Toilet
Toilet
Riser
The toilet is generally the lowest surface in your home and back, hip or knee problems or general mobility problems can make getting on and off a low toilet challenging or unsafe. A toilet riser is an affordable option to modify an existing toilet. As far as design is concerned, toilet risers with arm rests or handles built in are not recommended because pushing up unevenly, with the right arm only for example, will often cause the riser to become unstable. Similarly, models that depend on a clamp type device for stability tend to loosen with use and become dangerous unless frequently tightened. Don’t forget to take your toilet shape (standard or elongated) into account!
Bolted, Hinged
Standard Toilet
Elongated Toilet
(click images for link)
Price: ~$55
Pros
Stability: To install you unscrew your toilet seat and bolt the seat and riser together back on with the longer bolts provided. Perfect for balance or stability issues.
Comfort: You will be sitting on your own toilet seat only higher.
Cons
Cleanliness: Some reports of difficulty cleaning the toilet with this installed, but manufacturer has since altered the design with a urine guard.
Price: Slightly more expensive than other models.
Unbolted
(click image for link)
Price: ~$25
Pros
Price: One of the most affordable options with good functionality.
Versatility: Most people claim it fits equally well in standard and elongated toilets. Easily removable.
Cons
Stability: Does not bolt in, instead rests snugly inside toilet bowl with non-slip padding. Occasional complaints of instability or poor fit, more common with unusual toilet bowl shapes.
Toilet
Safety
Frame
The toilet is likely one of the lowest sitting surfaces in your home. If you have concerns about sitting balance or difficulty lifting and lowering to and from the toilet some extra handholds can go a long way to decreasing reliance on caregivers. A toilet safety frame is a good option for people who want to minimize permanent alterations to their home like installing grab bars. This includes apartment dwellers, renters, or people that wish to avoid grab bars due to aesthetics.
Bolted
(click image for link)
Price: ~$37
Pros
Stability: Virtually all safety frames of this general design have a small amount of play in the arms, but this model has one of the highest rates of people praising it as rock solid and one of the lowest rates of people saying otherwise. This model is installed by unbolting the toilet seat and reinstalling the bolt through the seat and the base of the safety frame. Works well with toilet risers.
Versatility: Adjustable height, width and can be removed if no longer needed.
Cons
Price: Slightly more expensive than other similarly designed models, though likely worth the added stability.
Freestanding
(click image for link)
Price: ~$34
Pros
Stability: This design of safety frame has next to no movement in the arms making for an extremely steady support.
Cons
Side Approach: This safety frame presents a challenge for toilets that must be approached from the side as the ground support extends forward which can trip up shuffling feet or walker users.
Versatility: This model cannot be adjusted for width or height. Most users find it to be fine, but exceptionally tall or short users may have difficulty depending on toilet height.
Grab
Bars
Grab bars are a huge benefit for anyone that will be needing some extra support in the long term. They are the most secure and often the most helpful adaptation that can be made in the bathroom both around the toilet and in a shower or bath. Suction cup based or other removable grab bars are NOT recommended. Some installation will be required, but there are plenty of videos online to walk you or someone you know that’s handy through the process. You can also pay to have them installed professionally. They can be installed directly into studs or into ceramic, tile or even drywall with appropriate hardware. Be sure to place where they can be used while standing at the toilet for stability while managing clothing.
Basic
(click image for link)
Price: ~$24
(varies by length)
Pros
Stability: True of all properly installed grab bars.
Options: Comes in 2 diameters and lengths from 12 to 48 inches. Price varies slightly.
Hardware: Comes with hardware necessary for installation into studs.
Cons
Installation/Permanent: Installation required. It is a permanent modification to your home. True of all grab bars.
Flip Down
(click image for link)
Price:
~$80 (white)
~$100 (metal)
Pros
Stability: True of all properly installed grab bars. Rated for 300 lbs.
Perpendicular Mount: This allows for grab bar placement on the wall behind the toilet. Useful for toilets that are not next to walls.
Cons
Installation/Permanent: Installation required. It is a permanent modification to your home. This model specifies installation into studs.
Pole
(click image for link)
Price: ~$160
Pros
Stability: True of all properly installed grab bars. Rated for 300 lbs.
Versatility: Can be placed at any point with a clear path from floor to ceiling. Wide support at the top minimizes risk of damage to your home. Secured by tension, a good solution for mobile homes or renters where permanent installation into a wall poses a problem.
