Speaking from someone who works in nursing homes and from someone whose dear dad passed away in one, what a wonderful, useful item that would be for the residents there (and helpful for the nurses' aides, too). If I were you, I would approach the administrator of the home and talk to him/her. I don't know anything about the mechanics of a washlet (ie, does it need an electrical connection?), so that may be a hurdle since many, many homes were built in the 1960's when Medicare was started, and they may have only one outlet to use. If that's not an issue, I would approach it from a personal comfort item for your mom. Just make sure all the staff working with her knows how to use it (It's amazing how many things get broken/lost and no one seems to know how it happened). I don't know how much each washlet costs, but after your mom uses hers successfully, I would approach the administrator and pitch them for the other residents as a "marketing tool" for him to promote to other prospective residents if he/she buys them for the other residents. Let me know what happens....you have a very good idea percolating here.

Yes, it does need an electrical outlet....but that can be easily done.

lazarus - easily done and nursing home don't really go together in the same breath.

bodica - are you advocating socialism here?

I can only suggest that there are other brands of washlets or "bidet seats" as they are called by some, that could work out cheaper than this brand if you are thinking of bulk order for nursing homes. That being said, I have no experience purchasing them and just now starting my research on the ToTo brand.
You could also call the manufacturer and talk to them and maybe see if you can get a discount directly from them.

Bodica isn't suggesting socialism. She is trying to get our overpriced insurance companies to help out people who need this kind of help. Trying to get additional coverage in an insurance plan.

Sheesh! Our insurance bill is $1400. per month. If I keep paying in (As I bet her mom has) Unless you die of heart disease suddenly, or your life ends tragic, eventually this consideration will certainly arrive. The best way to wipe your bu#! when 99 years old.

I should be able to get a toilet like this. No questions asked. This toilet could provide our own elders one less discussion about how to preserve our loved ones dignity for as long as they live. Nurses, or children, remove all the dignity a person has left when the time comes where they need their bu#! wiped by someone else.

Labor is expensive in nursing care industry. This toilet, used by our elders, would save everyone $$$.

Perfect example of how to cut healthcare costs while caring best for our elders. Bravo! Well done! Great idea! Your target landed dead center. Want me to help get it through? I have a few skills.

For the amount of money I pay each month for insurance yet needed, a toilet that does things I can't- while preserving my privacy/dignity/ability- should be put in my future budget. Especially if I do everything right, listen well and live this long.

I've cared for my elder parents. They deserved more dignity (and private help from a toilet) then they were allowed in the bathroom. I'll join your efforts, bodica, just let me know. Great idea.

Golddust, thank you. antss's comment was so outside my comprehension, thinking and feelings, there was nothing I could be bothered , waste my time to say. My perspective is the personal experience with my own mother, giving up her own home, loosing her life long treasures, now confined to one room. Before you write your check to move in, they tell you how they will help you with every need. After, they don't have time for their promises. No matter how excellent the nursing home, it always boils down to the staff. They said she could not enter the dining room in her bath robe, but no one had time to help her dress, as promised. She fell backwards hitting her head, and was trapped under her walker screaming for help for such a long time, til another resident walked by. Had she still been home, she would have had her emergency panic button for instant assistance. No time to help her to the bathroom, so soild, she got infected and sores. Anger is too small a word for what we feel. There is much much more, but you get my point, a washlet would have kept her clean and dry, with her modesty respected and without the irritation of harsh wiping. She now has a Toto 400, but they have not installed it yet, so she has not even seen it. Why isn't it in her bathroom as promised? I thought about hiring a plumber but won't because the room is their property. I'm on the other side of the country so not there to work this out in person. Very frustration. Anyway...
We are going to have a new state of the art, green hospital built and I'm recomending washlets for certain room, also notice to the state nurses org. I still believe this is one of the kindest donations to make in our local places of need.
Thank you again golddust, you can not begin to imagine how much your understanding means.

Thank you faucetman, You hit the nail right on the head,
"the manufacturers have concentrated on them as a luxury item and have missed the boat by not pushing them for institutional use".
I had not looked at it from marketing, but you are correct. I'm sure they could be mass produced for a practical cost, and simple design, AND with height raised. I should find the patent info, some competition for Toto might make them more affordable also.
Must rush, hubby's eye surgery this morning, but you have given me a new way to approach this. I truely feel excited, thank you for opening a different view to explore!
Ps. wonder how the height of standard comodes were created to begin with? Seems a wall mount could easily be designed adjustable..... more to ponder.

Bodica,
There is competition for Toto: Inax/Panasonic is one in the US. There are several others too. Unfortunately, the prices are all pretty similar over $500 for the most basic.

