Bladder and bowel problems: finding a toilet when you are out and about

Summary

If you need to find a toilet while you are out and about with a loved one, then Radar keys and the “Great British Toilet Map” can help.

Toilet Worries Can Lead to Isolation and Depression

All of us need to use toilet facilities regularly. Some of us, especially those with mobility issues or certain health conditions need them more frequently than others and may need someone or something to help, finding a suitable public toilet nearby can be a crucial part of planning any excursion.

Anyone who relies on quick or easy access to a toilet often fears leaving home, asking themselves “What if I am caught short because I can’t find a suitable toilet?”

These concerns are very common and often lead to a preference to stay home and avoid the worry and stress of needing to use a public toilet.

Unfortunately, those that avoid going out have fewer opportunities to enjoy company and pursue their interests in outdoor, cultural or sporting activities. Naturally, this can affect their quality of life and can lead to isolation or depression.

Finding a Toilet Away from Home

The map is the UK’s largest database of publicly-accessible toilets and features over 14,000 facilities. It includes all toilets that the public can access without needing to be a customer.

This includes:

• Public toilets
• Toilets in train, tube or bus stations, ferry terminals, airports or other transport networks
• Toilets in service or petrol stations
• Shopping centre toilets
• Toilets in public buildings such as libraries, museums, hospitals, town halls or leisure centres
• Toilets in businesses which allow public use, for example community toilet schemes

Use the map on the go or – ideally – use it to plan your trip in advance so that you can be prepared when the call comes.

Clean, Suitable and Accessible Toilets

When it comes to toilets, the precise features of a clean or suitable toilet means different things to different people.

In later life, restricted mobility is common and this might mean reliance on a raised seat or grab rail. Those with dementia or other cognitive impairment might need someone to help them use the toilet and so the cubicle needs to be large or wide enough to accommodate everyone. Adults with a stoma often rely on a mirror, a hook and clean shelving, making accessible toilets crucial.

Traditionally, toilets with additional features are labelled as being “disabled”. Increasingly, the term “accessible” is being used – it’s better because it reflects the fact that toilets need to be suitable for all sorts of people with all sorts of problems and not just physical disabilities.

You can use the filter function on the toilet map described above to limit your search to accessible toilets in your area.

RADAR Keys: Unlocking Accessible Toilets

Accessible toilets are usually provided in train stations, shopping centres, cafes, airports and supermarkets but many – not all – are fitted with a special lock.

These special locks are opened using a RADAR key. RADAR stands for Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation.

Most local authorities will sell or give you a RADAR key, although you can also buy one online for around £5.

RADAR keys are specific to the UK. You will need a different type of key in Europe.

You can find RADAR key toilet locations near you by using the toilet map described above and filtering by ‘Radar key’.

Finding Community

Continence and toilet matters are easier in theory than practice – join our Carents Lounge community to connect with other carents tackling the practicalities of caring for elderly parents. You can learn from those who have cracked specific problems, ask questions and pass on your own insights.