How Raised Toilet Seats
Improve Comfort and Safety for Seniors
Falling and hurting themselves is common among the elderly as they often lose balance which causes them to trip. These accidents can even cost the person their life if the sustained injuries are severe. Therefore, there is a need to adopt fall prevention measures. One such approach is the installation of bathroom safety products such as raised toilet seats, grab bars , shower chairs, etc. to assist the elderly in addition to increasing their comfort.
In this article, we will learn what raised toilet seats are and how they add to the safety and comfort of seniors.
What are Raised Toilet Seats?
The raised toilet seats are one of the bathroom safety devices which are attached to the toilet to increase its height. These are easy-to-install products that are particularly beneficial for those who suffer from mobility issues or disabilities such as osteoporosis, arthritis, joint pain, muscle weakness, etc.
These raised toilet seats can be attached and detached from the standard toilet seat and are lightweight and portable. Many types of raised toilet seats are available some of which also have arms for enhanced user security.
Benefits of Using Raised Toilet Seats for the Elderly
With the use of raised toilet seats, the following benefits are expected to be achieved for the elderly:
Prevention of Fall Accidents
Among older individuals, falling in the bathroom is one of the leading causes of traumatic injuries. In some cases, these injuries can even worsen to cause death. Therefore, certain strategies should be adopted to prevent such fall accidents. One such fall-prevention product is the raised toilet seat.
By using these products, the elderly do not have to bend much while using the loo. This way, they are less likely to lose their balance which is common when a person gets up from a toilet seat with effort. Another benefit of these raised toilet seats is the armrests attached to them which can provide support to the user while sitting down or getting up thus effectively preventing falls.
Better Accessibility
By using raised toilet seats, it becomes easier for seniors to access the toilet whenever they need be. They do not have to wait for the caregiver to use the facility. This is particularly essential for people who live independently and do not have anyone around them at all times.
Alleviation of Stain
People who have joint issues such as arthritis, osteoporosis, etc. find it difficult to bend their knees while using the toilet. This is because bending puts a strain on their bones causing pain. To avoid pain, these individuals try to minimize their bathroom visits and often do not consume enough water. Additionally, they also hold their pee which can cause infections.
Using raised toilet seats for such people eases their pain as little to no strain is put on their knees. They do not have to bend their knees too much which prevents discomfort.
Possibility of Independent Living
Most elderly have limited mobility either due to age or some sort of mobility-related disease. These issues often snatch a person’s independence and dignity as they cannot move by themselves and need the services of a caregiver while taking a bath or using the toilet.
With the use of raised toilet seats as well as other bathroom safety devices, a person becomes able to stay independent for many more years. Thus, these products ensure safety within the home and protect your loved ones from getting injured.
Disadvantages of Raised Toilet Seats
Apart from several advantages, the use of raised toilet seats is associated with some disadvantages as well:
- People who use raised toilet seats are at a higher risk of constipation. This is because the lack of bending can cause the retention of fecal matter in the intestines.
- People who have shorter height often remain uncomfortable with the use of raised toilet seats as their feet often dangle. This results in a state of instability which can cause them to fall.
- A raised toilet seat does not match an electric toilet lift in its performance as the person has to sit and stand on their own. However, the electric toilet lift raises the person from their seated position automatically.
- Cleaning raised toilet seats can be difficult as these need to be unbolted.
- If not properly installed, the raised toilet seats can cause the user to slip and fall on the floor.
Raised Toilet Seats at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications
Different kinds of bathroom safety products are available in the US market which are employed for enhancing the security of the elderly. One such item is the raised toilet seat which is attached to the standard seat to raise it above its usual level. Some of these raised toilet seats are also available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below along with their features and purchase links:
Drive Medical 12013 Premium Plastic Raised Toilet Seat with Lock and Padded Armrests Elongated
US$75.89
Product Details
Drive Medical 12013 premium plastic raised toilet seat with lock and padded armrests is suitable for use with almost all elongated toilets. The product is lighter in weight which makes it portable and easy to carry while travelling. The construction material is heavy-duty molded plastic which is known for its longevity and strength.
For more safety, these raised toilet seats come with arms that can be opened as well for personal hygiene. These armrests also enhance the patient’s convenience while getting up from the seat.
