Our golden years should be peaceful and comfortable—but getting older can cause mobility issues that make everyday activities like using the bathroom more difficult to do independently, even with the help of caregivers.
This is where bidets can be a big help—providing better hygiene, comfort, and independence in the bathroom.
What is a bidet?
A bidet is a device with a nozzle or sprayer that allows you to wash yourself with water after going to the bathroom. Bidets come in many different designs, like smart toilets, non-electronic bidet attachments, bidet sprayers, and travel bidets. They’re common around the world and have a long history, going as far back as the 1600s. Older standalone bidets never took off in the United States because they're expensive, difficult to install, and require more space. Thanks to modern improvements in design and technology, bidets are more popular and affordable than ever. For some older adults, modern bidets and the features that they carry can be a big help for daily living. Here’s how.
How does a bidet help with senior living?
A bidet can help older adults and people with mobility issues clean themselves after using the bathroom.
Washing with a bidet doesn’t require as much twisting, turning, and reaching as wiping with toilet paper would. For older adults with age-related mobility issues, a bidet can help make bathroom visits easier and more comfortable.
In addition, a bidet may benefit older adults who rely on caregivers for help washing up after going to the bathroom. According to a study from PubMed, bidets may “reduce the amount of physical assistance required from caregivers” when it comes to toileting, providing a greater sense of privacy, independence, and confidence for older adults.
What’s the best bidet for seniors?
There are plenty of bidets on the market for every budget and need, but an electronic bidet toilet seat is hard to beat because of features that add an extra dimension of comfort for the user. These can include things like:
- A sidearm control panel for users with limited mobility/dexterity
- Endless warm water washes and a heated seat for comfort during colder seasons
- A warm air dryer that blows warm air after washing to help dry off
- A built-in LED nightlight that helps illuminate the path to the bathroom at night for those with reduced vision
- Self-cleaning nozzle cleaning to ensure hygienic washes from start to finish
For those looking for something simple and budget-friendly, bidet attachments and sprayers are a great option, as they mount easily to your toilet and don’t have many bells and whistles.
Whatever bidet you choose, they still provide plenty of benefits without much barrier to entry. They’re designed to meet a variety of hygiene needs, and they're easy to install onto any existing toilet—without tools or plumbing experience.
How can we make bathrooms safer for older adults?
Preventing slips and falls is the most important goal when creating a safe space for older adults. According to HomeCare magazine, there are about 36,000 instances of reported falls in older adults per year, and 80 percent of those instances occur in the bathroom. In addition to installing a bidet, here are some other solutions to make the bathroom a safer place.
- Install grab bars and walking rails for easy handholds and balance.
- Add a toilet riser to make sitting down easier.
- Add slip-proof mats for better traction on potentially slippery surfaces.
Bring independence to the bathroom.
For older adults, bidets don’t just mean better personal hygiene. Combined with other add-ons that help create a safer bathroom environment, bidets give older adults a chance to experience independence and dignity during every bathroom visit. They offer a solution that can help seniors age in place—and that feels better already.