Equipment & AT
There are a variety of assistive devices that can assist with various aspects of bladder management. These are some examples of devices available on the market and not an extensive list of options.
Leg Positioning Device
The positioning device may help people who have issues with adductor spasticity and may need assistance to position the legs to do a catheter. These would generally be used for females.
Penis Holder
A penis holder can assist with positioning and holding the penis to clean and insert an intermittent catheter. It can be helpful when hand dexterity is impaired. It can also assist with preventing retraction during the procedure. There are different sizes for the girth.
Leg Bag Emptier (Electric)
An electric bag emptier allows a person to independently drain their leg bag on demand. The leg bag is connected to the switch and left open, and the switch is opened as needed to drain the bag.
- A wireless emptier that has an independent power source and can be used on a manual wheelchair
- An electric emptier that connects to the battery on a power drive wheelchair
Adapted clothing
Adapted clothing can make it easier to access a drainage bag to empty or to do intermittent catheterisation. There are suppliers that specialise in adaptive clothing. Existing clothing can also be modified which may include:
- openings along long leg seams to access the tubing
- use of alternative fastenings such as hook and loop or snaps to enable opening clothing rather than needing to remove to attend a catheter. Caution needs to be taken with regards to skin integrity
Adapted drainage bag tap
Minor adaptions to drain taps can enable someone to empty their own urine bag. This can also reduce the incidence of urinary tract infections. Some options that could be considered are:
- loops on the end of the drain tap for ease of opening
- extensions to the end of the drain tap to assist with directing urine into a vessel or away from the person
- a flip tap rather a push style tap for use with a drainage bag