How Do Blind People Know When To Stop Wiping?
Cleaning our bottoms after using the toilet is a crucial aspect of maintaining hygiene and good health. It is an activity we probably do countless times every year, and yet it is something that most of us don’t give much thought. For people who are blind or visually impaired, wiping can be a more difficult task as they cannot visually inspect themselves to ensure they have cleaned properly. So, how do blind people know when to stop wiping?
Before we delve into how blind people manage this task, let’s get a basic understanding of the anatomy of the anus region. The area around our anus is composed of numerous folds and ridges, and to get it clean, we need to wipe thoroughly. Leaving faecal matter or urine residue in this area can lead to infections, skin irritation and bad odour. Therefore, it is essential to maintain good hygiene practices after defecating.
For people who are blind, wiping after using the toilet requires the use of touch and other senses. There is no universal technique to follow, but different methods work for different people. Let’s look at some of the ways blind people can determine when to stop wiping.
1. Tactile sensation
A majority of blind people use the tactile sensation of toilet paper on their skin to tell when to stop wiping. They keep wiping until they feel that the paper is sliding smoothly against clean skin without any bumps or extra bulk. The sensation of smooth skin indicates that the area is clean, and they can stop wiping. Some people use moist wipes or a bidet in conjunction with toilet paper for better cleaning and sensitivity.
2. The Number of Wipes
Another technique some people use is to have a set number of wipes that they perform each time they go to the toilet. This method works by wiping a particular number of times until all the faecal matter is gone. Often people who use this method of stopping after a set number of wipes also use a tactile feedback to ensure that they are clean.
3. Inspection of Wipes
Some visually-impaired people inspect the toilet paper by wiping a few times and checking to see if there are any faecal matter or urine spots left on the paper. This inspection can be done by feeling for lumps, residue or wet spots on the toilet paper, which indicates that the wiping is not yet complete.
4. Using a Mirror
A small number of blind people may use a handheld mirror to inspect their own bottoms. They can use the mirror to check if there is any residual faecal matter that they still need to wipe off.
5. Using a Registered Orientational and Mobility Specialist (O&M)
In some exceptional cases, people who are blind can be trained by a certified O&M specialist to use a wiping technique that suits their specific needs. They are trained to inspect themselves through touch to determine when to stop wiping.
FAQs
Q: What is the best way for blind people to wipe?
A: There is no universal method that is best for everyone. The method that works best for a particular individual is determined by their needs, preferences and level of physical mobility. Some people use wet wipes or bidet in combination with toilet paper to ensure that they are clean.
Q: Are there any wiping aids for blind people?
A: Yes, there are several wiping aids designed to assist people with visual impairments. Some of these aids include toilet paper tongs, bidet attachments, peri bottles and wipes.
Q: How can blind people maintain good hygiene if they cannot see their private parts?
A: Many people who are blind practice preventive hygiene to ensure that their private parts are always clean. This includes using only clean undergarments, washing the area thoroughly during a shower or bath, and checking the toilet paper after wiping.
Q: Can blind people use a bidet if they don’t know how to control it?
A: Yes, there are many bidet models available that come with remote controls or handlebars that are easy to use. Many visually-impaired people also make use of tactile markers or Braille labels on these bidets to help them remember the functions that need to be used.
Conclusion
To sum up, there are many ways that blind people can determine when to stop wiping after using the toilet. Most methods rely on the sense of touch and the use of toilet paper or wet wipes. It is crucial that blind people take hygiene seriously to avoid infections, irritation or discomfort from not wiping properly. It is also crucial to note that it is necessary for people who are blind or visually impaired to have the right tools and support to maintain good hygiene. These include wiping aids or the help of a trusted caregiver or O&M specialist.