Cerebral Palsy

Overview

There are 5 main types of Cerebral Palsy (Spastic, Dyskinetic, Ataxic, Hypotonic and Mixed) all as a result of an injury or abnormal development of the brain, usually before, during or shortly after birth.

According to the charity, SCOPE, Cerebral Palsy is a condition that affects muscle control, coordination, posture, balance and movement and it affects around 1 in 400 children in the UK. Symptoms present differently between individuals and often change over time and as they grow and age.

Functional Toileting Challenges:

Difficulty transferring on and off the toilet due to reduced balance or involuntary movements

Limited hand function or dexterity affecting wiping, flushing and use of controls

Postural instability, requiring assistance from grab rails

Fatigue during transfers and toileting tasks, particularly for those with more severe mobility impairments

In some cases, cognitive or communication challenges may affect task sequencing or the ability to request assistance

Incontinence issues, urgency or difficulties managing clothing due to mobility restrictions

Impacts:

Incomplete hygiene tasks

There is a higher risk of skin irritation and infection

Dependence on carers

An increased reliance on others for toileting, raising care burden and reducing independence

Safety risks

With reduced balance and involuntary movements there is a higher increase risk of falls or unsafe transfers

Reduced dignity

A reliance on assistance with intimate tasks may affect confidence and emotional wellbeing

How our products help those with Cerebral Palsy

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
(Infrared) Remote control	Enables carers to initiate wash and dry function discreetly if individual can no longer manage
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

Supportive arm rests if mobility impaired

Complex

Carer operated controls – infrared remote control

Sample specification wording

The individual presents with cerebral palsy and has significant mobility and dexterity limitations, making independent toileting and personal hygiene difficult. Manual wiping is not feasible and transfers are unstable, increasing the risk of falls and carer dependency. A Closomat Wash and Dry Toilet with automatic wash and drying, with Integrated fold-down support arms will promote independence, improve hygiene and reduce care burden.

Final checks

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

Check if there is sufficient space and correct height to transfer the individual from wheelchair to toilet

Consider seating adaptations and ensure compatibility with the Closomat Wash and Dry Toilet

Download the specification

Wash and dry toilet specification for cerebral palsy, with the recommended features and clinical justification.

Download