Toilet aids – safety with minimal effort
Toilet aids play a special role among the aids that enable people to live as independently as possible. Using the toilet is a private matter, yet it is a regular necessity. Falls can happen quickly in the bathroom. Toilet aids can significantly reduce this risk and make everyday life easier.
Who can benefit from toilet aids?
Toilet aids are useful for people who still live independently but have limited mobility or a reduced sense of balance. This may be the case following hip surgery, as well as after a stroke, in cases of dementia, MS, rheumatism or osteoarthritis, with unsteady gait and, of course, following amputations.
Toilet aids can also be very helpful when care is required. They provide real support for care staff, particularly when dealing with very frail or unsteady patients. Many older people buy a toilet seat raiser because they appreciate the comfort of the raised seat.
What types of toilet aids are available?
The simplest way to make the toilet safer is to use a toilet seat raiser. A toilet seat raiser is essentially a type of thickened toilet seat. Toilet seat raisers are available in various heights and designs. They make it easier to sit down, but above all to stand up safely. They are usually relatively easy to fit and are made of hygienic plastic. For people who can no longer use the toilet unaided, a commode chair is suitable. This is a type of wheelchair with a hygienic, washable seat cover, beneath which there is a bucket. A commode wheelchair is suitable for people who are no longer mobile enough to reach the toilet but can still sit up unaided.
What materials are toilet seat raisers made of?
Toilet aids should, in any case, be easy to clean and disinfect. A suitable type of plastic is often used for this purpose. Plastic is lightweight yet robust. It is resistant to moisture and easy to wipe clean. It therefore meets the necessary hygiene standards.
What additional options are available for toilet seat raisers?
Toilet seat raisers with grab rails are more difficult to clean and can make it harder for carers to assist. Nevertheless, they do improve safety for the user. Armrests help users stand up independently, but they can also prevent falls. This can be particularly important for patients living alone. Armrests that can be folded up combine the benefits of armrests with easier cleaning and simpler assistance from carers.
Toilet seat raisers with lids are hygienic and help to prevent unpleasant odours. For some older people, the lid can be difficult to handle. In such cases, a seat raiser without a lid may be a sensible option. Recessed handles on the lid can also make it easier to use. Height-adjustable seat raisers can be adapted to the patient and their abilities, even as their needs change over time.
What should you look out for when buying a toilet seat raiser?
It is essential that the toilet seat is approved for the patient’s weight. Measure the toilet carefully to ensure that the raised seat fits properly. Problems can sometimes arise with toilets in older buildings, but also with modern designer toilets. Install the toilet aid correctly to prevent accidents. Installation-free seat raisers are particularly comfortable.
Conclusion
A toilet seat can significantly improve safety in the bathroom with very little effort, thereby considerably enhancing quality of life.
