If you want the short list, these are my top bidet picks for seniors, and you’ll find the details on each one further down.
Cleaning up after using the toilet can get hard with arthritis, weakness, or dementia. It is also not an easy thing to talk about.
A bidet uses a gentle spray of water to do the cleaning, so there is no reaching around behind your body.
This article covers what you or a person you care for should know about bidets, and the different kinds made for different needs.
Best Bidet Attachment
Shineforu Bidet Attachment
The Shineforu Ultra-Slim Bidet is an attachment that sits under your existing toilet seat. It gives you two wash modes, one labeled feminine and one posterior, with pressure you can adjust.
It needs no electricity, batteries, app, or remote. It runs on the water pressure already in your line, so there is nothing to plug in or charge.
It installs in minutes without tools. The slim mounting profile keeps the seat from tilting much after it goes on.
You control it with a simple knob. That makes it a reasonable fit for someone with limited hand strength, including people with arthritis. It is also a practical option for anyone who finds wiping physically difficult.
Now the downsides. This one uses cold water only. If you want warm water, you would need a different model.
Check that it fits your toilet before you order. Non-standard and one-piece toilets in particular are worth verifying.
Bio Bidet Bidet Attachment
The Bio Bidet SlimEdge is an attachment that goes under your existing toilet seat. It has two nozzles, one for a front wash and one for a rear wash, and it uses cold water only.
You control the water pressure with a comfort control knob. Turn it one way for more pressure and the other way for less. A knob can be easier to work than small buttons, though how it feels will depend on your own hands.
It needs no electricity and no batteries. It runs on the water pressure already in your line, so there is nothing to plug in and no outlet needed near the toilet.
Installation is meant to be a do-it-yourself job. No plumber is required, and the connectors and instructions come in the box. If you don’t like tools, ask a family member or handyman to help for a few minutes.
It can also be removed, so it works for renters and for anyone who doesn’t want a permanent change to the bathroom. It is described as suitable for seniors, and also for people recovering from surgery or after childbirth.
One trade-off: the water is cold, and there is no heated seat, dryer or remote. If you want warm water or hands-free settings, you would need an electric bidet seat instead.
Warm Water Washing
LUXE Bidet NEO 120
The LUXE Bidet NEO 120 is a simple attachment that sits under your existing toilet seat. It needs no electricity, so there is no cord or outlet to worry about in the bathroom. That is one less thing for a caregiver to think about.
It has a single knob, and that knob controls the water pressure. There is not much to learn, which helps if you want something you can use without a long set of instructions. It cleans the rear with a single nozzle, and the nozzle is self-cleaning.
A bidet like this can cut down on the reaching and wiping that personal hygiene usually takes. For anyone whose shoulders, wrists, or hands make that difficult, that matters.
It is built with a braided steel hose and a metal-ceramic valve core, rather than plastic parts that tend to wear out sooner.
Now the downsides. This model uses cold water only. If cold water on a sensitive area is a problem for you, look at LUXE’s higher-tier models instead.
It is also designed for standard two-piece toilets. Whether it fits a one-piece toilet is not confirmed, so check which kind you have before you order.
LUXE Bidet NEO 320
The LUXE Bidet NEO 320 is a bidet attachment that sits under your existing toilet seat and cleans with warm water. It needs no electricity, so there is no cord to plug in near the toilet.
You adjust the water temperature, and there are two wash modes. The rear wash sprays a stronger flow toward the back. The feminine wash sprays a softer flow toward the front.
The nozzles pull back behind a guard gate after each wash. That keeps them covered until the next use, which helps keep them cleaner. You will still want to clean the bidet the way the maker’s directions say.
Here is the catch: the warm water comes from a connection at your bathroom sink. That is easy enough if the sink and toilet are side by side.
If they are not, you may need a plumber to bring a hot water line closer to the toilet. It also attaches to a standard two-piece toilet, so a one-piece toilet is not a match.
The kit includes all the parts and tools for installation, and the seller backs it with a satisfaction guarantee.