Drive Medical RTL12C002-WH Universal Raised Toilet Seat
US$75.89
Product Details
Drive Medical RTL12C002-WH universal raised toilet seat comes with adjustable height as it can be raised to 2, 4, and 6 inches above the standard toilet seat. The transitioning between these heights settings is easy and can be done in no time. The armrests increase the user’s safety and independence.
As for the fitting of these raised toilet seats, it is easy to do. The seat also has a lid for improved hygiene. The design and construction of the product is strong and aesthetically pleasing. Another remarkable feature of the product is the built-in antimicrobial protection technology which removes any stains and odor from the seat and also reduces the risk of contracting an infection.
Drive Medical Hinged Toilet Seat Riser
US$42.79 to $44.99
Product Details
Drive Medical hinged toilet seat riser is designed to elevate the height of the toilet by 3.5 inches. Its hinged design gives the advantage of moving the seat away when not in use. The construction material is heavy-duty molded plastic which provides durability and strength to the product.
Drive Medical hinged toilet seat risers are also easy to install with any kind of toilet. It is available in two models which can be selected based on the standard or elongated toilet bowl.
Drive Medical Raised Toilet Seat with Lock Standard Seat
US$45.89 to $63.99
Product Details
Drive Medical raised toilet seat with lock standard seat is constructed using heavy-duty molded plastic which makes the product lightweight and portable yet durable. These raised toilet seats are easy to clean and fit with most standard toilets. The installation process is simple and does not require any tools.
The device also comes with a locking mechanism as it has a larger heavy-duty worm screw as well as a locking plate for a secure fit. Hygiene cutouts in the front and back promote patient convenience. Moreover, the product does not have a no-arm design which renders the device useful for those on wheelchairs.
Drive Medical 12014 Premium Plastic Raised Toilet Seat with Lock Elongated
US$56.89
Product Details
Drive Medical 12014 premium plastic raised toilet seat with lock is an ideal product for elongated toilets. These seats come with a tight-fitting lock which ensures that the seat will remain in its place until removed by the user. Its plastic-based construction allows it to be portable due to its lightweight.
The wide opening in the front as well as the back improves personal hygiene. Due to the absence of side arms, these Drive Medical 12014 premium plastic raised toilet seats can be used by wheelchair users.
Drive Medical RTL12027RA Elevated Raised Toilet Seat with Removable Padded Arms Standard Seat
US$57.49
Product Details
Drive Medical RTL12027RA elevated raised toilet seat with removable padded arms standard seat is an expertly designed bathroom safety product that is useful for those with mobility issues. The product is lightweight, portable, and easy to maintain. The heavy-duty plastic construction renders the product lightweight and portable.
These Drive Medical RTL12027RA elevated raised toilet seats can add up to 5 inches to the height of the standard toilet seat. Moreover, these also come with a simple but secure locking system which ensures that the product stays in place. The attached metal arms can also be removed if the patient uses a wheelchair.
Drive Medical 12065 Raised Toilet Seat with Lock and Lid Standard Seat 4″
US$46.79
Product Details
Drive Medical 12065 raised toilet seat with lock and lid standard seat 4″ is a heavy-duty plastic-based bathroom safety product. Its size is suitable for use with all standard toilet seats. The products are easy to clean and easy to install. The locking system of the product secures it in place and reduces the risk of slippage.
The width of the seat is 14 inches while its depth is 16 inches. The product is available in white color and has a weight capacity of 400 pounds (lbs).
 *Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.
The raised toilet seat brands mentioned in this article, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link at the end of the article to check the wide range of bathroom safety products on the website.
Conclusion
In old age, problems associated with mobility are commonly reported. Most people suffer from diseases like arthritis, joint pain, muscle weakness, etc. In most of these cases, the condition hinders the person from doing their day-to-day tasks such as moving in the house, transitioning from sitting to standing position, and using the toilet.
A solution to the problem is the use of bathroom safety devices which include raised toilet seats. These seats are installed above the standard toilet seat. While using these, the patient does not have to bend much which helps them retain their balance as well as reduce the chances of falls.
For purchasing different kinds of raised toilet seats for seniors, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.