How to Choose the Right Toilet Aid

Toilet aids for seniors help address the heightened risk of slipping or falling in the bathroom. Falls requiring hospitalisation are more likely to occur in elderly individuals in the home. To help prevent falls in the bathroom, those with mobility issues may benefit from the use of toilet aids for elderly individuals. Toileting aids for...

Created by Michelle Carey

Last Updated July 14, 2023

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This article discusses the different types of elderly and disabled toilet aids that are currently available and provides expert tips for choosing the best option for your needs.

What types of toilet aids are there?

From increasing seat height to enhancing stability and positioning, toilet aids for elderly and people with a disability are available in various shapes and forms. This section reviews a range of toilet aids for seniors, including over toilet frames, toilet seat cushions, and toilet seat raisers.

Over Toilet Frames

Patient Handling stocks a large range of over toilet frames, designed to help users safely transfer to and from the toilet. Over toilet aids for elderly feature supportive arm rails attached to a raised seat that is positioned over the existing toilet. This design makes it easier and safer for users to get on and off the toilet.

Some designs of over toilet aids include height-adjustable legs and non-slip rubber feet.

KCare Premium Over Toilet Aid

Brand: R & R Healthcare Equipment

Key features:

Lightweight and strong
Maximum user weight of 250kg
Moulded splash guard
Height adjustable from 45cm to 58cm
Available in three widths: 55cm, 58cm, and 65cm

The KCare Premium Over Toilet Aid is made of durable 32mm aluminium tubing and is designed to fit into tight spaces. Both the leg and arms are height adjustable for user comfort.

Peak Care Folding Over Toilet Aid

Brand: Peak Care Mobility Aids

Key Features:

Foldable frame for easy transport and storage
Doubles as a bedside commode with a bowl and lid
Maximum user weight of 100kg
The lightweight aluminium frame weighs 3.85kg
Non-slip rubber feat

The Peak Care Folding Over Toilet Aid is one of the most portable, lightweight toilet aids for elderly available. This multipurpose unit assists users in safely getting on and off the toilet and can also be used as a bedside commode. The angled armrests and non-slip rubber feet provide support and stability.

Care Quip Economy Over Toilet Aid

Brand: Care Quip

Key features:

Seat height is adjustable from 47cm to 62cm
Non-slip rubber feat
Ergonomically angled armrests

The adjustable height and angled armrests of the elderly and disabled toilet aids by Care Quip assist with toilet transfers. The legs are height adjustable and feature non-slip rubber tips for stability. Designed with simplicity in mind, the powder-coated steel frame attaches to a removable toilet seat and splashguard.

Toilet Surround Support Frames

Similar to over toilet aids for the elderly, a surround frame supports users to transfer to and from the toilet. However, surround frames are designed to pair with the existing toilet and do not include the removable bowl and lid of over the toilet aids for seniors.

As the name suggests, the frame is positioned to surround the toilet. Patient Handling stocks a range of toilet surround support frames to ensure you find the perfect fit for your bathroom space.

Better Living Toilet Surround

Brand: BetterLiving

Key features:

Height adjustable legs from 68cm to 81cm
Anti-slip rubber tips
Moulded armrests
Maximum user weight of 190kg

The lightweight, powder-coated steel frame of the Better Living Toilet Surround is designed to fit in most bathrooms. Each telescopic leg has six height adjustment options and non-slip rubber tips. For added comfort and grip, the armrests feature moulded, anti-slip cushioning.

K Care Premium Toilet Support Frame

Brand: R & R Healthcare Equipment

Key features:

Adjustable leg height from 70cm to 83cm
Maximum user weight of 250kg
Seat widths of 45cm, 52cm, and 60cm
Non-slip rubber tips

The Premium Toilet Support Frame by KCare has been heat treated for extra strength and safely supports users weighing up to 250kg. As one of the best toilet aids for seniors, this unit is lightweight, easy to manoeuvre, and fits around most toilets.

Raised Toilet Seats

Easy installation and bathroom compatibility often make toilet seat raisers a popular choice for elderly and disability toilet aids. Toilet seat raisers adjust the seating height to enable safe transfers to and from the toilet. The existing seat is replaced with the toilet seat raiser, providing optimal support.