Best for Luxury Features
Electric Bidet Toilet Seat
This electric bidet seat is an elongated model, so it is made for toilets with a longer, oval-shaped bowl. If your toilet is round, check the fit before you order.
It gives you warm water that does not run out, plus a warm air dryer. There are 3 water temperature levels and adjustable water pressure, so you can set it the way you like it.
The dryer means less reaching and less toilet paper. That can matter if twisting or stretching is hard for you.
It has Rear Wash, Front Wash, Feminine Wash, Child Wash and Power Wash modes. Power Wash is a stronger rinse, which some people want after a bowel movement.
The stainless steel nozzle cleans itself, and the seat has a slow close lid and quiet operation. A wireless remote lets you run it from the seat without leaning toward the toilet.
The trade-off is that this is an electric seat, so it needs a power outlet near the toilet. If there is not one in your bathroom, this is not the right pick.
It also has a lot of buttons and modes. If you want something very simple, a basic non-electric bidet may suit you better.
Brondell Bidet Toilet Seat
The Brondell Swash Ecoseat is a non-electric bidet seat made to fit elongated toilets. It replaces your current seat and cleans with a stream of fresh water.
Because it needs no electricity or batteries, there is no outlet to find and no cord running across the bathroom. That also makes it simple to put in. It can be installed yourself in minutes, with no plumber.
It has two nozzles, one for a rear wash and one for a front wash. That can help anyone who finds paper alone doesn’t leave them feeling clean, or who has trouble reaching and wiping.
The seat closes gently, so no slamming. The lid is sturdy enough to sit on, and a textured chrome dial on the side controls the wash.
Now the trade-offs. The water comes at room temperature, and there is no heated seat and no air dryer. You will still want a little toilet paper or a towel to pat dry, and the water can feel cool on a cold morning.
It also fits elongated toilets only, so check that your bowl is the longer oval shape before you order. If you want warmth and drying built in, an electric seat is the better fit. If you want something simple that does one job well, this one is worth a look.
Best Handheld Sprayer
Peri Bottle Postpartum Bidet
This is a handheld rinse bottle with a button. You fill it with water, press the button, and it sprays. There is nothing to install, so it works in any bathroom and goes in a travel bag or toiletry kit.
The button is the part that matters most. A standard rinse bottle has to be squeezed, and that is hard with arthritis or a weak grip. Pressing a button asks much less of your hand.
It comes with two nozzles, one straight and one curved. The curved one helps you aim the water without twisting into an awkward position. That is useful if you have hemorrhoids, limited reach, or are recovering from surgery. It holds 500ml, which is enough for a full rinse on one fill. The soft EVA material is easy to handle.
The trade-off is the button itself. It is one more spot that could leak, and a plain squeeze bottle has no such spot. How well the button seal holds up over months of use is an open question. If your hands are strong and you want the simplest thing possible, a basic squeeze bottle may suit you better.
Peri Bottle Postpartum Bidet
This is a 17 oz squeeze bottle that you hold upside down to rinse. It was made for postpartum recovery, but it works just as well for anyone with limited mobility who wants to rinse clean without reaching or twisting much.
The nozzle sits at a 75-degree angle, and the grip is shaped for the hand. That means you don’t have to bend into an awkward position to aim it. It holds nearly twice what a standard hospital bottle does, so you make fewer trips back to the sink.
The opening is wide, and the material is heat-resistant and safe to boil, so cleaning and sterilizing it is easy. It comes with a carrying bag, which is handy for travel or a bag by the bedside.
The trade-off: you fill it by hand at a sink, so it isn’t a fixed bidet that runs off your plumbing. It also has one spray pattern with no adjusting. If you want warm water on demand or different spray settings, look at a bidet seat or attachment instead. Squeezing also takes some hand strength, so it may not suit someone with painful or weak hands.
HammerHead Bidet Sprayer
This one is a handheld bidet sprayer from HammerHead. It works a bit like the sprayer at a kitchen sink, so you decide where the water goes.
That makes it a good fit for people with mobility issues. You aim the spray where it is needed instead of shifting yourself toward a fixed nozzle.
