Toilet aids are highly useful for people with mobility restrictions. Two essential aids to make toilets accessible are a raised toilet seat and a commode chair.

A toilet seat is for those who have difficulties standing up or sitting down but can still manage to walk short distances like going to the toilet.

On the contrary, a commode is an independent toilet seat that doesn't require any plumbing system. This toilet aid has an opening with a basin that can collect urine and faeces. It can be suitable for those with severe mobility restrictions that can't walk even short distances.

However, there are some factors you should consider for selection of both these toilet aids. Let's understand them one by one.

Points to Consider when Buying a Raised Toilet Seat

Support Arms

While some variants of this toilet aid come with support arms, others don't. If you suffer from balance issues besides mobility issues, a variant with armrests may suit you more than a variant without them. Further, you can leverage the armrests to transfer yourself from your seat to bed easily.

If you don't have major balance issues and need only a little support when lowering down or getting up, a variant without armrests may also suffice.

Ease of Transportation

Several variants of toilet seats have a clamping mechanism. If you need to transport or change the location of your seat on and off, a variant with clamps may be more suitable. This is because these clamps facilitate easy installation and removal of a toilet seat.

So, even if you are away from your home, you can carry your toilet seat along. It ensures that you have a safe and easy-to-use toilet aid wherever you go.

Padding

A padded variant may be more useful if you suffer from a skin condition or are at risk of developing pressure ulcers.

If you are suffering from age-related issues that make it difficult for you to get up or sit down but you still have mobility sufficient enough to walk a little, a standard toilet seat may suffice.

If you are suffering from posterior injuries or recuperating from posterior surgery, you may require more comfort and skin protection. A padded variant may be a better choice in this scenario.

Points to Consider when Buying a Commode Chair

Versatility

Versatility is a crucial factor to consider when buying a commode. While a standard variant helps you with defecation only, a 2-in-1 variant helps you with both showering and defecation. The latter variant may be of great help to the elderly or disabled who have difficulties frequently transferring from one disability aid to the other.

Weight-bearing Capacity

The weight-bearing capacity also plays a role in the choice of a commode.

The weight-bearing capacity of the standard commode is generally around 200 pounds. If you are larger in size, a standard commode variant may present problems. For instance, you may face risks of arm support failure, buckling of commode legs, or slippage.

A heavy-duty variant may come in handy in this scenario. With strong metal handles, larger seating surface and weight-bearing capacity of up to 300 kg, this variant can accommodate heavy patients.

Height Adjustability

Whether to buy a height-adjustable variant or not depends on your requirements. If you need to use your commode in multiple locations, a height-adjustable variant may serve your purpose better. On the other hand, if you don't need to shift your commode chair to multiple locations, a non-adjustable height variant may be enough.

Storage Space

The storage space a commode requires may also determine its choice at times. If you have enough space to accommodate the commode when not in use, a non-folding variant may fit your purpose. However, a folding commode may fit in better in case you have storage space restrictions. This is because you can easily fold it when not in use and use that space for other purposes.

Price Considerations

The more enhancements you want, the higher the price of your commode goes. For instance, a folding variant may be costlier than a non-folding one. Similarly, a wheeled variant may be slightly costlier than a non-wheeled variant. Therefore, combining both your requirements and purchasing power is highly recommendable to arrive at the right decision.

Summing Up

The choice of the two essential toilet aids - raised toilet seat and commode depends on a number of factors. Always ensure that you combine the above-mentioned factors with a professional's advice. Only then will your final choice be an ideal choice.

This article talks about some of the most basic types of toilet aids or also known as independent living aids. These aids help the elderly, injured and others who have difficulty in the toileting area.

The main purpose of these disability aids it to provide confidence, independence and a level of comfort to people in carrying out their daily hygiene tasks. There are many varieties available in the market and each of them has unique functionality. Therefore, while purchasing, one needs to understand the different types of toilet aids and see which will fulfil their requirements.

So, let's first look at the four basic types available and try to know them in detail and understand their individual use:

1. Handrail:

The handrail is among the most versatile toilet aids. They are also known as grab rails and grab bars. This disability aid can be of use pretty much anywhere around your house. You can use it in your toilet area as toilet aid, bath or shower area. These are most useful to people who have a hard time changing their position from sitting to standing.

Mostly, handrails are of heavy-duty metals or ABS plastic. You can easily install one to the walls using screws or suction cups. They provide extra support and make a person feel secure while they are transitioning from one position to another. It can be of use mainly in the area where the risks of falling are more, like slippery or wet floors.

Here are some scenarios where handrails are useful:

• If the person has knee or joint problems.
• If they have undergone surgery recently and are not confident about their movement.
• If they experience shortness of breath or dizziness.
• If the person is old and has weak legs and cannot support their own body weight.
• When the surface is wet or slippery, like in a bathroom.
  
  

2. Toilet Support Arms:

Similar to handrails, you can use these support arms on the side of the toilet seat and help a person to get on or off the toilet. Toilet support arms are more useful compared to handrails because of the additional support and convenience they provide.

The scenarios where toilet support arms would be a perfect fit:

• If the person has an issue in their leg or knee.
• If they recently went through a surgery.
• If they are not confident moving on their own and need support in changing into positions.
• In case they need better support than handrails.
  
  

3. Raised Toilet Seats:

These go over an existing toilet seat to increase the height of the toilet seat. People use this type of toilet aid when it is difficult for a person to sit down or get up. The raised toilet seat helps the user to decrease the distance while changing their positions. This makes it easy for them to do their daily tasks without the need for a nurse or anyone else.

When to use this toilet aid:

• If the person needs help in getting up or sitting.
• If they have undergone some surgeries or have knee or leg issues.
• If installing a movable toilet suite is not a feasible idea.
  
  

4. Bidet Seats:

This toilet aid is useful in cleaning the posterior after using the toilet. They are extremely useful for people with limited mobility and seniors. This seat makes it easy for the person to maintain personal hygiene without requiring any assistance.

Scenarios where one can use Bidet Seats:

• If the person has limited mobility and it becomes difficult for them to take care of their personal hygiene.
• If they are experiencing back problems.

If the person has a shoulder or arm problem and is not able to make proper hand movements.

Now let's look at the most common features you must consider while purchasing them:

Length:

You must consider the length of the handrails or toilet support arms, as while installing them it is necessary to see how much area they will occupy. It is important to measure the distance from the wall to the toilet seat to ensure that these aids are reachable.

Weight:

Toilet aids use different materials like aluminum, brass, plastic, rubber, etc. and each one of them has a different capacity to deal with the weight. Hence, while purchasing you need to make sure the weight capacity these toilet aids can handle.

Installation:

There are various types of options available while installing a raised toilet seat like portable, clamped and bolted. Similarly, while installing handrails or toilet support arms you can use clamps, suction cups or screws. Therefore, during installation, you need to make sure the type of installation that will be perfect for you considering situations like slippery handles or floor.

Final words:

Toilet aids are a helpful accessory for many people, be it someone old, or people who have gone through surgery or ones who are suffering from joint issues. It is helpful to them for personal hygiene and for any person who doesn't want to be dependent on others for their day-to-day tasks.