As you age, it can get harder and harder to use the bathroom. You may start to find it harder to get on and off the toilet. One of our favorite tools to help with this struggle is the raised toilet seat with handles. It provides additional height and a convenient place to hold onto when sitting down or standing up.
What Is a Raised Toilet Seat With Handles?
It is a toilet seat that is a little higher than a normal toilet seat and has handles. This is helpful because it minimizes the distance they have to go when sitting down or getting up.
A raised toilet seat with handles adds armrests or support handles to provide something to hold while sitting down or standing up. The added height can reduce how far a person has to lower themselves when sitting on the toilet. The handles are meant to add additional support and something to hold onto.
There are so many different options to decide from when choosing a toilet seat. Make sure to check height, dimensions and if it has handles or not.
How High Should the Toilet Seat Be?
One important factor to consider is height. They are available in all sorts of heights and aren't one size fits all. Find the height that makes the tasks of sitting down and standing up easier for you. Make sure the toilet doesn’t seem uncomfortably high.
Before you decide what height, think of the user's knee to floor length and the current height of the toilet. A seat that is too low might not give them the assistance they need and a seat that is way too high could make it even harder for them to sit on. If you aren’t sure what height to get, talk to a provider or talk to a home medical supply company.
What Should The Handles Be Like?
The handles are the most important part for some users. You want to make sure the handle height is in reach and in a comfortable position for them to use.
Consider whether the handles are:
- Padded or non-padded
- Fixed or adjustable
- Removable
- Wide enough
- Positioned to body size
Someone needs to also check and make sure that the handle is stable and in place before the individual uses it.
How Much Weight Can a Raised Toilet Seat Hold?
Check out the weight capacity before purchasing a raised toilet seat. Not every seat has the same weight capacity. If more than one person is using the bathroom, make sure it is adjusted to the person that needed the equipment. It is also important when it comes to handles. Make sure the handles are able to hold additional weight if needed.
Will It Fit Your Toilet?
Every seat you look at is going to be different. Some are universal and fit almost all toilets, but others are made for specific toilet shapes, like elongated or oval.
Check the toilet seat dimensions
- Bowl shape
- Bowl length
- Bowl width
- Existing seat configuration
- Mounting points
How Do They Attach?
They are usually really easy to attach. They just attach directly to the toilet itself. Look at the instructions and follow them, to make sure they are secured to the toilet. Most raised toilets are designed to be simple to install and don’t require any permanent changes to your toilet.
Seat vs. Frame
A toilet seat and a toilet safety frame have different purposes. A raised toilet seat is meant to give more height to the toilet, but they also come with handles. A toilet safety frame doesn’t raise the toilet seat but has armrests and handholds.
Does a Raised Toilet Seat Need to Be Installed Permanently?
They are designed to be installed onto the current toilet, rather than having to make a permanent fix.
Shower chairs can be easy to install and attached directly to your toilet, but they can also require a bit more installation. Make sure to install them correctly and make sure they are secure.
What Other Bathroom Safety Equipment Should You Consider?
Depending on the person's needs, other equipment may include:
- Shower chairs
- Bath benches
- Grab bars
- Toilet safety frames
- Handheld shower accessories
- Non-slip bathroom products
What Makes a Good Raised Toilet Seat With Handles?
When comparing products, make sure you go with the right features. A good raised toilet seat should have an appropriate:
Height: It should make transfers easier.
Weight capacity: Should be rated for the right weight capacity.
Fit: The seat should be made to fit the toilet.
Handle design: Handles should sit comfortably and not be too high or low.
Installation: It attaches right to your toilet. Read the instructions to learn how to attach it.
Comfort: Dimensions should fit you comfortably.
Maintenance: Get easy to clean materials.
Mistakes When Choosing Your Toilet Seat
Below are some mistakes that people make when shopping for a raised toilet seat.
They forget to Measure the Toilet: You want to measure to make sure it fits right.
Ignoring weight capacity: Check the manufacturer's recommended weight capacity.
Overlooking the handles: Make sure the handles are positioned correctly.
Improper installation: Follow the manufacturers installation instructions
Choosing based only on price: Don’t go based off price, think of your specific needs when looking.
Raised Toilet Seat Buying Checklist
Before purchasing a raised toilet seat with handles, ask yourself:
- How much additional height does it provide?
- Is the height appropriate for the user?
- What is the maximum weight capacity?
- Will it fit my toilet?
- What shape toilet is it designed for?
- Am I comfortable while using the handles?
- Are the handles removable or adjustable?
- How does the seat attach?
- Can it be installed securely?
- Is the seating area comfortable?
- Is it easy to clean?
- Does it fit with other equipment?
Choosing the Best Toilet Seat
When deciding what raised toilet seat to get, there are a few things to consider. Things to know would be their toilet measurement, their weight, do they need handles, the right height they need, and how it would be installed.
There are so many different bathroom safety items than can help make bathroom use safer and easier. From grab bars, toilet seats to shower chairs and bath matts, make sure to look at adding additional safety measures to your bathroom.
If you're looking for bathroom safety equipment, IDTS Home Medical Supply has the right products for making your life easier.
External Resource: For additional information about bathroom safety and fall prevention, visit CDC – Older Adult Falls.
FAQs
Who should use a raised toilet seat? If you or someone you know has a hard time getting up from the toilet or sitting down on the toilet, you could benefit from a raised toilet seat.
What height do I get? The height can vary. It depends on your leg length, toilet height and how well you’re able to sit and stand. The goal is to make it easier to sit and stand.
Are raised toilet seats with handles safe? They give you extra support. Make sure the handles and the seat are secure.
How much weight does a raised toilet seat hold? It depends on the individual product. Some are made for larger weight capacities than others. Look at the description and check the wight capacity.
Can I temporarily use a raised toilet seat? A lot of people use them temporarily, while recovering from an injury or after having surgery. They are made to not have permanent installation.
