Personal Hygiene Aids

Personal Hygiene Aids for stroke patients may allow them to be independent with toileting. A mobility aid may provide the help an individual need to stabilize herself when sitting on and getting up from the toilet. Changing the height of the toilet may make using the toilet less difficult. A raised toilet seat or a toilet seat riser reduces the distance from a standing to sitting position so a person does not have to squat or bend down as far to reach the seat. Risers are usually made of plastic and can be placed on top of the toilet seat or between the seat and toilet rim. Some have grab bars attached or are part of a commode chair.

For stroke patients who have difficulty getting to the bathroom, a three-in-one commode chair has three features: a raised seat, grab bars on both sides of the chair, and a removable bucket. This proves to be very useful as it can be kept nearby the bed or sitting area. The grab bars on either side can prevent a person from falling and also can be used to push up on or lower the body down to the seat. This combination chair can also be used over an existing toilet with the bucket removed.

Because accidents due to incontinence are often unavoidable, it is a good idea to keep a pair of clean garments in all bathrooms. Stroke survivors may also feel more comfortable if they wear disposable under-garments.