USING THE TOILET AT HOME
The following changes can make getting to the toilet easier:
- adjust the toilet to the correct height by using a raised toilet seat and installing grab hand-rails to make sitting down and getting up easier
- provide support for the proper seating position by using a foot stool (if safe to do so)
- ensure the area is clean and provide good lighting and warmth to make the toilet environment comfortable
- ensure the toilet is safe by removing clutter such as floor rugs and bath mats
- install an outward opening door. Inward opening doors are dangerous – particularly if you fall against the closed door and are trapped.
TOILET ALTERNATIVES
If you or the person you care for cannot access the toilet easily, there are alternatives available:
Commodes
A commode is a chair with a built in toilet pan which can be placed by the bed. Commodes come in a variety of designs and mobile commodes have two or four wheels and brakes.
Hand held urinals
These bottles or urine (wee) collection devices are available for men and women. Some have a non-spill design and can be used in bed or on a chair. Disposable urinals are available for travelling. You need to have a degree of strength and flexibility, particularly so for female urinals which must be held quite firmly.
PUBLIC TOILET ACCESS
The National Public Toilet Map
The National Public Toilet Map shows the location of more than 23,000 toilet facilities across Australia. This is useful for people with incontinence, travellers, and also convenient for people with young families.
You can access the map via the National Public Toilet Map website or by downloading the Toilet Map app.
The National Public Toilet Map provides:
- the location of the nearest public toilet
- details of opening hours, accessibility, parking and other features
- a way to plan short and longer journeys and locate toilets along the way
- the ability to save toilet information and trip plans.
The National Public Toilet Map is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health as part of the National Continence Program. It is a joint initiative with the Australian Local Government Association, representing councils across the country who provide information for the Toilet Map on public toilets.
Master Locksmiths Access Key
The Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) is a system that enables 24/7 access to public toilets for people with a disability or bladder or bowel condition. The MLAK master key opens all toilet facilities equipped with an MLAK lock. You can order a MLAK Key using MLAK order form. If you are a local government or a disability service provider, you can order MLAK Keys here.