If you have mobility issues, would you want to rely on someone to help you go to the toilet?
That had been the situation for husband and wife of 45 years George and June Gale of Kington Langley in Wiltshire.
Alongside suffering from COPD, diabetes, trapped vertebrae and cancer, and having broken his back twice within 14 months, all of which confine him to bed or wheelchair, George (66) is, to quote June, a big man (over 6ft tall and 180kg/28st). As a result, he was reliant on June (63) helping him use the toilet. June herself has arthritis, cancer and has to use a colostomy bag.
But dignity and independence for both has been restored. Under a Disabled Facilities Grant, the couple have had a Closomat Palma Vita wash & dry toilet with a touch sensitive switch fitted in their adapted home. Therefore, just by lightly pushing the switch with his hand or foot, George can trigger the WC’s integrated douching and drying. He can ‘go’ by himself, without any need for June to help or clean him.
June says
It’s brilliant. It has helped no end. Can you imagine, I’m not very big, and I was having to support George when he needed the toilet, and clean him. Having the Closomat has literally taken a big weight and strain off me. I use it too: it’s so hygienic.
Adds George,
The difference it has made to me mentally, it has given me my dignity back. It’s the best aid I have. Unless you’re in the situation, you have no understanding of the impact it has on you if you have to rely on someone to help you go to the toilet. It’s not just the product itself, the staff at Closomat all care, are patient and do their best to help you.