The pressure is adjustable, so you can pick a light rinse or a stronger clean. The hose is 47 inches long and made of flexible metal, which gives you room to reach comfortably.
It is made of stainless steel and brass, and it has a T-valve meant to keep bidet water from flowing back into your main water line. It fits standard toilets in the USA and Canada.
You can also hold the sprayer in front of you if reaching around to the back is difficult. Women should aim so the water flows from front to back, which helps lower the chance of a UTI.
The trade-off: you have to hold the sprayer and aim it yourself. If gripping or reaching is hard for you, a seat-mounted bidet that sprays on its own may suit you better. Expect a little water on the floor or your clothes until you get the hang of it.
Easy Controls
TUSHY Classic Bidet Attachment
If you’re not sure you’re ready for a full bidet seat, a bidet attachment is an easier first step. The TUSHY Classic 3.0 Bidet Toilet Seat Attachment is one example.
It is a non-electric attachment for your home toilet. It needs no batteries and no outlet, only a water connection.
The nozzle is called a SmartSpray nozzle, and it cleans itself. A nozzle adjuster lets you aim the spray where you want it, and a separate water pressure control lets you turn the force up or down.
It is made to be quick and easy to install. For most people that means a short job with a few basic tools, though you may want a family member or handyman nearby if wrenches and water lines are not your thing.
Since it has no heated seat and no warm water, you get the water temperature that comes from your cold line. That surprises some people on a winter morning.
It also has to be controlled by hand, so it suits someone who can reach the side of the toilet comfortably. If reaching or turning a control is hard for you, a seat with a remote may be a better fit.
One habit worth keeping with any bidet: make sure the water flows from front to back, especially for women.
Best Bidets for Seniors with Dementia
Best for Dementia
Brondell SimpleSpa Bidet Attachment
The Brondell Thinline SimpleSpa SS-150 is a plain, non-electric bidet attachment that uses fresh water spray. There are no buttons or cords to figure out.
Water pressure is set by turning a control. You can adjust it a little at a time until the wash feels comfortable. For someone living with dementia, a single control like this is easier to learn than a panel of settings.
The nozzle is self-cleaning and retractable, with a guard over it. It rinses before and after each use, which helps keep it cleaner between regular cleanings.
It is only 0.2 inches thick, so it doesn’t leave a gap under the toilet seat. It fits both round and elongated seats. The hose is metal braided, and the T-valve has a SafeCore internal valve. It installs in minutes with standard connections.
The trade-off is that it is a basic model. It has no night light, no warm water, and no second nozzle. If you want any of those, look at a different one. If you want something simple that is easy to use, this one fits.
Best Bidet for Raised Toilet Seat
Best with Raised Seat
Bemis Raised Toilet Seat With Bidet
3″ Raised Toilet Seat w/Bidet
Seat Holds Up to 1000 pounds
Built-on Arms for Security
Easy to Install and Operate
Pros:
Cons:
The Bemis Clean Shield Support Arms and Bidet Attachment features a quality raised toilet seat and an easy-to-use bidet attachment. This product adds 3 inches to the toilet seat height making it easier to sit down on and rise from the toilet.
With its bidet connection and support arms, the Clean Shield seat is a strong raised toilet seat choice on its own. Anyone with balance problems or weakness can use the seat’s built-on arms to feel more secure while sitting and standing.
Unlike many other raised toilet seats or risers, it has a shield beneath the ring that helps keep everything in the bowl and makes cleaning easier. The ring is large and soft for comfort.
The bidet controls are easy to use. Simply twist the large knob on the end of the arm to adjust the pressure. Installation is easy, too, with basic plumbing connections.
Using a Bidet with a Raised Toilet Seat
Yes, you can use a bidet with a raised toilet seat. The catch is that not every bidet will work with one.
A raised seat is a thick seat that sits on top of the toilet bowl to put you higher off the floor. They come in a range of heights, often from about 2 to 6 inches. Not every bidet made for standard toilets will fit a raised seat, so check that the bidet says it works with one before you buy.
