Amputation / Loss of Limb

Overview

Living without a limb/s may be as the result of an amputation – a surgical removal of part of a body such as an arm or a leg – or from congenital limb loss, where an individual is born without a limb.

Amputation or congenital limb loss can significantly affect mobility, balance and dexterity. The impact on an individual can vary and depends on the level of amputation, area of the body affected and whether prostheses are used. Toileting tasks may be affected by difficulties with transfers, reaching, grasping and maintaining stability.

Functional Toileting Challenges:

Limited grip strength or dexterity for operating flush, buttons or wiping

Difficulty transferring on and off the toilet

Reduced reach or balance for clothing management and hygiene

Increased risk of falls due to instability when prostheses are removed

Changes to sitting posture

Impacts:

Incomplete hygiene tasks

Higher risk of skin issues and infection

Dependence on carers

Can lead to greater reliance on support for personal hygiene tasks, increasing the care burden

Safety risks

Reduced balance increases the vulnerability to falls, slips causing further injury

Reduced dignity

Loss of independence can cause distress and reduced self-esteem

How our products help those with Amputation / Loss of Limb

FEATURE	WHY IT HELPS
Palma Vita Wash and Dry Toilet	Provides improved hygiene, comfort and independence with integrated washing and drying functions, reducing the need for assistance and supporting accessibility.
Integrated fold-down support arms	Improves physical safety when using the toilet, especially if mobility impaired
Adult standard seat	Provides a safe and comfortable seating surface for toileting, supporting everyday hygiene and independence.
Touch sensitive hand/foot switch	Makes it easier to recognise and use without complex instructions
Height adjustable – Engineer installed plinth	Installed by a qualified engineer, the plinth provides an appropriate toilet height to accommodate individual needs when using the toilet both with and without prostheses
Douche (standard)	Supports personal hygiene and cleanliness, helping users maintain independence and comfort during toileting.

Closomat wash and dry toilet in a modern bathroom with a teal wall

Priority specification

Foundational

The Closomat Palma Vita, easy-use controls with a touch sensitive hand/foot switch

Moderate

Integrated fold-down support arms for those who can push safely into a stand

Complex

Engineer installed plinth to achieve an appropriate toilet height for use both with and without prostheses

Sample specification wording

Following lower limb amputation, the individual can experience difficulty with safe transfers and maintaining balance during toileting. Manual wiping can be compromised due to reduced reach and stability, increasing risk of falls and infection. A Closomat Wash and Dry Toilet with automatic washing and drying, integrated fold-down support arms, easily accessible controls and relevant accessories, including an engineer-installed plinth to achieve an appropriate toilet height for use both with and without prostheses, can help restore independence, enhance safety and reduce reliance on carers.

Final checks

Are the chosen controls for the toilet compatible with the individual’s hand function

Assess that the seat height is appropriate for use with and without prostheses

Confirm if there is adequate bathroom space for wheelchair/transfer aids if space for these is a requirement. If the individual uses a slide transfer, consider whether this is done in one direction only as this will impact space required on either side of the toilet.

Download the specification

Wash and dry toilet specification for amputation and loss of limb, with the recommended features and clinical justification.

Download

Amputation/Loss of Limb