As age advances, even a simple task like using the toilet can be challenging, especially for seniors with mobility issues or who have just had an operation. Things like Raised Toilet Seats for Seniors can help improve seniors’ lives. Raised toilet seats are much like regular ones, with a few inches added to make them taller.
It enables older adults to sit and help themselves without squatting too low. Some of these tools come with handles to enhance safety and comfort. Those that feature arms and legs offer added stability and security. Here is a guide to Raised Toilet Seats for Seniors.
Who should use raised seats?
- Those who should use these services are seniors.
- With weak muscles.
- With balance issues.
- Who has undergone surgery?
- Who has suffered injuries or accidents?
- Who experiences fatigue more often?
- Who would love to independently carry out Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)?
Elderly persons or their loved ones can always buy these tools independently. However, professional assistance is recommended, especially for those who have fallen in the bathroom. One can seek help from physical therapy, a physician, or an occupational therapist. Either of these professionals can help older adults and their families determine if installing Raised Toilet Seats for Seniors in their bathrooms is right. Depending on the answer, the professional may recommend specific features.
What to Consider When Buying Raised Toilet Seats for Seniors?
Knowing the user’s needs is helpful when choosing the right Raised Toilet Seats for Seniors. Do they suffer from any disease that makes them sick, like arthritis? Choosing the right tool becomes easier when the reasons for buying these life-saving tools are determined. The goals help older adults, and their families determine the features they need. These are the major factors to put into consideration:
The design of the raised toilet seat
The importance of design cannot be overstated. Some tools come with handles, and others are made without. Some seats feature adjustable legs, and others don’t. Therefore, knowing whether the user needs extra features, such as handles or arms for support, helps a lot.
The weight capacity of the Raised Toilet Seats for Seniors
Knowing the user’s weight and whether the tool they choose can handle it is imperative. Some tools can withstand 200 to 300 pounds. If your older loved one is overweight, you can opt for a bariatric raised toilet seat. Bariatric raised toilet seats can withstand up to 500 pounds.
The height of the raised toilet seat
Regular raised toilet seats typically measure between 4 and 6 inches high, but seniors who need more raised toilet seats may consider other options on the market. It is wise to consult a healthcare professional if one needs a higher toilet seat than usual.
The portability of the raised toilet seat
Many Raised Toilet Seats for Seniors are heavy, and seniors may need help to move them from one place to another. Some seats are made with plastic cushions to help seniors who may need to travel with them. However, using them in public can be a challenge. But if one has to use them in public, they should seek family restrooms, as they are large enough and generally accessible.
Additional Features
Older adults seeking more support should consider buying raised toilet seats with additional features. Features to check to include:
- Support arms are designed to make sitting on the toilet and getting up easier. They also add to safety.
- Additional padding: Some raised toilet seats are made of cushioned plastic to offer more padding. Tools with these features should be checked periodically as they wear out over time.
- Hinged Raised Toilet Seats for Seniors: These are foldable seats. Most of the seats with adjustable legs come with hinges to allow older adults or their loved ones to fold them up when not in use.
Size and shape of the tool.
When buying these raised toilet seats, seniors should ensure that the shape aligns with the toilet bowl. Depending on the shape of the toilet bowl, one should choose whether to use an oval-shaped or round-raised toilet seat.
The Cost of Raised Toilet Seats for Seniors
The prices of Toilet Seats vary, depending on the type and the features they possess. Models with arms and handles tend to be more expensive, with some costing twice the price of standard toilet seats.
- The cost of a regular raised toilet seat is $20
- The cost of tools with more features: $100
Where to Buy Raised Toilet Seats
Many online retailers sell these tools. But if a physician recommends a specific type of Raised Toilet Seats for Seniors, some may be in their facilities. If not, they can prescribe a raised toilet seat that older adults can purchase from a store. Another option for acquiring these tools is leasing them from the nearest medical loan closet.
Paying for Toilet Seats
Medicare doesn’t cover these tools because they don’t meet the durable medical equipment (DME) definition. It is also very unlikely that private insurance companies will cover these tools because there are accessibility modifications for bathrooms, not medical tools.
Best-raised toilet seats for seniors
- Toilet Seat Riser with Arms for Elongated Style by Essential Medical Supply Inc.: This raised toilet seat with padded, removable arms adds more safety, security, and comfort when sitting and getting off the seat. Read more at https://www.essentialmedicalsupply.com/toilet-seat-riser-with-arms-elongated.
- CAREX Classics Raised Toilet Seat with Armrests: These seats are designed for seniors experiencing challenges bending or sitting down comfortably. The seat comes with an additional four and a half inches. They feature locks and padded armrests to enhance the safety and stability of the user. Find more details at https://carex.com/products/carex-classics-raised-toilet-seat-with-armrests.
- ETAC My-Loo Fixed Toilet Seat with Arm Supports: This is a convenient option for seniors with mobility or balance issues to visit the toilet safely since they provide more support and enhance independence among users. Read more about Toilet Seats at https://novis.com.au/products/etac-my-loo-fixed?variant=39456540409068#description. Seniors can buy Etac My-Loo Supporting Legs for stability using these raised toilet seats. These legs have a foldability feature, increasing the weight capacity to 200kg. ETAC My-Loo Fixed Toilet Seat with Arm Supports can hold up to 150 kg without these legs.
Also Read: Help For Seniors in Alabama