A good number of bidets do attach to raised seats. A seat with the bidet built in, like the Bemis Clean Shield in the list above, is one kind to look at.
Here is what you need: a bidet that works with your raised seat, the raised seat kit, a screwdriver, and safety rails if you want them.
Step 1. Check whether your current seat has removable bolts. If it does, unscrew them and lift the seat off. This is a good moment to clean the toilet, since it will be harder to reach once the riser is on.
Step 2. If you are using safety rails, set them in place but do not screw them down yet. Make sure the arms are detachable, because they can get in the way of the water line when you mount the bidet.
Step 3. Set the raised seat in position. The holes at the back of the seat need to line up with the rails and the toilet.
Step 4. Assemble the bidet and hook it to the water line first, so you know the line is long enough. Then place the bidet on the raised seat with its holes lined up with the rails.
Step 5. Put the toilet seat back on. Slide the bolts down until everything lines up, then tighten them. These bolts are larger and usually come with the raised seat kit.
Before you leave, give the seat and the rails a good push to be sure they are held firmly. The trade-off is that you have more parts to line up than with a standard seat, so go slowly and check each step.
Best Bidet Toilet Seat for the Elderly
Best for Techy Seniors
SmartBidet SB-1000 Electric Bidet Toilet Seat
Multiple Spray Patterns
Warm Water Option
Heated Dryer
Easy DIY Installation
Pros:
Cons:
The SmartBidet SB-1000 Electric Bidet Seat is a combination seat and bidet that comes in one matched unit. This seat offers easy DIY installation and has features only found in some higher-end bidets.
Some of the more luxurious features include heated water, a heated seat, and a heated dryer. Sudden bursts of cold water in sensitive areas are rarely pleasant! The dryer can cut down on toilet paper, though you may still want a little on hand to finish drying.
The SmartBidet has multiple spray patterns and locations and is designed to work for both men and women. There is even a turbo wash setting for difficult-to-clean bowel movements.
One potential negative of this seat is that you need to use a remote control to operate the functions and features of this electronic bidet toilet seat. Unfortunately, the remote that comes with it has small buttons with tiny text.
This bidet seat is best if you don’t have vision problems, don’t mind replacing your existing toilet seat, and want many high-end features.
Why Bidets Aren’t Popular in the US
While many people like to blame the French’s use of bidets in brothels in the 19th century for their lack of popularity in the United States, there are several reasons why bidets are not popular in the US.
- Bidets are not as common in the US as they are in many other countries. They aren’t readily available at your local hardware store.
- Bidets can be expensive to buy and install, and many people do not find them necessary.
- There are also hygiene concerns – some people worry that using a bidet will spread bacteria around the bathroom.
- Finally, many people do not think that bidet usage is comfortable or convenient. Some even think they are weird!
So, most people in the United States stick to good old TP – because it’s what they know.
Which Type is Best for Seniors and the Elderly?
Bidets have seen numerous modifications and advancements since their first creation in the 18th century.
Here are the different types of bidets to consider:
Freestanding
Self-standing bidets are the most typical bidets in European and Asian countries. They stand next to the toilet seat and resemble a large, lowered sink.
It features a stopper to prevent the water from running out and a tap for adding water. More advanced bidets have the option to spray water to aid with cleaning.
This type is best if you are constructing a new bathroom and can add one next to the toilet in your plans.
Handheld Sprayers
A handheld bidet resembles a kitchen sprayer that links to your toilet’s water supply. A bidet sprayer, bidet shower, or bidet is another name for this kind of bidet.
To use this type of bidet, you aim it where you want it and squeeze the trigger to activate the spray.
These are best for people who want a simple option to control themselves completely.
Built-in Toilet Seats
A built-in bidet is a type of bidet that features a water nozzle built onto a toilet seat. It installs as one unit onto existing toilets by replacing the current, standard toilet seat.
Bidet seats work by connecting to the existing plumbing and are controlled by buttons, knobs, or remote controls. Some bidets require electrical connections as well.
The toilet seat with a built-in bidet is a great option for people who want a combo option with more features like heated seats, heated water, dryers, and more.
