Hadley is 16 years old, and has cerebral palsy (spastic diplegia), affecting his mobility, balance and dexterity. He leads an active life, passionately playing wheelchair sports and is used to finding alternative ways to manage everyday tasks.
However, using the toilet had always been a sticking point.
Going to the loo was both time-consuming and physically demanding for Hadley. He was unable to sit safely without support or clean up by himself, relying entirely on his parents or carers when using a conventional toilet. This was not only uncomfortable and undignified, but with the severe tightness of Hadley’s leg muscles, achieving a thorough clean was not always possible.
As he got older, this became increasingly frustrating. While he was independent in many other areas of his life, this was the one fundamental activity where Hadley had very little control.
Six months ago, everything changed – with the installation of a Closomat Wash and Dry Toilet.
For the first time in his life, Hadley can now manage his own toilet hygiene.
The Closomat is one of the best things we have ever bought, he says. I always feel clean and I like that I can control it myself. Going to the loo is so much quicker now too, because I don’t have to rely on someone to help me with everything. All I need is a bit of support with transfers on and off.
Hadley uses a shower chair over the Closomat toilet, to ensure he is fully supported, allowing him to sit comfortably and securely. The toilet has an extended douche arm to ensure the water jet is in the correct position, and has a touch-sensitive hand switch that enables him to activate the flush, wash and dry functions with ease.
Despite initial concerns that his condition—particularly his tendency to startle—might make it difficult to adapt, Hadley quickly grew accustomed to the new toilet.
Hadley says:
I thought it would take me a long time to get used to it, as my muscles tighten quickly when something touches my skin, making me jump. But it only took about a week. After that, it just felt normal for me. I was really surprised how easy it was.
The impact of the installation goes beyond practical help. Hadley’s parents have seen a noticeable improvement in overall happiness too.
His mum, Sarah, says:
Going to the toilet independently is something most of us take for granted. But being unable to can, understandably, have a negative impact on mental health. The Closomat has been amazing for Hadley. He feels more confident and always completely clean, which has really helped with his self-esteem. We are incredibly pleased for him. Plus it has removed the physical challenges for us as parents/carers. The toilet is keeping us all safer during Hadley’s personal care.
The family chose not to wait for a local authority assessment and grant, and made the decision to fund the toilet themselves.
We were fortunately able to get the toilet faster by purchasing it ourselves and have no regrets. We just wish we had done it sooner, Sarah adds.
One of the other key benefits of a Closomat Wash and Dry Toilet is its flexibility—adapting alongside the user as their needs change over time.
As Hadley continues to grow, he and his family are already considering further adaptations, such as a soft seat and integrated fold down support arms, which may allow him to transition away from using a shower chair in the future.
But for now, the family are enjoying the benefits of the two products working seamlessly together, to provide Hadley with the dignity in the toilet that he, and everyone, deserves.