full shower after each process and pray not to go more than once daily before showering..it needs lots of planning!
Get a Japanese toilet they have bidets built into them and have heated seats and water. It’s the best way to clean. Need electrical connection.
Take care of an elderly person and I don’t know about a bidet If the water comes from the toilet tank, it seems unsanitary. I kind of skim through the video am I wrong about that?
I really don’t understand why Americans don’t have bidets, it’s ridiculous!
If you use wash cloths to wipe, pretreat them before washing with a bio-enzymatic pet stain/odor remover. My favorite is biokleen BAC-OUT I get at Walmart.
First, wet wipes burn if shin is broken...including open acne or diaper rash (which includes babies)
second, diaper rash is cause from contact with urine with too much acid in it...I removed much loved apples from my sons diet and his diaper rash was gone the next day!!! My niece removed much loved spaghetti from her daughters diet and her diaper rash was also gone the next day!!! I now tell every body as from my own adult-life experience, DIAPER RASH IS EXTREMELY PAINFUL!!!
Using wet-wipes instantly transfers waste particles and liquid waste through the paper and onto hands.
Latex gloves are also soiled by wet-wipes