Raised toilet seat
What is it?
A raised toilet seat fits on top of an existing toilet to increase the seat height.
Who might it help?
People who:
-
Have difficulty standing from a low toilet
-
Experience knee, hip, or back pain
-
Have reduced leg strength
-
Fatigue easily during transfers
What difficulties does it address?
Standing from a toilet requires strength and balance. Increasing the height reduces the distance a person needs to lower themselves and stand back up.
Things to consider
-
The correct height is important
-
It should fit the toilet securely
-
Some people may still require additional support
Safety considerations
-
A poorly fitted raised toilet seat may move during transfers and increase the risk of a fall.
-
A seat that is too high can reduce stability and make it harder to place both feet firmly on the floor.
-
Sitting too high may also make it more difficult to adopt a good toileting position. Having the feet supported and the knees slightly higher than the hips can help with bowel emptying for many people, so the height of the seat should be chosen carefully.
Toilet Surround Frame
What is it?
A freestanding frame positioned around the toilet that provides arm supports for sitting and standing.
Who might it help?
People who:
-
Need extra support during toilet transfers
-
Have reduced strength or balance
-
Cannot safely push up from the toilet alone
What difficulties does it address?
Provides stable handholds to improve confidence and support standing and sitting.
Things to consider
-
The frame should fit both the toilet and the user
-
Armrest height should be appropriate
-
As the frame is not fixed to the floor or wall, weight needs to be distributed evenly on both sides to keep it stable
Safety considerations
Frames that are incorrectly adjusted may feel unstable or encourage awkward movement patterns.
The frame should not move during transfers.
Combination toilet frame
What is it?
A combined toilet seat with a frame that can be positioned over a toilet.
Who might it help?
People who:
-
Have difficulty standing from a low toilet
-
Require support for toilet transfers
-
Have reduced strength or balance
What difficulties does it address?
Combines the additional height of a toilet seat with the handles of the toilet surround frame to improve confidence and support standing and sitting.
Things to consider
-
Armrest height should allow a stable, comfortable position for standing and sitting
-
As the frame is not fixed to the floor or wall, weight needs to be distributed evenly on both sides to keep it stable
-
The frame should be positioned on a stable, level surface
Safety considerations
Incorrect height or poor positioning may increase falls risk.
The frame should not move during transfers.
Grab rails
What is it?
A grab rail is a fixed support rail that provides a secure handhold to help with specific movements around the home.
They are commonly used in bathrooms, beside toilets, on stairs, and at entrances.
Who might it help?
Grab rails may help people who:
-
Feel unsteady when moving around the home
-
Need support getting on or off the toilet
-
Find stepping into a shower or bath difficult
-
Have reduced balance or confidence
-
Need extra support on steps or stairs
What difficulties does it address?
Some everyday movements require a combination of strength, balance, and confidence.
A correctly positioned grab rail can provide support during these moments, helping a person complete tasks more safely and with less effort.
Things to consider
-
The rail needs to be positioned where the person actually needs support
-
The height and direction of the rail should suit the movement being completed
-
It must be securely fixed to a suitable surface
-
A towel rail or shower screen should never be used as a grab rail
Safety considerations
Not all grab rails provide the same level of support.
Suction grab rails may appear convenient, but they should not be relied upon for taking significant body weight, as suction can reduce unexpectedly depending on the surface, moisture, or installation.
A poorly positioned or unsecured grab rail may not improve safety and could increase risk.
