For Gavin, independence has always meant finding ways to adapt.
Born with a disability that affects movement in his hands, arms, legs, and feet, Gavin has spent his life developing practical ways to manage everyday tasks and continue living independently in his own bungalow. Now 57 years old, he has a strong support network of family and friends around him, but until recently, one aspect of daily life had become increasingly difficult.
From the age of 10, Gavin had used an aid to help with wiping after using the toilet. But two years ago, everything changed when he lost feeling in his hands, legs, and feet due to pressure on his spinal cord. Although surgery restored movement in his legs, the lasting numbness and swelling in his hands meant he could no longer grip or hold objects properly.
Suddenly, Gavin could no longer manage his toileting independently.
When I wanted to use the toilet, I had to wait for my mum or dad to come over to help me, he explains. Sometimes my ex-partner would help too. The evenings were the hardest. If I needed the toilet late at night, sometimes I just had to go to bed without being cleaned properly and wait until the morning. That was really difficult.
Following an assessment, Gavin’s occupational therapist recommended installing a Closomat Wash and Dry Toilet as part of a wider package of adaptations to help him remain independent at home. After researching to understand how the system worked, Gavin immediately felt it could transform his daily life.
I looked Closomat toilets up online and realised straight away that it was exactly what I needed, he says. I thought it could be life-changing for me.
The installation process went smoothly, and Gavin now operates the toilet using a touch-sensitive hand switch, allowing him to independently activate the wash and dry functions whenever he needs them.
For many people, the biggest difference a Closomat toilet makes is the freedom and dignity that comes with being able to manage such a personal and essential part of everyday life independently again—and this has certainly been true for Gavin. Rather than planning his day around when somebody might be available to help him, he now has the confidence and reassurance of knowing he can use the toilet whenever he needs to.
The Closomat has improved my life 100%, Gavin says. I can go when I like and I don’t have to rely on anyone. It’s given me my independence back and I would be lost without it now.
He also praised the support he received throughout the process.
The service has been brilliant from the start, he says. Everyone has been really helpful.
For Gavin, there is no doubt about the overall impact.
There’s nothing bad to say, he explains. Only good.