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What is an enema? An enema is a liquid laxative that is administered rectally. Enemas cannot be taken by mouth or in any other way. Enemas are never to be taken orally. The medical purpose for the enema is that it relieves constipation. You can also use an enema prior to medical procedures or examinations. Your doctor will prescribe you an enema if it is needed for the medical exam. Enemas are administrated rectally by introducing the laxative liquid into the rectum instead of the digestive system which means it won’t upset your digestive system. When you begin using enemas it is a good idea to discuss it with your doctor. Your doctor can tell you how many days in a row they would like you to use an enema and what guidelines to follow.

How to Use a Magic Bullet Suppository: Magic Bullet bisacodyl suppositories work quickly, be prepared for evacuation to begin. If you are able to sit upright on the toilet that is recommended. However, you can also sit on a commode chair or a raised toilet seat with arm rests. If you are unable to sit upright, you can also lay down on your left side with your knee drawn gently up. If you are laying down, it will be beneficial to use disposable underpads for evacuation.

What is a Bedside Commode? A bedside commode is a chair that can be used as a toilet when reaching a traditional toilet is difficult because of mobility or illness. Bedside commodes are also called commode chairs. The commode chair or bedside commode is made up of a chair with a toilet opening in the seat, a bucket that can be removed for cleaning, and it usually has arms to help with balance. Some commodes come equipped with drop arms to make transferring from a wheelchair easier. When the arm is lowered you can get yourself seated easier than trying to maneuver around an arm when you are transferring from a seated position. If you are walking to the bedside commode then standard arms will be more helpful so you can use the arms for balance while sitting.

If you are caring for someone who is bed-bound keeping them clean and comfortable can be a daunting task. I have talked about bedside bathing and using peri-wash and no rinse soaps before.There are a lot of benefits but it is important to remember that you can't use the no-rinse method of bedside bathing all the time. No matter how great they are, you or your patient will need to be cleaned fully with water on a regular basis. The best part about bathing wipes is how easy they are to use. The Medline bathing wipes will leave skin feeling clean and soft.

What is the Difference Between a Shower Chair and a Transfer Bench? Shower chairs and transfer benches are both used to help people bathe safely. The shower chair sits completely inside the bathtub with all four feet flat on the bottom of the tub itself. A transfer bench is placed straddling the wall of the bathtub so two feet are inside the tub and the other two feet are placed outside of the tub. This allows the person using the transfer bench to gently slide across the bench, lift their legs over the wall of the tub, and then place their legs inside the tub without standing up. The transfer bench allows them to maneuver themselves into the tub while they are seated.

Bedside bathing or sponge baths have changed patient care a lot over the past few years. No-Rinse body washes and shampoos and Peri-Wash products have improved, making them better solutions for the patient and caregiver. The No-Rinse products feel better on the skin, they don't leave a sticky uncomfortable residue and they are less likely to irritate and dry out skin, even skin that is sensitive and fragile due to injury or age. There are many bathing aids that can help you make your patient comfortable during their bedside bath. When is a Bedside Bath or Sponge Bath a Better Choice?

What is a Shower Chair? A shower chair is made for bathtubs or showers. It should be rust-resistant and sturdy. Bath chairs are designed for use by people who can not stand while they shower. They also help people avoid sitting in the bottom of the bathtub where they can easily slip trying to stand or caretakers can strain their backs lifting the person out of the tub. Shower chairs help people independently bathe and care for themselves while lowering the risk of accidental injury from painful falls. They are also called, tub seats, shower seats, shower benches, and bath seats all depending on the exact style.

Let's face it, sometimes the last thing we want to talk about is our bathroom routine. It's a taboo subject, but we all do it. However, for those with spinal cord injuries or other medical conditions, having a reliable bowel management routine can drastically improve confidence, independence and overall quality of life. Online medical supply stores are a great place to look for bowel maintenance tools that may not be available in your local stores.