Attachments
The add-on bidet is ideal for those who wish to conserve space and avoid installing a completely new unit. It has a fixed or movable nozzle and fastens to the back of the toilet rim. You can use these with your existing toilet seat.
The bidet attachment can be the most economical option because it has the most straightforward installation. These add-on bidets are often easy to use, too, with simple knob and button controls.
These are best if you want a simple solution that can be used with your existing toilet and toilet seat.
A Few Great Reasons That Bidets Are Good for the Elderly
Any trip to the bathroom can quickly become a complex and distressing challenge for anyone who lacks the strength, flexibility, and balance necessary to do it securely.
Poor hygiene, urinary tract infections, or even falls could result from this. Bidets can make these trips an easier and safer experience when used properly.
Here are five reasons a bidet can help.
1. Decreasing the Likelihood of Falling
Falls are a real risk, and some lead to serious injuries like broken bones and head injuries. The bathroom is one of the riskier places for them, with hard, wet surfaces and a lot of standing up and sitting down.
Twisting, bending, and stooping over to clean up after using a toilet can quickly get precarious.
But, with a bidet, they can clean themselves from the seated position without all these contortions. Bidets enable older adults to use their energy to sit and stand safely rather than expending it all in the clean-up process.
2. Improving Personal Hygiene
Personal hygiene is crucial, but it can be challenging to maintain it due to physical constraints. Often, they aren’t willing to discuss this with others due to fear and embarrassment.
When stool isn’t fully cleaned away after using the toilet, it can irritate the skin and raise the chance of a urinary tract infection.
Failing to clean appropriately can also result in unpleasant odors from poor hygiene. This is where adding a bidet to your toilet can come in very handy!
In addition to being more convenient, a bidet can clean the whole perineal area more gently and thoroughly than paper for many people, which can help lower the risk of irritation and infection.
3. Better for Fragile Skin
Thinner, weaker skin is more likely to get infected. Thin skin is also more easily injured by abrasions and tears.
The skin can be damaged and torn when toilet paper is used to rub and wipe the vaginal and anal regions. Cleaning with a bidet doesn’t require rubbing or pressure, so it can lower this risk. If you notice skin tears, sores, or bleeding in this area, tell your doctor.
4. Using a Bidet for Incontinence
Bidets are easier for incontinent people to clean themselves – particularly if they are mobile. After the episode, they sit on the toilet and then use a bidet to clean themselves. This is much easier than getting into bed and using multiple wipes.
This process is easier on the caregiver too. The caregiver can help the senior over to the toilet and let them do the work themselves. No need to get into the shower or bath. Bidets are also a bit more dignified for those who value their privacy.
5. Using a Bidet for Arthritis
People who have arthritis in their hands, arms, and shoulders may find bidets less painful to use. Instead of bending their arms behind their backs to wipe themselves, they can remain seated and use the bidet.
Most of my recommended models above use simple controls that will be easy – and less painful – for seniors with arthritis to operate.
The best bidet for arthritis is one with a large, easy-to-turn knob rather than small buttons and switches. My personal pick is the Bio Bidet SlimEdge Bidet Attachment because it is controlled with one large comfort control knob.
Are Bidets Better Than Toilet Paper?
Bidets are a more sanitary and hygienic option than toilet paper.
They provide a deeper clean because they use a stream of water to flush away bacteria and other particles. This reduces the risk of irritation, infection, and other medical issues caused by the rubbing motion of using toilet paper.
Additionally, bidets are better for the environment than toilet paper because no paper waste goes into landfills. Bidets are a much better option than toilet paper for personal hygiene, according to rectal surgeons, according to Insider.com.
What Are the Drawbacks?
The primary issue with using bidets is the possibility of disease and infection from bacteria and viruses in the nozzle.
A study of 292 bidet toilets at a Japanese university hospital was published in 2017. Researchers found bacteria in many of them, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus spp., and Enterococcus spp. Finding bacteria is not the same as people getting infections.
