Best Accessible Bidet Seats for Elderly & Disabled Users

Why Are Bidets Good for Aging in Place and Disabilities?

Bidets offer a safe, comfortable way to stay fresh and clean and regain control of your independence. If you have reduced range of motion, dexterity, mobility or flexibility, reaching to wipe may be painful or even impossible. Bidets minimize or even eliminate this problem while ensuring proper hygiene. The warm water wash delivers a superior clean over toilet paper alone, which can leave harmful residue on the skin and lead to infection. Bidets are also gentler on thinning, sensitive skin, where even minor irritation or normal wiping can cause painful tears.

The best bidets for handicapped and elderly users have adjustable nozzle positions and nozzle oscillation. These features allow for a thorough cleanse that hits all the right spots while reducing any need for moving or shifting around, reducing the risk of falls. And if incontinence is a concern, bidets provide easy, complete cleanup without the need for a bath or shower.

Perhaps most importantly, bidets maintain privacy and dignity in the bathroom. The ability to use the bathroom safely and independently improves mental well-being. It also ensures that hygiene isn’t compromised by bathroom avoidance or an unwillingness to ask for help. Plus, bidets make it easier and more sanitary for caregivers providing a helping hand in the bathroom.

What Features Should I Look For in an Accessible Bidet?

Electric bidet seats have tons of comfort and convenience functions that can improve day-to-day life for elderly and handicapped users. Many (but not all) electric units have unlimited warm water and wireless remote controls. The warm water relaxes muscles to ensure a more complete and comfortable clean, and the remote control provides lots of control over the water pressure (as opposed to non-electric versions that generally have bracing cold water and a sensitive dial). Plus, the remote can be mounted to the wall at the most convenient height and location for the user or taken out and held in the hand. This means all the controls are easily accessible without having to twist, turn and look down to reach a side control.

Additional features vary by model, these are some of the most beneficial options for aging in place and disabilities:

• Warm air dryers: Warm air dryers use an adjustable-temperature stream of air to dry off after using the bidet. This completely eliminates the need for reaching to wipe dry with toilet paper and is gentler on sensitive skin.

• Heated seats: This handy feature takes the chill off bathroom visits during colder weather. Heated seats can also relax muscles and soothe discomfort.

• Night lights: Built-in night lights help with safely navigating the bathroom in low light. The soft glow provides gentle illumination that’s less harsh than overhead lighting, making it easier to get back to sleep after nighttime bathroom visits.

• Sittable lids: Not all bidet seat lids are designed to support the weight of an adult. Choosing a model with a sittable lid provides a safe, stable perch for getting dressed, clipping toenails or assisting with bathing.

• Enema or massage washes: Bidet enema functions use a thin stream of water to break up stool. Massage (or pulse) washes may help stimulate bowel movements externally to make it easier to go.
• Auto washes or user presets: Particularly helpful for individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia or cognitive impairment, auto functions start a complete wash and dry cycle with one button press. User presets allow you to save individual preferences for simple customized cleansing.

Are Bidets ADA Compliant?

ADA compliance for toilets depends on two main factors: seat height (17 to 19 inches from the floor) and flush controls (hand operated on the open side of the toilet or automatic). So when it comes to bidets, ADA compliance is more of a concern with integrated units, where the bidet functions are built into the toilet. As long as your overall bathroom setup complies with ADA standards, adding a bidet seat shouldn’t cause any issues. 

If you’re interested in an ADA-compliant integrated bidet toilet, reach out to us for a personalized recommendation.

Will My Insurance Cover a Bidet?

Insurance may cover the cost of a bidet seat if it’s needed for medical reasons. We’re unable to guarantee coverage or speak with your providers, but we’re happy to help you find the right seat for your situation and get the process started. Our bidet experts are available via live chat, phone (248-974-4030) or email ([email protected]) to walk you through next steps.