How do bedridden patients go to the bathroom? For those that are bedridden using conventional toilets is often impossible. Being unable to use a toilet independently can have a negative impact on the patient’s psychological well-being and physical health. Special medical equipment can help bedridden patients to use the toilet safely and with dignity. Learn more about helping immobile patients to use bedpans or urinals!
Assisting immobile patients to the bathroom
Bed-bound patients often prefer going to the bathroom with the assistance of a caregiver instead of using a bedpan or a urinal. If the medical condition and the physical status of the patient allow walking, then the bedridden patients should be assisted to the bathroom.
Being confined to bed and limited physical activity can lead to weakness and reduced coordination skills. Bed-bound patients may need the support of a caregiver to get out of the bed and walk to the restroom. Due to impaired mobility, some patients need help with cleaning up after using the toilet.
Tips for assisting immobile patients to the bathroom:
- Consider using a bedpan or urinal if the patient is too weak for walking!
- Toilet papers and wet wipes should be available in the bathroom!
- Grab rails should be installed in the bathroom as they provide the patient with extra support and stability.
- A wheelchair or a walker can be used to assist the patient to the toilet.
Bedridden patient toilet options: what could be used if a person is unable to walk to the toilet?
Catheters
Catheters are medical equipment used for draining urine by inserting a tube through the urethra and into the bladder. Catheters are not suitable for long-term usage as they increase the risk of urethral infection. Only medical professionals can insert catheters.
Adult diapers
Adult diapers, also known as adult nappies, allow the patient to defecate and urinate without using a toilet. There are two types of adult diapers:
- Diapers with tabs: Diapers with tabs are tight-fitting absorbent undergarment that efficiently helps with leaks. Immobile patients are recommended to use diapers with tabs since they are easier to put on.
- Pull-up diapers: Pull-up diapers are less bulky and more comfortable undergarments. Bedridden who are able to stand up safely are advised to use pull-up diapers.
Bedpans
Bedpans are receptacles used for the toileting of immobile patients. Bedpans are usually made of plastic, metal, ceramic, and glass. The most commonly used stainless metal bedpans are easy to clean and enduring, however, patients often find them cold, difficult to use, and discomforting. More ergonomic plastic bedpans offer a comfortable experience.
Fracture bedpans were developed for bedridden patients with severe hip injuries. The low-profile bedpans have one flat side which makes urinating and defecating easier for patients who are unable to roll over.
Portable commodes
Portable commodes, also called bedside commodes, are mobile toilet chairs. If the bed-bound patient can safely stand up but is unable to walk to the bathroom, then a portable commode is the most dignified option.
Bedridden toilet system
Toilet care can be extremely stressful for immobile patients and caregivers as well. Bedridden toilet systems offer an innovative technological solution to the issues of toilet care.
A case study, published in the journal of Health and Technology, demonstrated the positive effects of utilizing a bedridden toilet system. According to the findings of the paper, using a bedridden toilet system had a positive impact on the psychological well-being of a patient.
“The toilet-integrated medical electric bed was easy to use for an 84-year-old bedridden male patient. He was able to urinate and defecate without the help of a carer. Independent urination and defaecation helped restore his dignity considerably. This medical bed with an embedded toilet could be a promising solution for excretion care of bedridden patients.”
Preventing bedsores bedridden patients
Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers and pressure injuries, are caused by constant and prolonged pressure on the skin. Pressure ulcers occur when a person sits in a wheelchair or lies in a bed for an extended amount of time. Pressure limits blood flow to dendritic cells, which stop functioning and die. Bedsores are common among Bedridden patients. Using moisturizers and special creams on the dry skin of bed-bound patients is one of the most efficient ways of preventing pressure injuries.
Applying the dermolex skin regenerating gel can lower the risk of developing pressure injuries. Carefully selected ingredients of the gel refresh and regenerate the skin exposed to long-term pressure. The gel formulation is rapidly absorbed and will not stain the clothes or the bed linen as it does not contain any colorings or fragrances. The product complies with Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products. It is a ’leave-on product, not to be rinsed when used as intended. The product was studied and evaluated by the Department of Dermatology and Allergology of the Medical and Pharmaceutical Centre of the Faculty of Medicine, Szeged University. The investigators concluded that dermolex gel was an efficient complement to the therapy of bedsores.
