It's a sad fact of life that things get harder with age. Tasks that were once second nature become time-consuming and difficult, especially trips to the toilet. Thankfully, bidets help make toilet trips and hygiene much simpler and safer.

Here are some bidet features seniors will love:

More than your average bidet

When you hear the word "bidet," you may think of the extra installation beside the toilet in many European bathrooms. These freestanding bidets have been around for centuries.

On the other hand, the bidet attachment is a far more recent invention. It replaces the seat of a toilet, bringing with it the features of a freestanding bidet (and then some). Most commonly associated with Japan, it is now popular throughout the world.

Bidets are easy to find but harder to install. Most require an electrical outlet in the bathroom, so always seek professional advice when installing one. They also require regular care and cleaning to perform optimally. Dedicated senior help services are knowledgeable about bidet attachments and can keep them running smoothly.

While still relatively new to the U.S., the gentle water flow and hands-free hygiene can be invaluable to the bathroom needs of older people. Here are some features that can be particularly useful:

Wall-mounted panels and remotes

The standard bidet attachment operates through a control panel, typically located on the right side of the unit. From this panel, the user can change seat and water temperature, water pressure, nozzle position, and even activate privacy sounds.

Unfortunately, this panel can be hard to access when flexibility is an issue. As such, a bidet with a remote or wall-mounted panel is the smarter choice. A wall-mounted holder can also facilitate remote control access.

Drying functions

Nearly all bidet attachments come standard with cleaning nozzles and other functions. However, a drying function may not be standard. Proper cleansing after using the toilet is a major issue for many seniors and caregivers. Bidets with dryer functions eliminate this step, making things simpler and less embarrassing.

Cycles

A bidet's many functions and buttons can bewilder and intimidate older users. Look for bidets that make this easier by automating many of their features into set cycles. A bidet can wash, clean, and dry the user at the press of a button. Some can even be programmed to remember certain presets for different users.

Solid lids

Many bidets consist of lightweight plastic that is unsuitable for sitting. Most seniors, however, use toilet lids for stability and joint relief while performing smaller bathroom tasks, like brushing hair or teeth. Choose a bidet seat capable of handling an adult's weight, and always consult a professional firm for advice.

Home and Healthy LLC is a licensed, fully insured home improvement contractor offering personalized solutions for New Jersey seniors and their families. Call today at (609) 916-8312.