AKW Bidet The Solution to Intimate Care
Produced in conjunction with Kate Sheehan, Occupational Therapist, Director of The OT Service. The things we take for granted Using the toilet – a complex activity
One of the things most people take for granted and think little about It is normal to Although going to the toilet is second nature to most of us, is using the toilet. However, for some people, this seemingly simple go to the toilet when broken down using activity analysis it is actually a procedure can become very challenging. series of complex activities.
betweentimes It is normal to go to the toilet between four to eight times per day and no more than For effective toileting the following is needed: once a night according to an NHS ‘healthy bladder guide’. Although the recommended A range of physical attributes: fluid intake for adults is at least 1.5 litres a day or 6 – 8 glasses, those who find toileting 4–8 + Fine and gross motor skills difficult are prone to limiting the amount of liquids they consume so as to reduce the per day + Balance number of times that they need to use the toilet. This is dangerous however, as it can and no more than + Muscle control lead to dehydration. once a night + Sensory capabilities (proprioception) According to the British Nutrition Foundation, older people are some of the most A range of cognitive skills: vulnerable to dehydration due to physiological changes in the ageing process, according to an + Understanding the need to go disease states, and mental and physical frailty. Although keeping hydrated is key to NHS ‘healthy + Knowing how to actually use the toilet long-term health and minimises the risk of increased bladder sensitivity and ultimate bladder guide’ + Recognising the toilet and the object required for the task (constancy) hospitalisation due to dehydration, it is also understandable why fluid consumption is + Understanding the need to be fully clean avoided when toileting requires assistance and a loss of dignity. + Understanding the need to wash hands afterwards Not only does reducing fluid intake risk dehydration it also has the opposite impact and + Knowing how to sequence the stages of going to the toilet
is likely to increase the frequency of visits to the toilet, due to highly concentrated urea A level of environmental understanding: causing bladder irritation, reducing bladder size and causing constipation. + Knowing where the toilet is Prevention is the key + Knowing how to physically access it Although toileting and discussions about going to the toilet still seem relatively taboo + Understanding if it allows the person to access and use it topics in today’s culture, it is essential that these subjects are addressed as part of a holistic assessment. Putting strategies in place to help those who struggle with Visual Task Analysis going to the toilet can not only prevent hospital admissions and promote dignity and independence, it can also help encourage the safe and effective discharge of those who have been in hospital.
Maintaining dignity and independence 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 As occupational therapists and social care providers, personalised care is a top priority and a toileting solution needs to suit the individual’s needs. The ultimate goal for
any toileting strategy is that it maintains the individual’s dignity and where possible, 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 promotes their ability to use a toilet independently without any additional care.
2 3 Bidets – a helping hand! Bidet functions
Bidets can play a key role in helping those with A range of bidet options There are a range of functions available in seat-attached bidets:
disabilities achieve toileting independence for longer. Essentially, there are three basic varieties of bidet: Bidets are more hygienic than using toilet paper, which often doesn’t clean a person properly. Bidets are seen as healthier than toilet paper as “they 1. Free-standing Temperature Look for bidets that have instant water heating technology provide better personal hygiene,” according to the US 2. Built in (two-in-one) controlled water and include a range of temperature controls, so that urologist Dr Philip Buffington. Bidets can be ideal for 3. Over-toilet seat attachment the individual can alter the setting to suit their specific use in domestic or care settings, but it is advised that requirements. As bathrooms have become smaller, free-standing individuals seek advice from an occupational therapist models have become less common. Two-in-one toilets Spray control As everyone is unique, ensure that the bidet has an adjustable or appropriate healthcare professional to ensure a and bidets are growing in popularity, but their expense spray nozzle, so that spray intensity can be altered and that Bidets can help prevent a range of different infections. bidet will meet their on-going needs. still makes them of limited appeal to occupational the type of spray can be changed to suit user comfort and For those with disabilities, bathroom hygiene can be therapists and social care providers. cleaning requirements. very challenging. A bidet can help promote dignity and For those looking to promote dignity and independence Dryer setting Specify a bidet that offers a range of drying temperatures keep individuals independent for longer. The benefits of for longer in the home however, the seat-like attachment and speeds, so that the preferences of the individual and their using a bidet are: bidet for existing toilets offers some significant benefits: needs can be taken into account. + Bidets are more hygienic than using toilet paper, + It is significantly cheaper than buying and installing a The user doesn’t touch the area with toilet paper, so Seat sensor For ultimate safety, look for a bidet that has an integral seat which often doesn’t clean a person properly they do not come into contact with bacteria and germs. two-in-one bidet/toilet sensor, so that the bidet can only be activated when someone + Bidets can help prevent a range of different infections + It is transferrable, if the individual moves or no longer is actually sitting on the seat. + The user doesn’t touch the area with toilet paper, needs the use of a bidet, it can be removed and used so they do not come into contact with bacteria and Self-cleaning To ensure that the nozzle and surrounding area are hygienic elsewhere germs before and after every use, choose a bidet that has a + It overcomes the challenges of fitting an additional + Bidets can be operated without any additional help self-cleaning function. bidet into a small bathroom for the majority of people with disabilities, promoting + As the cost and installation of models, such as AKW’s Bidets can be operated without any additional help for the majority of people with disabilities, promoting Quiet operation To promote the dignity of the user still further, ensure that the both privacy and dignity both privacy and dignity. Bidet, are under £1,000, they are classed as minor bidet has a low noise heater, pump and dryer. + Bidets are more environmentally friendly than using works. If under £1,000, they are applicable for a local toilet paper Remote operation A remote makes the bidet easy to use for everybody, it authority Minor Works Grant , rather than coming + Bidets don’t require the same complex levels of removes the need to use the side controls. A remote can under Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) funding, when dexterity or physical ability that are otherwise needed. also support carer options whilst maximising dignity. specified by an occupational therapist or other relevant social care qualified professional. Supporting independence Bidets are more environmentally friendly than using toilet paper.
