Terry, aged 66, has lived with complex health conditions over many years, including multiple sclerosis, bladder cancer, and a stroke. His home has been adapted to support his physical needs, with a ground floor bedroom, bathroom, and access modifications in place as well as a Closomat Wash and Dry Toilet.

For Terry, the toilet has played a vital role in maintaining both his independence and dignity throughout these challenges.

Before having access to a Closomat Wash and Dry Toilet, Terry described toileting as ‘a nightmare’, making it a distressing aspect of daily life.

He explains:

The loss of privacy was unavoidable, I always needed a second person with me to assist with intimate hygiene. It was degrading. Your dignity just disappears, and you end up not caring.

Terry first encountered the idea of a wash and dry toilet in 1990, when an Army occupational therapist, who helped design his home adaptations, recommended one.

At the time, the technology felt revolutionary.

I couldn’t imagine what it did until it was installed, he says. Back then it felt like something you’d only find in the finest hotels, and I felt so privileged to have one.

The installation itself was simple and quick.

He adds:

The old toilet came out, the new one went in, a bit of wiring, and that was it, it was up and running. Wow.

From the moment it was installed, Terry never looked back.

He says:

I am fully independent when using the Closomat – it completely changed my life. I no longer had to worry about going to the toilet, I could just go alone, whenever I needed.

Terry’s original Closomat toilet lasted over 30 years, and has only recently been replaced with a newer model.

Over the years, the features and accessories have continued to make life easier for Terry. Where he once used the inbuilt elbow pads to activate the flush and wash, he now benefits from a touch sensitive switch system, allowing even simpler operation.

But the impact of the toilet has extended beyond Terry himself. When his wife, who had been his main carer, sadly developed dementia, having the Closomat toilet enabled him to continue caring for her in their home for as long as possible, as he would not have been able to support her with intimate care.

It enabled me precious extra time with her at home. Without it, I couldn’t have coped, he says.

Terry is clear about the difference the Closomat toilet has made. It has helped him maintain control, confidence and quality of life, even in the face of significant health challenges for him and his family.

It also has an unexpected benefit, he says:

I must have saved a fortune on toilet paper – I can’t remember the last time I used some at home.