Bacteria in the nozzle can raise your risk of an infection, but they don’t mean you will get one. Some research suggests frequent bidet use may upset the healthy lactobacillus bacteria in the vagina. Women who get frequent urinary or vaginal infections should ask their doctor whether a bidet is a good idea for them.
It’s also best to remember that these studies were conducted in facilities with shared bidets. So, of course, the risk of infection increases if multiple people use the bidet.
It’s less likely that using bidets at home and maintaining them properly according to the manufacturer’s directions will lead to these types of infections.
How Are Bidets Installed onto an Existing Toilet?
While there are several ways to do it, it’s simpler than you might imagine installing a bidet on an existing toilet seat. You will only need a few basic essential tools, very little plumbing knowledge, and just 30 minutes to complete.
A screwdriver, a bucket, a towel, an adjustable wrench, and a bidet toilet seat are all required for installation. Here are six simple instructions that show you how to do it.
- Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
- Remove the flexible hose that supplies water to the toilet from the tank’s base.
- Attach the T-valve to the tank’s base.
- Connect the T-lower valve to the hose that supplies water.
- Connect one end of the hose that supplies water to the bidet to the T-upper valve.
- Turn back on the water supply and check for leaks.
Note that some of the more feature-rich models may require an electric connection to operate those features. Some also require a connection to both hot and cold water connections.
Using Bidets Safely
Using a bidet is quite simple. Just turn on the spray nozzle to your preferred pressure setting or flush the built-in bidet. Here are more tips for using bidets :
- Find out where the water jets are coming from to get prepared. Start on the lowest pressure, and with warm water models, check the temperature before you use it.
- Wipe the bidet down with toilet paper before using the bidet spray for the first time.
- You do not need soap to use a bidet. The simple water jet action from the nozzles is all you need.
- Before activating the bidet jets, ensure that your undergarments, pants, and long-tailed shirts are out of the way.
- You may need to keep some toilet paper near the toilet to dry yourself after using a bidet.
- To prevent bacteria from entering a vulva, women should ensure the water flows from front to rear.
Bathroom Hygiene Alternatives
If you are used to using a bidet already or want to know what alternatives you have, here are a few options:
The Water Bottle Trick
A favorite of campers and hikers, you can use a plastic water bottle if you don’t have a bidet. Make a small hole in the bottle’s cap, or ask someone with steady hands to do it, since poking it with a sharp tool can slip.
You can use it as a temporary bidet by half-filling the bottle with water and squeezing it. This provides a jet of water for cleaning yourself.
Wet Wipes
Wet wipes are still a good option, even if they’re not the most environmentally friendly alternative. Use moist wipes that degrade in the environment whenever you can.
To ensure you always have some on hand, store a tiny box of wet wipes for travel in your backpack or pocket. Flushing wet wipes is not recommended (even if you have flushable ones) as they can block your toilet.
Shower
A handheld shower head can be used to clean yourself after toileting. You can either move the shower head over to the toilet or stand up in the shower. If the showerhead can reach the toilet, it’s much more convenient.
But this method is likely to cause quite a mess, and water on the floor makes slipping more likely. It is best to use it only if the shower is your next step anyway.
Final Thoughts
I hope you now have a clearer picture of how a bidet can help seniors and older adults. You should now feel a bit more confident in shopping for a bidet seat or attachment for someone you love.
Choose from my list of the best bidets for the elderly, or use it as inspiration for shopping on your own. Just remember to buy one that is easy to install with a simple control system that these folks will actually use.
Let me know in the comments below if you have any experience with bidets you’d be willing to share or which one you think is best!
Sources:
- https://betterhomepursuits.com/bidet-facts-statistics/
- https://www.shamrockplumbing.net/2020/05/pros-cons-of-bidets/
- https://homedecorbliss.com/adding-a-bidet-to-an-existing-toilet/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-use-a-bidet#tips-for-use
- https://yuzumag.com/what-to-do-if-you-dont-have-a-bidet/
- http://www.sbeinc.com/resources/cms.cfm?fuseaction=news.detail&articleID=4334&pageID=25
