UNDERSTANDING
Palliative
Care
11.2024

Toilet Assistance in Palliative Care:
Ensuring Dignity and Comfort


When providing palliative care, one essential yet sensitive aspect is supporting patients with toileting needs. This includes assisting with commodes, urinals, and bedpans. With compassionate, respectful care, we can ensure comfort and dignity for patients who face mobility challenges.
The Importance of Toilet Assistance in Palliative Care
Respectful toileting support is fundamental to patient dignity, particularly for those with limited mobility due to illness. Helping patients manage toileting needs reduces the risk of skin breakdown, maintains hygiene, and fosters a sense of self-worth. No matter which of these next devises the patient will be using keeping the equipment as well as the patient clean is of the utmost importance.
1. Assisting with a Commode
A portable commode can be helpful for patients who can sit upright but struggle to walk to the bathroom.
How can you assist them?
• Positioning of commode.
• If the commode has wheels make sure they are locked
• Safety First – clear any obstacles
• Privacy where possible
• Assist – should the patient need help getting on and off
• Hygiene – make sure to keep the bowl clean and sanitary
2. Using a Urinal
Urinals are useful for male patients who can sit or lie comfortably. Female urinals are also available for those unable to sit up.
How can you assist them?
• Comfort and Positioning
• Discretion and Privacy – even if you need to keep a blanket up or cover the patient
• Cleaning and Storage – make sure to empty after use and clean to avoid infection and bad odours
3. Assisting with a Bedpan
Bedpans are helpful for patients who are immobile or too weak to move.
When using a bedpan:
• Positioning
• Maintaining Dignity - even if you need to keep a blanket up or cover the patient
• Hygiene - make sure to empty after use and clean to avoid infection and bad odours
Creating a Supportive Environment
• Empathy and Respect.
• Hygiene as a Priority.
In palliative care, thoughtful assistance with toileting is a critical aspect of compassionate care. By addressing these needs with respect and empathy, caregivers uphold the dignity and comfort of those they care for.
Hospice White River has a wide variety of medical equipment for rent including, commodes, Bedpans and urinal bottles. You may have a look at https://hospicewr.co.za/medical-equipment/ or contact us for any enquiries on 013 750 3044.
