As people age, they often face various challenges that can affect their  daily routines and independence. One particular challenge involves keeping up with personal hygiene, especially when using the toilet. The decrease in physical strength, mobility, and balance can make this simple task difficult for older individuals. However, by introducing toilet aids at home, seniors can maintain their self-dignity, independence, and overall well-being. 

Toileting routines are an essential part of our daily lives and everyone wants to maintain their independence when using the toilet, for as long as possible. To help the elderly stay comfortable and confident in their toileting and bathing routines, we are exploring some of the top toilet aids that can offer independent support and safety.

 

1.      Raised toilet seats

Incorporating a toilet with a high seat is a valuable mobility addition. This feature reduces the likelihood of falls, granting older individuals increased independence when looking after their hygiene.

Raised toilet seats enable you to comfortably sit on the toilet without needing to lower yourself too far from a standing position. They also simplify the process of transitioning from sitting to standing, as the distance is reduced. 

Raised toilet seats come in different types:

• Standard Raised Toilet Seat: Standard raised toilet seat which can be simply placed over an existing toilet and can come with or without a locking mechanism. The models featuring a locking mechanism will include either a bolt or a clamp to firmly secure the seat in place.

• Raised Toilet Seat With Arms: Similar to a standard toilet seat, this type comes with extra side arms designed to offer older individuals increased assistance when transitioning onto and off of the toilet seat.

• Portable Raised Toilet Seat: Typically made from lightweight materials like rubber, portable raised toilet seats can be conveniently positioned atop a toilet bowl and taken off when not in use.

While the majority of raised toilet seats will fit on a wide range of toilet models, it’s crucial to always check that the seat is fitted securely before every use.

 

2.      Grab bars and handrails

For elderly people, the toilet and bathroom can be one of the most dangerous areas in the home, posing a significant risk of falls and injuries. One of the best ways to prevent these risks is to place grab bars and handrails that provide stability and support, enabling seniors to move around the bathroom with more ease and safety.

Grab bars can be placed wherever you feel you need stability and support. It’s vital to think about where these mobility aids will be most useful and convenient for elderly people. Proper placement of grab bars is important to provide peace of mind as they move around their homes.

Consider adding them within the shower area, along the bathtub, and adjacent to the toilet space. Vertical, horizontal, and diagonal orientations are all grab bar options you can use to your advantage.

• Vertical grab bars are useful when placed near the outer edge of a shower or in front of a toilet area, providing balance and support.
• Horizontal grab bars are effective for toilet spaces and on the longer wall of a bathtub or a shower.
• L-shaped grab bars, or straight grab bars set diagonally, allow users to attain stability and support at multiple heights. This orientation is often used together with shower seats.

What are the Australian standards for fitting grab rails?

Always be sure to follow guidelines and other local and state codes when installing grab bars. According to the Australian Standard 1428.1 (2010), a grab rail should have a diameter between 30-50mm and maintain a gap of at least 60mm from the wall or mounting surface. It's important to note that these requirements apply to public toilets, not private homes. 

In reality, the ideal grab rail height will vary based on the individual using it. Clearly, this will differ for a woman who is 5'4" compared to a man who is 6'2". The key is to position them at a height that is most practical and  convenient for older individuals.

We recommend you check out Australian Standards if you are a professional builder, or if you would like to follow the recommendations for fitting grab rails within the home.

 

3.      Over Toilet frames

Designed to fit around the toilet, a toilet frame functions in a manner similar to that of a walking frame. It features a sturdy frame with four legs, specifically designed to support a person’s weight when getting on and off the toilet.

Although a certain amount of upper body strength is necessary, the additional support provided is also beneficial to a caregiver who assists with basic toileting needs.

What are the benefits of over toilet frames?

• Prevent falls: An over toilet frame, like the Aspire Homecare Over Toilet Aid, is designed to provide additional balance and support to safely stabilise yourself as you lift and lower yourself on and off the toilet. With rubber-tip feet, the over toilet frame can stay in place as you apply your full body weight onto it.
• Easier transfers: Over toilet frames make it easier for elderly users to transition from a wheelchair or a wheeled walker to the toilet and back, enhancing their overall mobility.
• Affordable: Installing an over toilet frame can be a more cost-effective solution compared to remodeling a bathroom for greater accessibility.

 

4.      Bidet toilet seats for elderly 

A bidet toilet seat can be a great addition to the bathroom for the elderly.  These seats or attachments reduce the need to bend, twist, or stretch, lowering the risk of injury or imbalance. Bidet seats and bidet attachments designed for older individuals also have several advantages:

• Provide a more gentler way to clean sensitive skin
• Particularly beneficial for people dealing with hemorrhoids
• Offer a hygienic and touch-free method for post-toileting cleaning, which is useful for seniors with dementia who may not always remember to wash their hands after.

 

5.      Toilet seat riser with arms

Another great toilet aid for elderly is a toilet seat riser with arms. It has two great functions to help you get on and off the toilet: the seat riser elevates the toilet seat and the armrests provide support and security. This must-have independent living product is well-suited for individuals dealing with Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, effects from a stroke, or other physical limitations.

This Adjustable Over Toilet Seat Raiser with arms and lid is the perfect bathroom accessory that clips over your existing toilet seat and provides extra  support. This versatile and comfortable seat is designed to be installed on your current toilet seat, providing either 50, 100, or 150mm increase in the height. The heavy-duty arms offer added convenience and support when getting up and sitting down, and can also be flipped back out of the way. 