Cons
Cost: These will run you a bit more than a basic grab bar. May feel wobbly in areas with high ceilings, though rated as safe with 7-10 foot flat ceilings.
Note on Installation
If in your heart of hearts you can’t consider yourself a handy person, you may want to call in a favor from a family member or friend, or pay a professional. I’m not a contractor but I can point you to a few resources that may help if you decide to handle it yourself. I found that this video was very complete and informative for installation, and this article was a good guide on placement. The only addition I have to the article is that a vertical grab bar on a side wall of a toilet can provide a good handhold for sitting and standing as well as maintaining balance while managing clothing before and after toileting.
Toilet
Aid
Toilet aids are designed to assist people who are having difficulty with toilet hygiene. These are often beneficial for people who are having difficulty reaching to clean themselves, which may be caused by limited range of motion or pain in the back, hips or shoulders, difficulty shifting their weight adequately, or some other deficit that results in being close but not close enough to get the job done. Some practice and experimentation with a few options may be necessary to find one that works just right for you. The most common mistake when using a toilet aid is that the person wraps instead of wadding or folding the toilet paper causing it to be difficult to discard without unwrapping it with your hands after it is soiled. Wet wipes are recommended, but be sure to look into whether or not flushing them may cause you some grief with your plumbing down the road.
Tongs
(click image for link)
Price: ~$23
Pros
Ease of use: Intuitive design, though similarities to kitchen utensils may be mildly disturbing.
Customization: While not a listed feature, carefully bending the tongs symmetrically is possible to find an ideal angle for you. Available in lengths of 12″, 15″ and 18″.
Cons
Fine Motor Demands: Some people may have difficulty manipulating the tongs efficiently.
Ejector Wand
(click image for link)
Price: ~$21
Pros
Fine Motor Demands: Generally easier to hold and release depending on fine motor function.
Cons
Uncustomizable: Product cannot be bent or altered without damaging it. Most people say it takes some time to get the hand of using this and similar devices, while others find it to simply be a poor fit to their body shape.
Bidet
Bidets can be a game changer for people who have difficulty with toilet hygiene. Bidets can come with a variety of features, but they all cleanse your nether regions with water meaning you can reduce or entirely eliminate the need to wipe manually. Perfect for people who are unable to cleanse themselves due to loss of motor control, difficult body shape or limited range of motion.
Portable/
Handheld
(click image for link)
Price: ~$11
Pros
Versatility: The only style of bidet that can easily leave your home with you. Comes with carrying bag.
Price: Notably cheaper than many installed bidets.
Cons
Not Standalone: This is unlikely to replace the need to manually wipe in some fashion, though it will make that process less labor intensive.
Need to Reach: If you’re having difficulty using toilet aids, you will likely have difficulty with this as well since you will still need to reach close enough to your behind and squeeze to use it.
Water Only
Single Nozzle
(male only use)
(click image for link)
Price: ~$22
Water Only
Dual Nozzle
(female use)
(click image for link)
Price: ~$30
Comparison
This model is one of the most affordable and well liked bidet add-ons. You can select between a single nozzle orientation or a dual nozzle which comes with an additional angle intended for improved feminine cleanliness. These models fit nearly any style of toilet with only occasional reports of incompatibility with certain toilet models. They install under your current toilet seat and are intended to be compatible with toilet risers. With self cleaning nozzles and an ergonomic control panel this model comes with all the features other models pick and choose from at this price range and saves you a few dollars to boot.
Pros
Easy Install: Most people report they were able to install this in about 20 minutes.
Price: These have many of the benefits of models 10 times more expensive.
Non-electric: These operate off of water pressure alone, meaning no need for an outlet or batteries.
Cons
Wet: You will need to either air dry or use toilet paper, so if you have a lot of difficulty wiping, it may be worth opting for a bidet with more features.
Cold Water: These will only spray water the temperature of your cold tap.
Static Angle: These will spray in one or two fixed angles which may require some weight shifting.
Hot & Cold
Dual Nozzle
(click image for link)
Price: ~$65
About
This comes with all of the features of those listed above with one crucial addition — hot water. It comes with a hose to hook into the cold water source going to your toilet just as the models above and an additional hose to hook into the hot water line leading to your sink. Take note that if your sink is not nearby your toilet that this is not a good model for you.
Pros
Easy Install: Most people report they were able to install this in about 20 minutes.
Hot Water: Turn a brisk experience into a pleasant one.
