Tips For Selecting A Comfort Height Toilet For Seniors

As you or a loved one get along in years, keeping up with routine activities like toileting may pose a challenge. Mobility issues, health challenges, or the natural aging process likely contribute to this. Replacing your traditional toilet with a comfort height toilet is a great way to maintain your independence while tackling this obstacle.

Let us look into some handy tips that will assist you in choosing a suitable one. And suppose for various reasons you cannot use this type of toilet. Let’s also consider viable alternatives to tall toilets.

What Are Comfort Height Toilets?

Popularly referred to as tall toilets or Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) toilets, these toilets are slightly higher than the standard model. For senior citizens, squatting or bending down to the level of the classic model is, at times, painful, uncomfortable, or downright risky. This is especially so if you have arthritis, joint problems, or another mobility impairment. When shopping for a tall toilet, here are three considerations you need to keep in mind:

1. Flushing System

Toilets use different flushing systems, some of which can pose operational challenges for seniors. At the same time, these systems have varying water-use demands, which could contradict regulatory requirements or pose a challenge if water supply is a problem.

One of the most eco-friendly systems is the dual-flush model, which has regular and water-reduced flushing options. But it uses a button instead of a lever for flushing, which some seniors find challenging. While gravity-feed toilets use more water, they are the easiest to use.

Check the regulatory guidelines for toilet water use in your state before installing a tall toilet that uses this technology.

2. Toilet Design

Different bowl shapes and toilet designs also come into play when shopping for a tall toilet. Toilet bowls are typically elongated or round, offering greater comfort thanks to a bigger sitting surface. However, it occupies more space than the round bowl. Hence, if you require additional space for a commode or wheelchair, the round bowl might be more suitable.

3. Toilet Height

ADA toilets are typically between 17 and 19 inches high, compared to the standard height between 15 and 16 inches. The height you choose should allow you to comfortably place both feet firmly on the ground while toileting to avoid tingling or numbness.

If you are short and your feet dangle, consider using a commode over your classic toilet for the extra support you need to sit or stand. You could also install a toilet seat or safety frame as an alternative safety measure.

Precautions When Using a Tall Toilet

While this model of toilets offers obvious advantages, it poses a challenge if you have frequent constipation issues. When sitting on it, your knees and hips will be at the same level, which is not the best position for a bowel movement.

To address this, consider using the tall toilet with a step stool to rest your feet. Having the knees slightly higher than your hips during a bowel movement helps to move things along.

Streamlining Your Search

An ADA toilet offers excellent potential for promoting safety, independence, and comfort for you or your loved one. To a great extent, however, the benefits you enjoy depend on your choice. Take into consideration the above tips to streamline your search.