 

6.      Non-slip flooring mats for bathroom safety 

The bathroom is one of the most prone areas for falls for everyone, but especially the elderly. To reduce the risks of slips and falls, we recommend the addition of non-slip mats.

Placing a high-quality non-slip mat like the Conni Anti Slip Absorbent Floor Mat in the shower or bath will go a long way towards reducing the likelihood of slips, trips, and falls. This flooring mat is a useful bathroom aid to help give the elderly individuals more safety and confidence when using the bathroom. 

What is the best material for bathroom flooring mats to prevent slipping when in the shower or bath?

A high-quality shower mat designed to prevent slipping should be made from materials that are slip-resistant and durable. Rubber mats are a popular choice as they provide traction in even the wettest conditions and affordable way to avoid slipping and falling in your bathroom.  Alternatives like PVC plastic or silicone are similarly effective at providing a non-slip surface.

 

7.      Long-handled toilet aids

Do you find it frustrating to reach and clean yourself after using the toilet? Long-handled bottom wipers or toilet aids can help alleviate the difficulty and strain associated with this task. Designed for the elderly and other people who find it difficult to bend, turn and reach, this convenient toilet aid offers greater independence and self-confidence while maintaining a high level of personal hygiene.

The long-handled toilet aid is perfect for the elderly with low mobility, as it holds tissue or wipes securely for easy wiping. Due to their curved design, this toileting assistance tool can be used from the front to avoid twisting the body, which can cause injury or pain. 

 

8.      Bath benches

Maintaining independence while aging in place can pose challenges, particularly in activities like bathing. For seniors requiring assistance to get in and out of the bathtub, bath benches give additional support and stability, providing them a place to sit while they bathe.

A bath bench is wider than shower chairs as it extends across the bathtub’s edge and features a wide, flat surface for sitting. It acts as a type of bridge for the user–it makes it easier to move from the bathroom to inside the tub and vice versa.

Bath benches are one of the convenient and budget-friendly home modifications that supports seniors in maintaining their independence, enhancing functionality, and preventing injury in high-risk spaces.

What are the benefits of a bath bench?

1. Reduces the risks of slip and fall in the bathroom

Bath benches remove the need to step across the tub’s edge, which can be risky. These chairs come equipped with features like comfortable seating, armrests, and anti-skid rubber feet to ensure bath bench’s stability, assuring the user’s safety throughout.

2. More comfortable shower experience

When seniors sit on the bench during bathing, they can relieve pressure from their backs and joints, leading to a more comfortable and enjoyable shower experience.

3. Simplifies the task of getting in and out

Bathrooms have many hard and slippery surfaces that can be quite daunting for the majority of seniors during the showering process.

Fortunately, a bath bench simplifies this process and minimises the possibility of an elderly person coming into contact with these hard surfaces. Bath benches provide a safe way for accessing and leaving a bathtub or a shower/tub combination, particularly when used in conjunction with a shower grab bar.

 

9.      Shower stools (or shower chair)

For some elderly individuals, taking a shower is no easy task. That’s where shower stools  can help. Shower stools or shower chairs offer a safe and stable platform to lean on while bathing, without having to worry about losing your balance. These sturdy water-resistant chairs are cost-effective and significantly reduce the risk of older individuals slipping and falling in the bathroom.

Is a shower stool or shower chair better? 

If you’re an elderly who has more restricted mobility, a shower chair is better as it offers more all-round support with features such as armrests and backrests. Otherwise, if you only need a little support in the shower when you are feeling tired and you are able to get on and off a chair without pushing on the arm rests, a shower stool may be sufficient for you.

 

10.   Bath lift 

There are few things in the world that are as relaxing as having a warm bath to soak your weary body. Many medical experts say that hydrotherapy is an excellent method for daily relaxation and detoxification. If you or an elderly family member faces challenges with stability, the process of safely getting in and out of the bathtub can be daunting. The good news is, bath lifts offer a quick and simple safety solution.

A bath lift's main function is to safely lift and lower its user safely in and out of the bathtub. This is achieved by gently lowering the person to the tub’s bottom, allowing them to bathe appropriately in comfort. The bath lift will also lift users out of the tub once bathing is complete.

Some of the bath lifts can be disassembled into two parts for ease of storage, infrequent use or travel. Take a look at the many varieties we carry, including the Bellavita Bath Lifter, Orca Bath Lifter and Kanjo Eco Bath Lift.

 

In conclusion, selecting the right toilet aids for the elderly can greatly enhance their quality of life and safety. By addressing the unique needs and challenges that come with age, these aids empower seniors to maintain their independence and dignity in the bathroom.

From grab bars that provide essential support to raised toilet seats that alleviate strain, each aid serves as an important tool in preventing accidents and falls. Remember, when it comes to bathroom and toilet safety, a small investment in the right aids can lead to immeasurable peace of mind for both seniors and their families.

You can view our full bathroom and toilet range here. Talk to your doctor and occupational therapist if you aren’t sure what you may need to have in your home. They’ll make sure you’re on the right track.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my toilet seat higher?

One solution to make your toilet seat higher is to install a raised toilet seat. There are many elevated toilet seats for elderly people and seniors to choose from, such as toilet seat risers, toilet riser, elevated toilet seat chair, and toilet frames.

What aids can reduce the risk of falls when an individual goes to the toilet?

Installing grab bars in the shower, beside the tub and at the toilet is a great bathroom aid to help prevent one from falling in the bathroom. Non-slip mats – rather than fluffy rugs – are also the way to go in front of the toilet and the sink for a person to step onto when getting in and out of the tub or shower, or standing up after using the toilet.