Closomat looks to address diabetes struggles with helpful wash & dry toilet
With one of the impacts of diabetes being an increased need to go to the toilet, Closomat says that its Palma Vita wash & dry toilet can benefit people with diabetes through removing the need to manually clean themselves.
A new study by Diabetes UK showed an almost 30 percent increase in the number of diabetes-related amputations over three years, with a record 24 people a day undergoing the procedure as a result of the disease.
The life-changing impact affects daily life and one of the symptoms of diabetes is increased need to urinate, notes Closomat. Anecdotal evidence also indicates an elevated risk of falling off the toilet, particularly during the cleaning process.
To address this issue, Closomat says people can swap their conventional toilet to the Closomat Palma Vita wash & dry toilet, which can assist amputees, diabetic or otherwise.
Its integrated douching and drying remove the need to manually wipe clean; the user remains sat still on the seat, triggers the flush process, and the Closomat does the rest. The Palma Vita can also be accessorised, thus, if required, the addition of integrated fold-away arm supports provide a discreet but reassuring additional level of safety and stability.
The change is also something that can be funded by the Disabled Facilities Grant. Depending on the appropriate council, it may be available under the fast track process without the need for means testing.
Robin Tuffley, Closomat Marketing Manager, said: “The number of people with diabetes in the UK has more than doubled in the last 20 years: 3.7million people have been diagnosed with the condition.
“Few people realise the hidden impact- that of amputation- and the corresponding impact that has on daily life, even something as basic as going to the toilet.”
Diabetic Neil McCarthy, a former consultant psychotherapist, had both his legs amputated above the knee as a result of diabetes. However, his Closomat Palma Vita with arm supports meant he was no longer reliant on his wife helping him.
He commented: “It has given me back my independence. However much you love someone, it’s not nice having to take them to the toilet and clean them afterwards. Before, if I had tried to ‘go’ on my own, I would have fallen off the toilet when I tried to clean myself. The Closomat cleans me, and the arms mean I have additional support if I need it.”
Occupational therapists and users can configure the Palma Vita toilet to individual preference with this unique online tool