Toileting Help for Someone With Chronic Lung Disease

Getting Started

• Always wear disposable gloves when helping with toileting. This prevents the spread of disease.
• Wash your hands before and after providing care.

Using a Urinal

• If the person can't do so himself, place the penis into the urinal as far as possible and hold it in.
• When the person signals he is finished, remove and empty the urinal.
• Wash his hands.
• Wash your own hands.

Using a Portable Commode

A portable commode is helpful for a person with limited mobility. The portable commode (with the pail removed) can be used over the toilet seat and as a shower seat.

• Gather the portable commode, toilet tissue, a basin, a cup of water, a washcloth or paper towel, soap, and a towel.
• Wash your hands.
• Help the person onto the commode.
• Offer toilet tissue when the person is finished.
• Pour a cup of warm water on female genitalia.
• Pat the area dry with a paper towel.
• Offer a washcloth so the person can wash his or her hands.
• Remove the pail from under the seat, empty it, rinse it with clear water, and empty the water into the toilet.
• Wash your hands.

Using the Bathroom Toilet

If the mobile person is missing the toilet, get a toilet seat in a color that is different from the floor color. This may help him see the toilet better. If he is failing to cleanse the anal area or failing to wash his hands, use tact to encourage him to do so. This will help prevent the spread of infections.