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.