Statistics show that around 1 in 3 adults over 65 who live at home will have a minimum of one fall a year, and about half of these will have more frequent falls. The startling frequency of falls for those in this age bracket means that it’s crucial to make your home more mobility-friendly so as to prevent any falls from taking place.
One of the areas of a house where falls frequently take place is the bathroom, and more specifically when someone uses the toilet. Having a low toilet seat height means that people have to lower themselves down further, and this means the likelihood of slipping increases. Managing toileting activities is a very personal task and being safe while using one should be a given.
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Whether you or someone you are caring for is living with a mobility impairment, such as arthritis, there are ways you can reduce the risk of falls by turning your bathroom into a disability bathroom. While obvious choices may include additions such as grip rails, non-slip mats, walk-in baths or walk-in showers, another incredibly useful solution is to include a high toilet seat in your bathroom.
Having a toilet with a high seat is a great mobility addition to your bathroom, as it lowers this risk of falling, giving the person a greater sense of independence when looking after their hygiene. It really shouldn’t be a luxury to feel confident and safe when using the loo, and so a high toilet seat is a must-have for anyone who’s experienced this issue and is concerned at all. With this in mind, here are the benefits of using a high toilet seat:
- High toilets have stability
- They are safe
- They provide relief
- High toilets are easy to fit
- Reduced impact on joints
- Better carer safety
- Increased confidence
1. High toilets have stability
You may choose to opt for a high toilet seat with or without grab rails. However, we would recommend high toilet seats with additional support if you still feel you may need some extra help with your mobility.
The added height will put less stress on your joints such as your knees and help you stand easier as well. The overall outcome should be increased confidence when using the bathroom.
2. High toilets are safe
High toilet seats increase safety as you are provided with a durable base for sitting, making rising easier and helping you avoid slips and falls. If you position additional grab rails close to the toilet, it will help you move around the bathroom with added safety and less risk.
3. They provide relief
Raised toilets relieve your joints from any added pressure. Those who suffer from arthritis tend to find it very difficult to bend joints. It isn’t an easy task, and it can be very painful as sufferers can experience severe discomfort. The high toilet seat will also reduce the squatting position we usually have when we use the toilet, making it overall much more comfortable too.
4. High toilets are easy to fit
You can get high toilet seats that are simple to install, and it does not require much work. Typically, raised toilet seats have adjustable fixing brackets which secures the seat in place for ultimate stability. These brackets are normally on the sides, and back.
Not only is it easy to fit, but it’s also easy to clean too! Give it a quick wipe down with a toilet disinfectant or an antibacterial wipe, and you’re good to go.
Alternatively, you can have a higher toilet pan fitted as part of any accessible bathroom installed by Mobility Plus, speak to one of our team for details.
5. Reduced impact on joints
Impact on joints is often a concern for people living with mobility-related conditions, and in some cases any excess use of joints can cause significant pain and discomfort.
For someone who experiences inflammation of the joints, such as people living with arthritis, minimising how far they need to bend their knees and hips can make the overall experience less painful and uncomfortable.
6. Better carer safety
It’s not only someone who is being cared for that is at risk of injury when using the bathroom. For those who are assisted by a carer, there is the added possibility that the carer may also slip or fall while assisting a patient.
With the right tools, such as a raised toilet seat or potentially even grab bars, the distance between sitting and standing is reduced, ultimately making it easier for carers to transfer more safely.
7. Increased confidence
Using the bathroom is a very private matter, so wherever possible, people would prefer to make their visits unassisted. A raised toilet seat can help people to maintain their independence while still looking out for their safety.
Not only does this offer a confidence boost, but also supports the wellbeing of a patient by reducing the risk of falls or slips when using the toilet.
Who benefits from high toilet seats?
High toilet seats might seem like an obvious choice for those among us who are taller, however anyone who experiences mobility issues, especially elderly people or those living with a disability will benefit from a raised toilet seat.
Reducing the height the user needs to bend to reach the seat will limit impact on joints and provide a safer and more comfortable experience.
What should you consider?
There are a few considerations you need to take into account when choosing a high toilet seat. There are a few different variations of these types of toilet seats, some seats have padding or durable plastic. When selecting your raised toilet seat, you may want to keep the following things in mind:
Size
Raised toilet seats come in a variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate the numerous designs available in homes today. Things to review when choosing the seat size is how far the toilet is from the floor already, the weight of the user and the shape of the existing toilet seat.
Toilet lid or no toilet lid
If discretion is a priority, it’s good to know that there are a range of choices available from colours to whether or not to have a lid. For a more seamless inclusion in your bathroom you can choose a design that can be installed between the toilet’s existing lid and the lip of the bowl.
Height
The height you will need for a raised toilet seat will depend on a few factors. The height of the person using the high toilet seat, the distance currently between the floor and the standard toilet seat and the weight of the user. Raised toilet seats are available in various heights to accommodate a range of needs.
A high toilet seat or toilet can make a huge difference in your ability to use the bathroom independently. Additionally, as this allows you to be more independent, it may take a little pressure off from your carer. Most high toilet seats are easy to install and use too. If you suffer from pain or limited mobility, these devices are an affordable way to get rid of bathroom embarrassment.
The benefits of a high toilet can really make a difference to your routine. It’s an important feature to have, that will help reduce toileting worries or concerns. Give yourself peace of mind. Feel free to request one of our free brochures, if you are looking to get your sanitary ware replaced when replacing your bath or shower. If you are trying to decide on a bathing solution, why not view our walk-in bath and shower selections?