Using the toilet

For more information, visit the Parkinson’s UK website (last updated October 2020).

A raised toilet seat can help you get up more easily from a seated position on the toilet and can help you maintain your independence.

A grab rail can help you get on and off the toilet. It can also help with balance problems while standing and using the toilet. Toilet grab rails are usually supplied by social services or social work department. The type of rail that is best for you will depend on whether a fixed rail will fit the area around your toilet, if it will be at the appropriate height and whether you will need to adjust the rail at all.

A hand-held urinal may be useful if you need to go to the toilet urgently but can’t get out of a bed or chair quickly enough. Some people use a commode, which means they don’t have to walk far at night if they need the toilet urgently or often.

You can also buy discreet disposable pads to place in your underwear to help manage incontinence. Some men with urinary incontinence prefer to use a sheath. These fit over the penis and collect urine in a leg bag.

Items like these are often available from specialist continence nurses or services, district nurses or with a GP prescription.