Must-Have Toilet Aids for Disabled and Elderly Users

Toilet aids are safety devices or independent living aids that allow a user to safely and independently use the bathroom without the need for a caretaker. This not only helps them maintain their independence but also their self-esteem.

As we grow older, our body movements get restricted therefore simple tasks such as bathing or using the toilet might become difficult. But this can easily be taken care of using toilet aids.

In this blog, we will cover some toilet aids that can easily be added to a bathroom without major modifications making the life of a disabled or an elderly user much better and safer.

Raised Toilet Seats 

A raised toilet seat is quite self-explanatory. It is simply a device that increases the height of your toilet seat. This aid can be quite useful for any individual who finds it difficult to move between seated and standing positions, or someone who struggles with joint pain, particularly in their knees, hips or back. 

There are a few different variations of this product available for purchase – the primary variation that needs to be considered is the height of the raise. Most models are available in 3.2 and 1.6-inch styles. The height of your aid should depend on the level of mobility restriction the user suffers from. 

Installation is quite simple and requires only a clamp or a bolt.

Bidet Seats and Handheld Bidet Sprayers

When living with an ailment, such as arthritis, joint pain or restricted mobility, cleanliness, and hygiene can become difficult to maintain independently.

Bidet products are designed to help users with the maintenance of cleanliness during daily hygiene tasks, like using the toilet. There are a few options, each able to help with different specialized needs. 

A bidet toilet seat is a built-in bidet system that cleans the user from within the toilet bowl itself. This option is excellent for users that have little to no mobility to reach around themselves to get clean. Smart bidet technology is now available, this design comes equipped with a wireless remote that can change the settings of the bidet nozzle from posterior to feminine, swing, and massage options. The smart bidet also has self-cleaning nozzles, making it simple to clean and remain hygienic. Another option for users who may have a bit more mobility is the handheld bidet sprayer. This product attaches to the wall near your toilet and can be used as a hose-like system that can be pulled to wherever it is needed. Both of these options require a professionally guided installation but can go a long way in creating a more accessible bathroom for the elderly and disabled.


Grab Bars

Grab bars are a toilet aid that are designed to assist a user to lower and raise themselves from a toilet seat. 

Attached to the wall beside the toilet seat using screws, these disability aids are designed to take on a certain amount of weight.

A person can simply grab on to these disability aids to feel more confident while changing positions.

Some things to look for when buying grab bars is to look for the length, the finish, the diameter and the installation method.