FAQs
If you can't get out of bed, you can use bed pans and urine bottles. These aids are usually made of metal, or plastic. Bed pans can be used for both urine (wee) and faecal matter (poo). Urine bottles are an option for men when they need to urinate (wee) while confined to bed.
How to pass stool for bedridden patients? ›
Bedpans: Bedpans are the most widely used receptacle for urination and defecation. Modern bedpans are designed to be ergonomic and comfortable to use with patients who are bedridden and have limited mobility. They are available in both metal and plastic.
What is the bedridden toilet system for the elderly? ›
Bedridden and continent
The Solaticare system has a suction head which rises through the mattress to its working position, in very close contact with the body. As elimination starts, sensors within the suction head automatically remove the waste into a hermetically sealed unit which is located at the bedside.
How do you help someone bedridden with poop? ›
Place the bedpan against the buttocks of the person with one hand. While holding the bedpan in place, gently roll the person onto his or her back and up onto the bedpan. Raise the head of the bed a little if it is allowed by the healthcare provider. Sitting upright makes having a bowel movement or urinating easier.
How long can a completely bedridden person live? ›
However, if being bedridden is caused by a life-threatening illness and the prognosis is poor, the senior is less likely to recover. Health complications, like pneumonia or the aforementioned, often lead to a steady decline. In such cases, life expectancy is reduced to a few days to a week or two.
How do immobile people use the toilet? ›
Toilet frames, made of metal or plastic provide free standing grab bars around an already installed toilet. The bars can assist a person to lower themselves onto a toilet and to stand up again once they are finished.
What can I use instead of a bedpan? ›
Numerous online retailers also sell commode chairs, a sturdy portable toilet to be used outside of the bed. Adult diapers are another alternative. These can be used for incontinence or for a loved one who has mobility issues, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC).
What happens to your legs when you are bedridden? ›
When muscles are not used, they become weak. Staying in bed can make joints—muscles and the tissues around them (ligaments and tendons)—stiff. Over time, muscles can become permanently shortened, and stiff joints can become permanently bent—called a contracture.
What is the difference between bedbound and bedridden? ›
For example, if a person splits with their partner and is overwrought with sadness they may not want to leave their bed for days. They could be called bedbound. But someone who is bedridden can't get out of bed dues to illness or weakness.
What is a ADL toilet? ›
ADL bathrooms, otherwise known as activities of daily living bathrooms, are specifically modified to meet the individual abilities and needs of seniors to ensure their safety.
Both the LiftSeat LS450 and LS750 Powered toilet lifts deliver safe, stable, easy to use toilet transfer assistance. This reduces the force required to transfer patients for patients that are at high risk.
What is an ADA toilet? ›
A raised toilet seat for easier sitting and standing for the disabled. Tool-free removable arms, for more flexibility to users. Added height - there is an additional 17"-18" over a standard toilet. Wider space to accommodate a full-size adult wheelchair and movement within the stall.
How do you prevent urinary tract infection in bedridden patients? ›
Caregivers can help to prevent urinary tract infections by adhering to the following advice: Ensure patients receive at least 3,000 cc of water per day or as advised by their doctor. They should not be given any drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol.
How can I help my elderly person with toileting? ›
Ask your parent to place their hands on your forearms before slowly lowering themselves onto the toilet seat. Steady them by placing your hands on their trunk and bending your knees as they lower themselves. If they use a walker, don't let them hold onto it while sitting down or standing up because it could tip over.
How long can the human body go without using the bathroom? ›
The normal length of time between bowel movements varies from person to person. Some people have bowel movements several times a day. Others only go once or twice a week. A general rule is that going longer than three days without pooping is too long.
How long can someone go without using the bathroom? ›
There is no universal or definitive amount of time a person can go without pooping. However, doctors define constipation in adults as fewer than three bowel movements per week. If a person has not pooped in a week, but they feel fine, they should still seek medical advice.
How long does a person sit on a toilet lifetime? ›
People will spend 92 days of their lives on the toilet.
A majority of a person's lifetime is spent on daily necessities such as sleeping, eating, and – you guessed it! – using the bathroom. As it turns out, you'll most likely spend a third of a year on the loo throughout your lifetime. That's 92 days to be exact.
What happens to body when bedridden? ›
Periods of bedrest puts pressure on your body, diminishing blood supply, which can result in pressure sores commonly referred to as bed sores. Pressure sores can arise as early as two hours into a hospital stay and are often found on the lower back, tailbone, heels, elbows and hips.