Cons
Wet: You will need to either air dry or use toilet paper, so if you have a lot of difficulty wiping, it may be worth opting for a bidet with more features.
Dryer
(click image for link)
Price: ~$239
(round or elongated)
Better
Dryer
(click image for link)
Price:
~$299 (round)
~$329 (elongated)
Comparison
These models come with similar features including an air dryer, seat warmer, and oscillating spray to allow for better cleansing despite difficulty easily shifting weight on the toilet. The air dryer has the potential to eliminate the need to use toilet paper or otherwise reach your bum altogether. However, know that bidet dryers are notoriously disappointing and can take repeated cycles and a fair bit of patience to get from soaked to dry with the dryer alone. Some good toilet literature is recommended. The cheaper model represents the price floor for a bidet with air dryer included and will take a fair bit of patience, likely between 6 and 10 minutes. The more expensive model will cut that time down to 5 minutes or less in most cases.
Pros
Dryer: With some patience you can cut out reaching/wiping all together if necessary.
Oscillating Nozzle: This will do most the work of shifting on the toilet to cleanse the entire area for you. Good for people with limited mobility while seated.
Comfort: Warm water and a heated seat will keep everyone in the home happy.
Cons
Electric: You’ll need an outlet relatively close by. The power cords are 3 ft and 4ft long, respectively.
Bedside
Commode
At home commodes are usually a backup for when mobility to the bathroom simply won’t happen, whether temporarily or long term. This may be due to narrow door frames not allowing walkers or wheelchairs to pass, or significant mobility problems making traveling to the bathroom impossible or too difficult to perform several times a day (or night). Depending on the shape and surroundings of your toilet, commodes can also be placed over an open toilet, though this can be messy and may not be the best permanent setup. The items below are all well regarded in terms of reliability, but you’ll want to select the model that best fits your needs in terms of size and whether or not the drop down armrest feature will be needed to make for an easier transfer. If you’re using a slideboard or other non-standing means to transfer, this is a must.
Basic
13" wide
(click image for link)
Price: ~$40
Pros
Price: This is the price floor for a workable bedside commode.
Cons
Size: The seat width is 13″ so large behinds may be unhappy.
No Drop Arm: If you’re having difficulty standing and pivoting or walking you would be better off with a model with a drop arm feature.
Drop Arm
16" wide
(click image for link)
Price: ~$95
Pros
Drop Arm: The armrests can drop down as shown making for easier transfers for people who are having trouble standing.
Cons
Width: The seat width is 14″ with 16″ from armrest to armrest. This may be inadequate for large bottoms.
Bariatric
24" wide
(click image for link)
Price: ~$78
Pros
Sturdy, Wide: 24″ from armrest to armrest provides plenty of room for most any rear end. People weighing up to 400 lbs report confidence in this chair.
Cons
No Drop Arm: If you aren’t able to back up or pivot to this commode in a standing position you may have a challenge. People who are transferring with a slideboard or not able to maintain a full stand enough to pivot or walk would be advised to look for a model with drop down armrests.
Drop Arm
26" wide
(click image for link)
Price: ~$99
Pros
Sturdy: Rated for 1,000 lbs.
Drop Arm: Helpful for people who are mobility challenged, particularly with difficulty standing to pivot or walk.
Wide: The seat is 23.25″ wide with 25.75″ between the arms.
Cons
Large: The product is 26.25 inches wide in total which may be difficult to fit in some areas.
Commode Liners
(click image for link)
Price: ~$19
Pros
No Scrubbing: Going without liners is not for the feint of heart.
Cons
Added Expense: Coming in at about $1 per change, if you’re using the commode frequently you may rack up a bit of tab. Cheaper liners without absorbent pads are available but they have a tendency to leak which can be worse than no liner at all.
Slideboard
(click image for link)
Price: ~$35
About
These are important if you have to transfer without standing. By sliding it under one leg in a seated position it can bridge the gap between two surfaces. Getting on and off of wheelchairs, beds, bedside commodes, shower chairs and toilets are some of the most common uses.
Pros
Friction: The polyurethane finish promotes an easier transfer than some cheaper options which can grip and twist clothing.
Cons
None to speak of.
Note: I recommend these specific products based on what I’ve seen in my professional experience working with people who have benefited from using them, as well as comparing online reviews, ratings and features to maximize the chance that the specific product models linked here will be a good fit for you. If you choose to purchase products through these links I will receive a small commission, though there is no extra cost to you.
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