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Resources

For people with Down syndrome, family members, caregivers and professionals.

Toilet Hygiene

July 2022 | Katie Frank, PhD, OTR/L - Occupational Therapist, Adult Down Syndrome Center

Thorough toilet hygiene is difficult for many individuals with Down syndrome. However, there are several options to increase independence and success with toilet hygiene.

  • Use pre-moistened wipes. Be aware that these should not be flushed in a toilet although the label may say "flushable."

Cottonelle flushable wipes

Image from Walmart

  • Use a toilet aid to assist with grasping and reaching. Some individuals may find these products difficult to use. Most toilet aids look like a large set of tongs that are used to grip toilet paper. The toilet aid can be used from the front or the back depending on what is most comfortable for the user. These may be cumbersome or uncomfortable to use outside the home. 

Toilet aid

Image from Juvo

  • Use a bidet attachment or portable bidet. There are several types of bidets that range in price from under $20 to several hundred dollars (or more). Bidets may be portable or attached to a toilet (or toilet seat) and manual or electric. Some have features such as adjustable water temperature and pressure, air dryer, self-cleaning, and others. Peri bottles can also be used as portable bidets. The portable bidet may be cumbersome or uncomfortable to use outside the home. 

Bidet toilet attachment

Image from Amazon

Portable bidet

Image from Brondell

 

Upside down peri bottle

 

Image from Amazon

 

These products can be purchased at a variety of retailers including Amazon, Target, Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, Home Depot, Lowes, and more. 

For more resources, please see our Using the Toilet Visual and/or the Self-Care and Hygiene section of our library.

*We are sharing information about specific products for educational purposes only. The Adult Down Syndrome Center does not receive financial support or compensation for sharing information about the products. 

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We offer a variety of resources for people with Down syndrome, their families and caregivers and the professionals who care for and work with them. Search our collection of articles, webinars, videos, and other educational materials.

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Please note: The information on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for a medical, psychiatric, mental health, or behavioral evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment plan by a qualified professional. We recommend you review the educational material with your health providers regarding the specifics of your health care needs.

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