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InteliCorp and The BIDET SHOP are thrilled to announce our partnership with Charles Darwin University in launching the ground breaking Retrofit Bidet Clinical Trial based on Users and Carers in Aged Care and Hospital.
This ground breaking study aims to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, practicality, and effectiveness of bidets as an alternative to traditional manual post-voiding cleaning for patients, professional carers, and nurses in hospitals, homes, and aged care settings.
Our research seeks to address the current gap in knowledge by exploring how electronic bidets can support patients with toileting limitations and assist staff in providing daily intimate personal care.
We are inviting facilities to participate in this de-identified study, which will involve regular use of the bidet and completing an online questionnaire. Both users and carers will provide feedback on the ease of use, benefits, and limitations of the bidet.
Please do not hesitate to ask any questions regarding your involvement in this project. Participation is voluntary.
For full details and to register your facility, please email Trade1@intelicorp.com.au with the Subject “Clinical Trail”. After registration, the InteliCorp team will guide you through the next steps.
The benefits of bidets in residential aged care facilities
As the world's population continues to age, providing high-quality care and maintaining the dignity of older adults in residential aged care homes becomes an increasingly important challenge. One innovative solution that has gained attention for its potential to improve hygiene, dignity and overall wellbeing is the bidet.
A new approach to personal hygiene
Bidets, commonly associated with improved personal hygiene, have long been utilised in many parts of the world. Their introduction in residential aged care homes brings a new approach to addressing the unique needs of older adults.
Traditional methods of post-voiding cleaning, such as using toilet paper, can be less effective for older individuals who may face mobility limitations, reduced dexterity, or other physical challenges.
Bidets offer a more thorough and comfortable cleansing experience, utilising water jets that can help prevent skin irritation and infections.

Reducing the risk of infections
One significant benefit of bidet use is the potential to reduce the risk of infections, particularly urinary tract infections (UTIs). Older adults are more susceptible to UTIs due to factors such as weakened immune systems, incontinence and reduced bladder control.
Bidets can aid in maintaining proper perineal hygiene, reducing the accumulation of bacteria and decreasing the likelihood of infections. By promoting a cleaner and more sanitary environment, bidets contribute to the overall wellbeing of residents and can lead to fewer instances of UTIs.
Managing incontinence and supporting dignity
With incontinence a common challenge faced by older adults in residential aged care homes, bidets offer an effective solution for managing incontinence-related hygiene.
The gentle and efficient cleansing provided by bidets can help residents feel more comfortable and cleaner, enhancing their overall sense of dignity.
Furthermore, bidets may reduce the stigma associated with incontinence, promoting a more open and compassionate atmosphere within the home.
Alleviating constipation
Constipation is another prevalent issue among older adults, often exacerbated by factors such as reduced physical activity, medication side effects and dietary changes. Bidets have been shown to have a positive impact on bowel management by promoting more complete voiding of the bowel.
The warm water stream from the bidet can help relax the anal sphincter muscles and facilitate more regular bowel movements. This can lead to a reduction in constipation-related discomfort and a potential decrease in the need for laxatives or other interventions.
Easing the workload for caregivers
Bidets not only benefit residents but also ease the workload for caregivers, including staff members and family caregivers. The use of bidets can streamline toileting routines, reducing the time and effort required for manual cleaning and changing of incontinence products.
Caregivers can allocate more time to providing personalised care and engaging with residents, ultimately improving the quality of their interactions. Moreover, the reduced workload associated with bidets can contribute to staff wellbeing by minimising physical strain and stress.
Promoting sustainability and cost savings
In addition to their direct benefits for residents and caregivers, bidets can contribute to sustainability and operational cost savings within residential aged care homes, by reducing consumption of toilet paper and incontinence products.
The decreased paper waste also aligns with environmentally friendly practices – something that can be a competitive point of difference in the marketplace.
Installation tips
To ensure the safety of your water supply when installing smart toilets and bidets, it is crucial for your plumber to consider backflow prevention measures, which help prevent contamination.
Backflow refers to the undesirable flow of contaminated water into the main water supply, and it can occur when there is a sudden decrease in water pressure externally or when the water pressure within the home exceeds that of the main supply. This can lead to the backflow of water from your toilet or bidet into the main supply, potentially polluting your drinking water.
To prevent such cross-connections and the entry of contaminated water into the main supply, it is essential for your plumber to install a backflow prevention device during the installation of your smart toilet or bidet. These devices typically employ one of the following components to prevent water from flowing backward: an air gap break tank or an atmospheric vacuum breaker, with a dual check valve.

A better bidet
Australia’s most advanced bidet system is now the National N-2000, which includes an Integral High Hazard Backflow Prevention Device complying with the Plumbing code of Australia (PCA). This is one of the only fully certified bidet for installation with no additional backflow required. And, it is packed with features previously not available.
Craig Spence, National Business Development Manager, InteliCorp/The BIDET SHOP
www.thebidetshop.com.au (07) 5591 7744 www.intelicorp.com.au