Good luck!

often a manufacturer will give a price break when bought in bulk and for having their name in the public eye - like press releases, news articles etc.

many companies in cities donate money, time etc to help on local projects. It wouldn't hurt to start calling around and asking. call big companies - I'm in AZ, SE of Phx - here I'd start by calling Safeway (corp offices in Tempe) and talking to the head of their PR. Or here I'd try Intel. Find businesses in your area. they can be locally founded or a chain company.

you might also call the state agency that monitors these homes. They might have some ideas - the head person might even hold a press conf asking for input from the public on it (those with loved ones in homes). Check with a local church - a large one might take on a fund drive to get a few of those put in a local home.

good luck and keep us posted on it.

there are a few things like this that i am considering for my remodel/update of new home - it never even crossed my mind that I could get a toilet with a different seat height until reading here! As I go thru each room and adjust / change things i am really keeping my mind on ease of use, ease of cleaning and any future problems that might appear with my disabilities. If I'm changing something now, I want to make that change with the possibility of future disabilities in mind.

a lower counter top in kitchen along with drawers in base cabinets and pulls on all drawers (no knobs). A shower not combined with a tub so I don't have that ledge to climb over, a higher toilet seat, faucets with 1 handle, levers on doors (easier to open).

Bodica, I was saddened to see your update about your mom's condition since admission. Due to the states' financial crises, don't expect nursing homes to get much more financial assistance from the state govs. That said, many of the nursing homes out there are "for profit" chains. Despite what they tell you, their shareholders' goal is to make money. Keep the administrator's feet to the fire when it comes to your mom's care. Believe me, residents who have the most family involvement get the best care. Don't get discouraged. Stay in touch.

Bodica,

I had to place my beloved Uncle in a nursing home. Actually, three. Helped the state pull a license from one. The other was deplorable. Great promises, empty words. I had nightmares about him but my mom (his sister) became very ill. He had Dementia and was living with me. When mom needed me and I had young kid's at home, there seemed no other option.

My heart goes out to you. I know what you are dealing with. Everything I do in my house is with my future in mind. Our plan is to move downstairs and have caretakers upstairs, when the need comes. We've moved the laundry from the basement to the main floor. We'll turn our family room downstairs back into the bedroom as it was originally intended. I'm 54 but once you care of elders, you take a whole new look at every home improvement you make.

My bathroom is wheel chair accessible. So is my front door. Now, if I don't get hit by a truck. LOL!

Well folks heres an update on the washlet. Mine arrived yesterday from National Builder Supply,great price great service. Mine is the SW844 with the remote control. The customer service folks advised, and rightly so, that the model with the controls on the side might be a tight fit and hard to get to and read. I got it installed today and Im in love. This thing is GREAT, now all I need is a flat screen TV and a cable connection in the bathroom and I can just move in there and stay. Seriously this would be a great thing for any elderly or handicapped person, thankfully my best friend was able to come over and install it for me but left me to demonstrate it by myself. Thanks BODICA for starting this thread and the idea that led to me deciding to get one.

I'm delighted to hear your Butler is ready to assist! Was there any difficulty installing? The 400 I purchased, also from National Builder Supply, has been there a week and not yet in my mothers bathroom. They say they don't think the auto flush will work??? Doesn't the lid sensor control the flush also? Reading online, sounds like all you do is mount the base plate on the toilet, connect the water lines as you would any water lines, attach the seat to the base and plug it in? How long should it reasonably take to make functional? She fell again yesterday and is struggling so brave, I got this to help her heal and also feel better, so there it still sits in the box! I'm trying to control my anger, not there to know what else is wrong, and this AM we learned my hubbys brother was killed yeaterday. Maybe I should call her local media to see if someone know haw to attach a seat........
My hubby just had cataract surgery monday, yesterday he learned something is very wrong, now waiting to learn what to do next. Deep breath.....

BODICA, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother in law and the continuing problems with your husbands eyesight. somestime when it rains it pours.
As far as installation it seemed simple maybe 30 minutes max and would have been faster if Mike had done it the "mans way" and avoided reading the directions...we refer to him as "crash and burn" because so many of his DIY tasks turn into drama.But just a few choice "F" bombs seemed to be is only problem getting it installed. I beleive any handyman could do it, all it took was a flat bladed screw driver and a pair of pliers. It does have an electric eye on it and will not function unless it is blocked i.e. someone sitting on it or as the directions say to test put a white piece of paper over the eye to test. I have now used it twice and can't wait for your mom to get hers in action. Your biggest problem will be preparing here for her first ride on it..LOL may be a shock! But it will be worth it and there may ne line outside her room of people wanting to try it. I thinking of taking reservations and charging admission to pay for it!

Look I'm not hating on the eldery, I have family in assisted living myself.

I'm not hating on the idea that washlets would be good for homes either.

I am peeved that there is this sense that these things are not "affordable" or there needs to be a "program" to bring them to the masses or that insurance companies should foot the bill because you pay them a lot of money. Anyone that wants one can go out and buy one or have it delivered to the doorstep.

What about all those people that can't afford nursing home care? What about making things easier and cheaper for me? I pay a ton of dough to the insurers, governments, schools, churches and charities. Do the make my life easier? With the exception of the Interstates, public roads, and national defense - I think not. Who gets to draw the line of what is a basic need and what is just frivolity?