To maintain independence and dignity when it comes to toileting, some people need additional support. As well as promoting independence and long- term health, bidets are a valuable addition to the occupational therapist and social care provider’s toolkit. With cost-effective alternatives, such as high quality seat-attached bidets, now available, there is now even less reason for
AKW Bidet – Spray arm individuals to suffer in silence any longer. Bidets don’t require the same complex levels of dexterity or physical ability that are otherwise needed.
4 5 AKW’s Bidet seat-attached bidet AKW’s Bidet options
AKW Standard Seat
Standard Seat
Ideal for both social care and private installations, the AKW Bidet has been developed to offer a cost-effective, quick Standard Seat 212 Seat Dimensions – Closed 3 SeatAK DimensionsW Standard Seat – Open 212 to install and easy to use and maintain bidet for those wanting a non-permanent solution. The AKW Bidet is water 3 3 mains fed and offers users a range of temperature, water spray and dryer options. 3 2 212 3 2 3 3 212 3
The AKW Bidet includes: Seat selection: 2 Temperature selection: + Two seat options: 2 1 + A high power 2000w instantaneous water heater – a sculpted seat option for use with matching AKW 1
that delivers warm water on demand, allowing sanitaryware 21 1 continual washing – an ergonomic option for use with AKW Livenza and 1 Doc M. AKW Bidet unit. Sculpted seat option. Doc M raised height back-to-wall toilet pan. Sculpted seat also compatible + 5 stage temperature control (31 – 39°C) most common toilet pan designs 21 with Doc M Close Coupled Pan. AKW Ergonomic Seat Spray selection: + A seat sensor to prevent accidental usage r onomi Seat + 5 position anal and feminine wash – users can adjust + A maximum load of 175kg (27.5 stones) 212 3
r onomi Seat 212 position to desired setting + Seat and lid or seat only options available Seat Dimensions – Closed 3 Seat DimensionsAKW Ergonomic Seat – Open 3 + 5 different spray intensity settings (0.6L – 1L/min) + The seat and lid are easily removable for cleaning 3 2 212 + Standard wash cycle 1 minute but can be reactivated + Seat lugs for stability when side transferring 3 2 3 3 212 3 to continue washing + Lid Lift Assist
+ 4 Spray modes: Steady, Pulsating, Massage, + Seat Lift Assist 2 Pulsating + Massage + Soft close seat and lid 2 1 1 Dryer selection:
91 1 + A 350W dryer, with a 180 second drying cycle 1 + 5 dryer temperature settings Livenza. AKW Bidet unit. Ergonomic seat option. Livenza standard 91 close coupled toilet pan. Ergonomic seat also + Adjustable speed drier with 3 settings compatible with most common toilet pans. AKW Standard Seat + Thermal cut out at 45°C and a protective guard for Standard Seat
improved safety Standard Seat 212 Seat Dimensions – Closed 3 SeatAK DimensionsW Standard Seat – Open 212 Self-cleaning: 3 3 + Pre and post wash nozzle cleaning 3 2 212 3 2 3 3 212
+ Auto water purge – if bidet not used for 72 hours 3 – for water cleanliness Quiet operation and efficient: 2 2 + Low noise heater, water pump and dryer motor 1 1 + Pressure and flow optimised for efficient and 21 1 continuous cleaning 1 Remote control. Full function control with handheld Navlin. AKW Bidet unit. Sculpted seat option. Navlin back to-wall toilet pan. 21 ergonomic remote control.
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