Dementia / Alzheimer’s

Overview

Alzheimer’s disease is a physical illness that damages a person’s brain and over time leads to dementia. Its effects vary from person to person, but for most, Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive cognitive condition that impacts memory, orientation, reasoning and executive function.

Whilst Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative condition it is not seen as life shortening and therefore future proofing is crucial.

According to the Alzheimer’s Society, around two in three people living with dementia in the UK have Alzheimer’s disease. As it advances, it can impact continence, sequencing of toileting tasks, recognition of equipment and the ability to use standard controls.

Functional Toileting Challenges:

Forgetting the sequencing of toileting tasks

Difficulty recognising or locating the toilet

Reduced ability to operate flush levers or small buttons

Agitation or anxiety in unfamiliar environments

Loss of ability to maintain personal hygiene without assistance

Impaired ability to recognise toileting cues

Impacts:

Incomplete hygiene tasks

Increasing the risk of infections, odour and skin problems

Loss of dignity

Reduced self-esteem when unable to toilet independently

Greater reliance on carers

Unable to use functions on toilet independently, increasing care burden and costs

Unsafe environment

Incorrect use of bathroom function could lead to wet surfaces and an increase injury risk

Loss of recognition

Difficulty recognising the bathroom and toilet as the correct place to toilet

How our products help those with Alzheimer’s Disease

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 soft seat	Improve recognition and location of the toilet as blue seat option provides a strong, clean colour contrast against mainly white bathroom
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

As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, the individual can become unable to reliably complete the toileting sequence, resulting in poor hygiene, increased risk of infection and heavy reliance on carer input. A Closomat Wash and Dry Toilet with automatic wash and drying, simple intuitive controls and support arms will minimise care burden, improve dignity and ensure safer, more effective toileting.

Final checks

Is there space for clear signage on the bathroom door to help identify the toilet?

Have the simplest of controls been selected?

What else needs to be in place to keep the bathroom clutter-free and prevent overwhelm?

Download the specification

Wash and dry toilet specification for dementia and Alzheimer's, with the recommended features and clinical justification.

Download

Alzheimer’s Disease