6 Steps to Going to the Bathroom in a Wheelchair

When your life is spent in a wheelchair, there are many things that can be challenging throughout your day. Unfortunately, visiting the bathroom is one of them, and it is also something that you will have to do multiple times, every single day. This is why it’s important to find the simplest way to complete the process. By following the six steps below, going to the bathroom in a wheelchair will be as easy as it possibly can.

1. Find a Wheelchair Accessible Restroom

One of the most important steps in this process is finding a wheelchair accessible restroom. If you are at home, obviously this won’t be an issue, but if you are out and about, it could be more challenging. In order to maneuver from your wheelchair to the toilet, you will need ample room. This is why a large stall is essential.

2. Get Into Position

Move your wheelchair as close to the toilet as possible in order to make the transfer as simple as you can. Once you are in the right spot, lock your wheels into place so that your chair won’t move. From this point, remember to move the footrests out of your way so you won’t become tangled in them as you make your move.

3. Remove Your Clothing

Most wheelchair users recommend removing your pants before you move to the toilet. The best approach seems to be sliding to the edge of your seat, then pulling pants and underwear down to your ankles. It is then suggested that you remove the clothing from one foot so that you can more easily move and spread your legs.

4. Move from Wheelchair to Toilet 

The transfer to the toilet seat can be one of the most difficult parts of the process. Many people find that using a transfer board or transfer disc to assist in the move is easiest. These devices allow the user to move safely and more smoothly from their chair to the toilet by bridging the gap in space between the two. There are specially designed boards for toilet use only, as well as those designed to move from wheelchair to bed, wheelchair to another chair, and so on. If you do not use a transfer board, you will need to rely on the safety rails surrounding the toilet or the method of a stand-pivot-sit transfer in order to move yourself onto the toilet seat.

5. Pull Pants Back Up

Getting your clothing back into the right position can be difficult. This is why using a device such as Pants Up Easy can be extremely helpful. In your home, you can have a Pants Up Easy wall mount or wall frame installed behind your toilet. This device will allow you to pull your pants up with very little hassle at all. You will simply place your arms over the arm rests, grab onto your pants by pushing the arm rests down, and then pull them up by supporting your weight with the arm rests.

6. Move Back to Wheelchair

After redressing, the only step that is left is to return to your wheelchair. This transfer can be done much like your move onto the toilet. After you have returned to your seat, move footrests back into place, unlock your wheels, and you are on your way.