TOTO has plenty of competition for washlets, Japan is full of makers, Kohler just introduced a version and I'll bet the Koreans aren't far behind.

These things aren't en masse at nursing homes because Administrators have to turn a buck. Adding 500-1000 per room plus on going maint. isn't going to add to the bottom line. Same as your mom's problem getting help. The name of the game is to take in fees and pay out as little expense as possible. Is it right?, not really but you can't tell me you're ignorant of this practice? Washlet sales men will concentrate their efforts where they can find the largest return. Just as ice machine salesmen don't spend a lot of time in Alaska and Maine, washlet salesguys don't hang out at nursing homes.

never mind, Bethany Point Health Campus Anderson Indiana, Mommy doesn't need to waste your precious time for a half hour installation for her worthless demanding petty personal needs, she's gone

Bodica, I am so, so very sorry.

thank you nutherokie, I'm beyond devastated and appreciate your words. I'm so angry to have wasted time talking to Bethany today instead of having what time was left with my Mommy. I'm here trying to vent in the moment so I don't "be a good girl" and swallow my feelings to eat away at me forever. I know this happens everyday, but why can't we do this better? It will be our turn one day, why don't we do for others as we will wish done for us?
Thank you again nutherokie, your kindness is helping me calm down...

I know I am emotional wrecked & overwhelmed, so please guide me - what is fair towards Bethany Point? Am I unreasonable, thinking they should have installed this seat? I did call in advance ( in April) to be sure this purchase was acceptable, and they took their time calling back, I tried to be patience waiting respectfully, understanding they have much to do, but when they finally called me back May 8, saying no problem, we will install the elongated, I ordered immediately, and it was delivered May 13. May 20th it remains in the box. This could have been available to her before mother's day. What's the difference? She could have had that small comfort and dignity. Everytime I called, oh he's gone for the day... well now her days are gone. Did I unfairly inconvience them for my mothers health, comfort and dignity?

BODICA I am so sorry to see the end of this discussion ending with the loss of your Mom and additionally can't believe that you would consider for one moment that you were out of line in your requests of the nursing home. Frankly I'd be shopping for a lawyer.
Bless you and your family, youve had enough for the week.

Not a frequent poster but I've certainly enjoyed following your home posts Bodica.

You are in an intense phase of grief. "Did I inconvenience.." that is blaming the victim; don't do it. Remember that even though it was not installed, your mother knew that you were advocating for her right up to the end.

Institutions can cause so much pain. I don't have experience with nursing homes yet, but the pain the hospital caused me and my daughter at her birth and in the following days took years for me to recover from. I wish I had spoken to a counselor or therapist bc it was very hard on my husband and I. What eventually healed me was the natural process of how dendrons/memories change in the brain (softens the memory; it's been documented), and also looking at how happy/free from hurt my daughter is now. Your mother is free from the pain now, I hope that is a comfort to you.

Unfortunately many of us have gone through these nightmare experiences of intense pain; loss of loved ones, injustice. Some say call a lawyer, in certain cases I might, but also I just try to be more loving to the ones I've got left. That is what heals me and honors those who are gone.

Best of luck, and fwiw, I'm sure this thread will help countless others. I'd never given a washlet a second thought before, but now it's high on my list for older loved ones and someday me.

Bodica - I'm so sorry for your loss. Try to focus on the good times with your monther, and know that she knew how much you loved her and that you cared about her comfort.

Bodica, I am so saddened to hear about your Mom's passing. You are a good daughter to have shown such thougtful gestures to her. Please accept my condolences and a big hug for you, and for your husband for the loss of his brother.

Bodica, I am so sorry for your loss.

I don't post very much but I do read Decorating and Bath on a somewhat regular basis. One does get to know a poster from reading their posts and I have gotten to know you as very warm, sensitive and caring person who is as beautiful on the inside as you are on the outside (I saw your beautiful pic).

You're entitled to be as angry at the nursing home as you'd lke to be right now. There is no wrong or right with regard to your feelings. It is very difficult to lose a parent and in addition you have so many other horrible things happening. I, again, am so very sorry. I hope your husband gets good news from his doctors.

Bodica,

I am so sorry for your loss. I agree that your mother knew how hard you were advocating for her and that is what really counts. I've lost my mom too so I know how it feels. I don't care how old they are when they go, it's devastating.

May your mom rest in peace. I remember feeling like an orphan for awhile when my last parent passed..

((((hugs))))

bodica, i'm so, so sorry for your loss. i cannot even read through the entire thread since i am in tears myself, having lost my mom (also "living" ... but more like dying, in a nursing home) on february 27. she was a beautiful and elegant woman who was reduced to just another number; her last years undignified at best.

please accept my condolences.

Bodica,
My condolences on your loss. As a motherless daughter, I understand your loss. Focus on the wonderful things your mother did (like you) and the wonderful times you had together.

Take heart in this difficult time.

Homepro01