For the 30,000 people living with ALS in the United States, daily tasks come with significant challenges. Simple things that many of us take for granted, like cleaning up after using the bathroom, become difficult or even impossible. Bidets help individuals navigating ALS enjoy improved well-being, dignity and autonomy.

This one small addition has a huge impact on patients’ health and hygiene and improves overall quality of life for them and their caregivers. But with out-of-pocket healthcare costs topping $250,000 a year, buying an accessible bidet isn’t possible for many ALS patients. So how can we help people with ALS live more comfortably and independently?

Organizations like ALS Arizona provide resources and support for patients and their loved ones. They have programs that loan durable medical equipment (DME) to their community, giving people living with ALS access to much-needed items like wheelchairs, scooters, lifts and other adaptive equipment. But since Medicare doesn’t classify bidets as DME, they’re rarely available through loan programs. This means bidets are out of reach for patients who can’t afford yet another out-of-pocket cost.

That’s why we’ve teamed up with ALS Arizona for our Donate a Bidet program. Together, we can help individuals living with ALS enjoy greater health, comfort and dignity.

How Bidets Benefit People with ALS

ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease) attacks motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, causing muscle weakness and twitching, difficulties with speech and swallowing and loss of motor control. In some cases, ALS also causes cognitive and behavioral changes, including frontotemporal dementia (FTD). ALS symptoms worsen over time, eventually causing paralysis.

The loss of dexterity and mobility that comes with ALS leads to significant difficulties with personal hygiene. As the disease progresses, patients lose the ability to grip toilet paper or bend and reach to wipe. Being unable to get completely clean puts them at risk for infections, and having to rely on a caregiver or loved one to wipe for them can take a toll on their mental health. Bidets help people living with ALS enjoy better health and quality of life, live more comfortably and regain independence in the bathroom.

With an electric bidet, a soothing warm water spray thoroughly washes away waste and bacteria. Patients or their caregivers can customize the water temperature and pressure to find the right balance of comfort and effectiveness. The adjustable nozzle puts the wash right where it’s needed, and many come with nozzle oscillation to cover a broader area. After the wash, a warm stream of air gently dries the area.

Bidets with wireless remote controls are the best choice for anyone with accessibility needs. Some have remotes specially designed to accommodate dexterity limitations. Others use an radio frequency signal that lets caregivers control the bidet from a distance to maintain privacy and dignity. Being able to get clean without hands-on assistance empowers ALS patients to enjoy more autonomy in their daily lives.

“For patients diagnosed with ALS, bidets offer several significant benefits,” explains Angie Tigges, ALS Arizona Director of Development and former Care Service Coordinator and Patient Advocate. “As the disease progresses, bathroom modifications are necessary. A bidet can be an important part of creating an accessible bathroom environment that supports independence as long as possible.”

Why I Love My Bidet: Stories from ALS Arizona pALS

The ALS Arizona team has seen firsthand how bidets change the lives of people living with ALS (pALS). But who better to tell their stories than the patients themselves?

“Nearly 5 years ago I was diagnosed with ALS. I was an avid hiker, baker, crafter and gardener. My hands were everything to me.

Within a year, I lost the mobility of my left arm and hand. The following year, I lost dexterity in my right hand.

I attended a monthly online support meeting with ALS Arizona and shared my dilemma of using my hands while using the restroom.

The director recommended trying a bidet from the ALS loan closet. Within a week I received one in the mail and a follow-up phone call to see if there were any questions. My husband, who is also my caregiver, ran the electricity line to the toilet to install it. I can’t believe how much easier it is for me to go to the restroom without having to ask for assistance.

Since this time my husband installed one in his bathroom. He has named his “water park”.

Thank you ALS Arizona for making life easier.”

— Sheila Cannan

“Hi, my name is Scott and I wanted to share this to my fellow pALS and families. We were recently planning a remodel of our master bathroom to better accommodate me as my ALS continues to progress. With my progression I have lost more of the use of my arms and hands. It was suggested to us that I get a bidet. What a great suggestion that was! My bidet has allowed me to keep my independence and privacy a little longer. It has made my life much easier.”

Make a Difference in an ALS Patient’s Life

We’re honored to partner with ALS Arizona to help those in need experience the life-changing benefits of bidets. For every bidet donated, we’ll donate a second bidet to one of the 600 patients ALS Arizona supports each year. Donations are tax-deductible, and 100 percent of your donation goes toward the cost of a fully accessible electric bidet seat.

Want to help us have a positive impact on the lives of ALS patients? Learn more about our Donate a Bidet program or donate directly through ALS Arizona.