Bathroom and toilet

Keeping your bathroom a safe and comfortable space is essential for maintaining independence at home.

Within this section, you'll find information on a variety of bathroom solutions, equipment, and aids, all aimed at promoting a sense of dignity and allowing you to live life to the fullest.

Taking care and managing your continence: This section provides guidance on continence management strategies and resources available in Plymouth.
Using the toilet: Explore helpful products and techniques that can make using the toilet easier and safer.
Taking a shower: Discover tips and equipment for a safe and enjoyable showering experience.
Washing and bathing: Find information on bath benches, shower chairs, and other aids that can make bathing more manageable.
Bathroom technology and gadgets: Learn about innovative solutions like grab bars, raised toilet seats, and bidet attachments that can enhance bathroom safety and accessibility.
Clothes to help bladder control and continence: Explore absorbent underwear and other discreet clothing options that promote confidence and peace of mind.
Bath lifts and hoists: This section delves into helpful equipment that can assist with safely entering and exiting the bath or shower.
Bathroom accessories: Discover a range of practical bathroom accessories, like toilet brushes with long handles and non-slip mats, that can make bathroom routines easier.
Commodes: Learn about different types of bedside commodes that offer a convenient alternative to using the bathroom at night.
Toileting aids: Explore a variety of tools, such as raised toilet seats and toilet wipes, that can make using the toilet more comfortable and manageable.
Washing and hygiene aids: Find information on long-handled sponges, shower mitts, and other tools that can assist with personal hygiene tasks.
Incontinence pads, pants, and liners: This section provides guidance on selecting the right incontinence products for your needs.

Where to buy equipment to help keep your home safe

Plymouth City Council, NHS Devon, and Livewell Southwest have jointly commissioned NRS Healthcare to deliver the Safe+Well service, and they have over 2,500 daily living aids that you can purchase by mail order, telephone, or online.

View the Plymouth Safe+Well website

NRS has a dedicated phone line with a trained team of specialists who can answer any questions you might have. Just call 0345 6461860.

Other places to buy equipment from:

How to get adult social care support

Depending on your circumstances and how your needs are assessed, you might be eligible for support from the council.

The easiest way to check what help you might be entitled to is to complete our online self-assessment. It only takes a few minutes, and at the end of the form, you have the option of making a referral and requesting a formal assessment.

Washing and bathing

Maintaining good personal hygiene is essential for everyone, regardless of age. However, for older adults living independently, washing and bathing can become a challenge due to reduced mobility, balance issues, and concerns about safety.

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Taking a shower

Showering is a daily routine essential for hygiene and well-being. However, for older adults living independently, navigating a shower can present safety concerns due to slippery surfaces, limited mobility, and potential difficulty reaching necessary items.

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Washing and hygiene aids

Maintaining good personal hygiene is essential for overall health and well-being. However, age-related changes like reduced mobility, limited dexterity, and vision problems can make showering and washing a challenge.

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Bath lifts and hoists

Taking a relaxing bath is an essential part of maintaining personal hygiene and well-being. However, for older adults, difficulty entering or exiting the bathtub can become a significant obstacle to independent bathing.

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Bathroom accessories

Maintaining a safe and enjoyable bathing routine is essential for personal hygiene and well-being, especially as we age. However, navigating the bathroom can become challenging with age-related changes in mobility or balance.

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Bathroom technology and gadgets

Technology and gadgets to help you in the bathroom. The bathroom, while essential, can also pose safety challenges for older adults living independently.

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Using the toilet

Maintaining independence for daily tasks like using the toilet is crucial for older adults. However, age-related changes in strength, flexibility, and balance can make this seemingly simple activity challenging.

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Toileting aids

Maintaining independence in the bathroom is an important aspect of living well at home. However, age-related changes like reduced mobility, limited dexterity, and balance problems can make using the toilet a challenge.

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Commodes

Maintaining independence and dignity in your own home is essential, especially as we age. Using the toilet safely and without assistance can be a concern for older adults. Limited mobility, reduced balance, and bathroom layout limitations can all make using a standard toilet challenging.

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Taking care to manage your continence

Maintaining continence, both urinary and faecal, is essential for a healthy and independent life. However, as we age, managing continence can become more challenging.

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Clothes to help bladder control and continence

Living with incontinence can be a challenge, but managing it discreetly and comfortably is possible with the right approach. Clothing plays a crucial role in promoting confidence and independence, allowing you to participate in daily activities without unnecessary worry.

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Incontinence pads, pants and liners

Incontinence, the involuntary loss of urine, can affect people of all ages, but it becomes more common as we get older. While it's a sensitive topic, understanding the different types of incontinence products available can empower you to manage the condition discreetly and comfortably in your home.

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Managing your medicines

Taking your medications as prescribed is crucial for maintaining good health, particularly for older adults living independently. However, managing multiple medications can be challenging, leading to missed doses, confusion, and frustration.

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