When purchasing toilet aids for elderly, such as a raised toilet seat, you should consider the following:

Is the unit fixed or height adjustable?
Do you need armrests for added support?
Are the armrests (if any) padded or height adjustable?

We’ve listed below three of our most popular seat-raising toilet aids for the elderly and those living with a disability. However, Patient Handling stocks a wide range of raised toilet seats, and our experts can help you find the best elderly and disabled toilet aids for your needs.

Better Living Adjustable Toilet Seat Raiser

Brand: BetterLiving

Key features:

Three adjustable height settings
Lift up armrests for sideway access
Flip up toilet seat and splash guard
Maximum user weight of 136kg

The Better Living Adjustable Toilet Seat Raiser assists with safe transfers to and from the toilet and is easy to install without tools. Users can select from three height options, including 50mm, 100mm, and 150mm above the toilet seat.

Representing a popular choice for disability toilet aids, the armrests on this unit can be lifted to enable comfortable wheelchair transfers. Further, the design of the moulded armrests supports users to correctly position their hands and push to a standing position.

Better Living Fixed Height Raised Toilet Seat

Brand: BetterLiving

Key features:

Ideal for travel or temporary use
Smooth, contoured surface
Available in 5cm and 10cm heights
Maximum user weight of 130kg

The Better Living Fixed Height Raised Toilet Seat easily clamps to either side of the existing toilet to make it easier for users to sit and stand. Representing affordable, single-piece toilet aids for seniors, this unit has been ergonomically designed with gentle contours for improved comfort and recesses for hygienic access. The stain and odour-resistant seat and flip-up lid are easy to clean.

Etac Cloo Toilet Seat Raiser with Armrests

Brand: Etac

Key Features:

Three height settings: 6cm, 10cm, or 14cm
Detachable armrests and seat
Mounts to any toilet bowl
Option for forward-facing tilt
Maximum user weight of 150kg

Toilet aids for seniors are rarely more elegantly designed than the Cloo from Etac. Featuring a tiltable seat and detachable armrests, the Cloo helps users with mobility issues safely transfer to or from the toilet.

The subtle aesthetic complements most bathrooms and easily mounts to any toilet without the use of tools. The seat can be adjusted to three different heights and set to an anterior tilt. The versatility of this unit makes it one of the best toilet aids for the elderly and individuals with limited mobility.

Other elderly and disability toilet aids available

In addition to our range of fall prevention toilet aids for the elderly, Patient Handling stock products designed to enhance user comfort. Seat cushions are a popular choice of toilet seat aids elderly and mobility impaired individuals may benefit from. We own and exclusively source several trusted brands of toilet aids for seniors and those who may experience discomfort when seated on the toilet.

Skil-Care Gel Foam Toilet Seat Cushion

Brand: Skil Care

Key Features:

Dual gel-foam composition
Easy to attach to any toilet seat
Maximum user weight of 130kg

This toilet seat aid by Skil-Care is made of a foam base layer topped with gel, which comfortably moulds to the user’s body shape. The waterproof cushion is easy to clean and secures to any toilet seat using four straps.

How to choose the right toilet aid?

There are many different types of toilet aids for seniors and people living with a disability. You should consider the below criteria when investing in new toilet aids for elderly individuals in your home or care environment:

Is armrest support required?
How much space is available around the existing toilet?
Will different individuals use the toilet?
Is height adjustment needed/ preferred?
Do you require a portable option for travel?

If you’ve determined multiple people will use the toilet, it’s advisable to select adjustable toilet aids for seniors to account for height and weight variability. If you’re uncertain which senior or disability toilet aids will meet your needs, the friendly team at Patient Handling can provide expert recommendations.

Useful toilet aids for seniors make everyday tasks easier

The risks associated with performing everyday tasks can be amplified by wet or slippery surfaces in bathroom settings. Toilet aids for seniors and those living with a disability remove barriers to performing everyday tasks. By raising the height of the seat and/or providing supportive armrests, people with injuries or mobility issues can more easily transfer to and from the toilet.

Toilet aids for elderly, people with a disability, and hospital patients can provide an enhanced sense of independence and safety. For additional ways to improve bathroom safety, Patient Handling has prepared a helpful five-step guide on preventing falls in the bathroom.

For expert tips and tailored advice on the best toilet aids for seniors and people living with a disability, contact the friendly team at Patient Handling today.

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