By Maurice
Carefully considered, every area of your life has something or other that you use to wipe. Be it wiping in your home, on your person, or on that special physically and mentally challenged loved one, there is something that helps you to wipe.
In this article, you will learn about wipe assist tools. Wipe assist tools?! you ask. Yes, for those of you to whom the phrase is relatively new, it explains what wipe assist tools are; the different types of wipe assist tools; the best brands and models currently on the market; where to buy them (online and in-store), and lastly, how to choose the best wipe assist tools for your needs.
That said, here we go….
What are wipe assist tools?
So, just what are wipe assist tools? As the phrase suggests, generally speaking, wipe assist tools are accessories or devices that are used to wipe during the domestic cleaning process, such as that of your windows, toilet, kitchen, bathroom, spectacles, car, chairs, carpets, office, or various other living and workspaces.
However, specifically speaking, and in this article, the phrase wipe assist tools is used concerning the after ablution or toilet use personal or professional cleaning of a mentally and physically challenged person. For example, infants, the disabled, handicapped, aged, obese, clinically immobile, or convalescing.
Wipe assist tools are designed to help people with limited mental, physical, and mobility abilities. They are mainly used in a variety of situations, such as in a hospital or nursing home, or at home. In these contexts, a wipe assist tool can be used to wipe fecal matter, clean the skin, and provide a sense of dignity and independence.
This has given rise to THREE different types of wipe assist tools.
Different Types of Wipe Assist Tools
The three different types of wipe assist tools currently available. These are primarily for wiping fecal matter, cleaning the skin, and lastly, changing diapers.
Wipe Assist Tools: Fecal Matter
Maintaining your or a loved one's hygiene is important, but when you are too old or they are unable to clean yourself or themselves, respectively, this can be very difficult to do. Fortunately, there are now a variety of wipe assist tools that can help you wipe fecal matter easily and safely. Such types of wipe assist tools are patented solutions to help with the bottom wiping process.
Examples of wipe assist tools to help you wipe the fecal matter of an aged, physically or mentally challenged adult, are the: Polar Poo-Poo and Poop Shelf.
This is a simple and easy-to-use wipe assist tool. The Polar Poo-Poo assists those who have trouble wiping their bottoms. It is designed to allow the toilet user to wipe themselves with the assistance of another person. The Polar Poo-Poo is a cylindrical device that can be held on the user's behind and allows them to pull on the tool's two strings to wipe themselves. Another similar kind of wipe assist tool is the Poop Shelf.
It is a rectangular piece of plastic that has a lip that can be held by the person sitting on the toilet. The user can then pull on the strings to wipe themselves.
Wipe Assist Tools: Cleaning the Skin
Examples of wipe assist tools to help you clean your or a loved one's skin are the: Shield Wipe Assist Tool, Fold-A-Wipe, and the Wand and Bucket.
This is a two-sided cloth that can be easily wiped against the skin. The front side is made of cotton, while the back is made of waterproof material. The tool is compact and light, making it easy to use. They're available in a variety of colors, so you can find the one that matches your skin tone.
It is a wipe assist tool that can be easily folded and unfolded. The wipe is made of durable cloth and can be used over and over again.
Using wipes to clean your or your patient's skin usually means you'll need a bucket to store the dirty wipes in and a wand to pick them up. This is when the Wand and Bucket come in handy.
Wipe Assist Tools: Changing Diapers
The Parent Wipe Assist
Whether you are a parent or a professional caregiver, you will find that these types of baby (and sometimes elderly adults) changing products are an invaluable tool for changing diapers.
An example of a wipe assist tool for changing diapers is the Parent Wipe Assist.
Although simple, the Parent Wipe Assist is an ingenious invention that will help you change your baby with ease. It has a magnetic design that makes it easy to attach to any type of changing table. The product also includes a toilet seat cover, making it the perfect accessory for any home. This wipe assist tool is perfect for parents and professionals who want to keep their hands clean while changing a baby.
Best Brands and Models of Wipe Assist Tools
For each type of wipe assist tool, several brands and models exist. Below are some of the best brands and models for each category. Below are some of the best brands and models for wiping fecal matter.
These are arguably the most affordable and simplest models. They are considered easy to use options. The clip end of the wand holds the toilet paper, while the user holds the other end. The angle of the wiper allows for easy wiping while sitting on the toilet.
The best brand examples of long handle wipers are: Wefaner, Maddak, Garosa, and The Groovy
Another model option is an electronic toilet seat.
Probably the limousine in the fecal matter wipe assist tool range, the electronic wipe assist model cleans the individual with a spray of water after s/he uses the bathroom. It can replace the original toilet seat or be attached to the side of the seat. The Bidet electronic toilet seat, for instance, works by spraying the seated individual's bottom, ensuring it is fully cleaned. In some Bidet models, after the water is sprayed, there is warm air that dries the area. All of these are controlled with a button panel on the side of the seat. The whole bottom cleaning process is simple and hygienic.
The best brand example of long electronic wipers is: Bidet
Where to buy Wipe Assist Tools (online & in-store)
Online, wipe assist tools are readily available on Amazon.com, theelderexpo.com, DanZtools, and handicappedequipment.org
In-store, wipe assist tools can be found at Walmart, and Sears
How to choose the best wipe assist tools for your needs
Whether manual or electronic, for an infant or obese, elderly person, there are some essential features every wipe assist should exhibit. The best wipe assist tools should, among others, feature the following:-
Since wipe assist tools are used where there is the highest risk of contracting infections, the best often comes with a release button for releasing toilet paper into the toilet when it is pressed. This way, the individual doesn’t have to touch it.
The best wipe assist tools should be washable, be able to be sanitized, and resistant to corrosive liquids.
Due to the frequent use of wipe assist tools, they must be durable enough to last for many years with proper care.
If manual, the soft non-slip grip material on the handle should provide a comfortable grip and be gentle on the skin.
To be used by the aged and those with physical disabilities and developmental delays, the product must be easy to use. It must wipe easily.
Whether for fecal or skin wiping, the design should be such that it can reach hard-to- to reach areas such as the armpits, behind the ears, and between fingers.
CONCLUSION
By the end of this article, you've hopefully learned more about wipe assist tools than you knew before. It has, as best as possible, explained what wipe assist tools are; the different types of wipe assist tools; the best brands and models currently on the market; where to buy them (online and in-store), and lastly, how to choose the best wipe assist tools for your or loved one's wipe assist tool needs.
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