Bathroom safety equipment can be a vital part of home care and toilet seat risers can dramatically increase a sense of security and confidence for those with limited mobility.
Sitting and standing is difficult for many seniors. Toilet seat risers, often called a booster for a toilet seat, make it easier to transition from a standing position onto a toilet and to stand up again. They are generally retrofitted over existing toilets, making it an easy and affordable modification that raises the seat by between 2 and 6 inches, and can dramatically increase mobility and safety.
Models are available for both round and elongated toilets, and some are specially molded for additional support. Most models attach to an existing toilet with a minimum of effort and use the existing seat, with no major modifications to the bathroom or toilet required. There are also hinged models that can fold up and out of the way like a traditional seat, to accommodate bathrooms that are shared by many family members.
Some toilet seat risers are also equipped with metal arms on either side, providing additional support for safety and a sense of confidence. On many models, the arms are padded for additional comfort. Many also detach easily, so they can be taken on and off to offer maximum flexibility.
Bathroom safety equipment is often a vital part of home care, because it can increase mobility, confidence and a sense of independence so substantially. Installing a toilet seat riser can make using a restroom easier and safer, and most models can be installed easily using the existing toilet and seat.
Read our buyer's guide for help selecting toilet seat risers. It will walk you through various options and how to make the right choice. Then browse models to find the one that is best suited to your home care needs.
One of the simplest and most effective home modifications you can make for bathroom safety is installing a raised toilet seat either a seat that fits right on top of the porcelain toilet bowl and replaces your regular toilet seat or a toiler seat riser that is sandwiched between the bowl and your existing seat to raise it up.
Sitting down and standing up can be difficult for a variety of reasons. Chronic joint pain from arthritis mobility issues and frailty are just a few of the long-term conditions&mdashrecovering from surgery is a short-term one&mdashthat can make lowering yourself to any seated position painful. A raised toilet seat means you don&rsquot have to bend as much and will have an easier time standing up again so you put less strain on knees and hips.
One of the key differences between most raised toilet seats and a toilet seat riser is cosmetic. Between the riser goes under your own seat you can usually raise and lower the toilet sit lid. Some raised toilet seats are bulky. However the unique design of a hinged elevated toilet seat allows you to lift and lower it just like a regular toilet seat.
When choosing a raised toilet seat or a toilet seat riser there are many styles and design features to look for but only a few key questions you must answer:
How much height do you need? This is the primary measurement for choosing a raised toilet seat or toilet seat riser. A product will add between 2&rdquo to 6&rdquo in height to your toilet. The less bending you want to do the higher you want the seat to be. The taller you are the higher the riser you&rsquoll need.
Do you need arm support? If you want the support that arm rails can provide you can choose between a seat that comes with them or buy a separate toilet seat frame. If you want the arm rails decide if you need them to be adjustable and with cushioning. If you use a walker you may not need arm rails.
Do you want to permanently attach the elevated toilet seat for maximum stability? Investigate how the raised toilet seat will be attached to your toilet bowl. Many attach easily&mdashsome without any tools&mdashwith clamps or bolts. Because a toilet seat riser sits between the bowl and your own toilet seat it will come with parts that enable you to add it securely with no worries about it shifting.
Does the seat accommodate your weight? Like other safety products most regular elevated toilet seats are made for people up to 250 pounds. But bariatric styles are able to support more weight.
Is your bowl round or elongated? Regardless of which product you buy it must match your toilet bowl.
