Introduction to Toilet Aids For Seniors and Elderly

Toilet aids are disability aids that allow users with limited mobility to undertake toileting tasks independently and safely. 

There is an extensive range of toilet aids available in the marketplace that can be used based on the needs of the user.

Here is a list of toilet aids for elderly users: 

• Grab Rails: Toilet Grab Rails are one of the most common toilet aid that is used to assist users to sit and rise from the toilet seat. Fixed on a wall using a screw or using suction cups, this disability aid comes in different sizes, shapes and textures.

• Raised Toilet Seats: When a disabled user has limited mobility due to muscle or joint problems, raised toilet seats can be used to raise the height of a regular toilet pan. This essentially reduced the distance that the user needs to cover in order to get on and off a toilet seat. Variations you will find in the market include raised toilet seat with a cover or without one, rubber or plastic build and differing elevations generally starting at about 50mm going up to 120 mm. 

• Toilet Frames: A toilet frame is a toilet aid that can be used when there is no wall close to the toilet suite to provide the user support from getting on and off the toilet. A toilet frame is generally a metal frame with arms on either side that can be used to provide a disabled user extra support for toileting tasks. These disability aids can be height adjustable and can also have non-slip rubber pads.

• Toilet Support Arms: Similar to Grab Bars, these are disability aids that can be fitted on either side of a toilet seat and can be folded away when not in use. The user can use both their arms to get on and off a toilet seat using a support arm.

• Bidet Toilet Seat: Come in the option of automatic or manual, a bidet toilet seat can be used by seniors or elderly for after-toileting cleaning purposes. These seats have a high-pressure nozzle that allows the users to undertake cleaning without the need to move.