Jenifer, aged 85, has spent the last decade caring for her husband, Peter, now 93, who lives with Parkinson’s disease. Prior to this, 10 years previously, Peter underwent treatment for prostate cancer, which left him with ongoing incontinence issues.

As Peter’s needs increased, Jenifer recognised that their home and particularly their bathroom needed to adapt to support both his care and her ability to continue looking after him safely.

I realised that if I was going to cope with incontinence and his increased mobility difficulties, I needed to make some changes, Jenifer explains.

Jenifer decided to refurbish their bathroom completely, removing the bath and installing a walk-in shower.

Before the Closomat

Jenifer adds:

Our daughter who worked as a medical negligence lawyer at the time, suggested we should also consider a Wash & Dry Toilet. I didn’t know where to start, but she mentioned Closomat.

Working with her plumber, Jenifer sourced and arranged for the installation of a Closomat Wash and Dry Toilet, choosing to fund the work privately to ensure it could be completed quickly and at a time that suited them, during a six-week period away from home.

I just thought, I need to get on with this and get it done while we had the opportunity and I’m so glad we did. The Closomat, along with something as simple as my washing machine, has made such a difference. It’s helped me to keep looking after my husband at home. Coping with incontinence isn’t always easy, but having things you can rely on really does help.

Installation and Adaptation

The Closomat Wash and Dry Toilet was installed as a central feature in the couple’s new bathroom. Aged 85 and 93, both have experienced reduced steadiness in later life. To support their safe transfers and maintain independence, a tilting Aerolet was also added, providing supporting arms on both sides of the Closomat to help each of them get on and off the toilet more easily.

The Aerolet lifting mechanism is the essential part of the experience – it’s excellent. It’s really sturdy and safe. The tilting function allows us both to be supported gently and securely.

As she explains, caring for someone with complex needs involves constant adaptation and resilience – particularly later in life.

It’s all about finding ways to make things manageable. The pads help, the washing machine helps, but the toilet makes a real difference.

With the addition of regular servicing and responsive support, Jenifer has confidence that the system will continue to meet their needs.

We had one issue and someone from Closomat came out and it was sorted straight away. That was excellent.

The Impact

The difference the Closomat has made has been significant for both Jenifer and her husband, Peter.

While Peter now requires additional carer support, the Closomat combined with the Aerolet Tilt plays a vital role in making toileting safer, more manageable and more dignified. The integrated lifting mechanism of the Aerolet Tilt supports transfers, reducing physical strain, while the wash and dry function of the Closomat helps manage hygiene effectively, particularly in relation to incontinence.

This has led to meaningful improvements in several areas:

  • Support with care: The lifting function reduces the physical demands of assisting Peter
  • Dignity: The wash and dry function helps maintain personal hygiene in a more respectful way
  • Reassurance: Reliable equipment and regular servicing provide peace of mind
  • Sustainability of care at home: The right support has helped Jenifer continue caring for her husband in their own home for longer

Looking back

Reflecting on the decision to install the Closomat, Jenifer is clear about its value, not just as a product, but as a support system that has enabled her to continue caring for her husband at home for as long as possible.

How people managed in the past, I don’t know, she says. But for us, it’s made all the difference.

Testimonial – Jenifer

Coping with incontinence is not easy and anything that helps makes a real difference. The Closomat has been invaluable for us. Combined with the support arms of the Aerolet, both together are excellent and very sturdy, safe and it certainly takes the strain out of helping my husband. It’s enabled me to continue caring for him at home for years longer than I otherwise could have.

 

My carers really like it too and the support from Closomat has been fantastic. It was an investment, but absolutely worth it. I would recommend it without hesitation.