Raised Toilet Seat

A raised toilet seat (RTS) is a simple, cost effective way to make it easier for your aging parent to get on and off the toilet. Seniors can (and do) get stuck on toilets because they are too low or they do not have anything secure to push or pull on to help them stand. Please do not let this happen to your parents!

Read more below...

What do they do?

Elevated toilet seats raise the height of the toilet seat so that it is easier to get on and off.

What are they made out of?

They are typically made of metal and plastic.

Who are they designed for?

They are designed for anyone with decreased strength, endurance and balance. Seniors fit into this category. Installing an RTS is an excellent way to reduce the risk of falls!

What I need to know before purchasing?

Make sure it will fit - It is surprising how many different designs of toilets there are. The only true way of knowing is through trial and error. That being said, most fit.

Seat height - Make sure the RTS doesn't make the seat too high (for all users). This is difficult if the users are significantly different heights such as 5 foot compared to 6 foot. You want the top of the raised toilet seat to be at least to the crease of the users knee and not too tall that they cannot touch the floor. RTSs come in different heights such as 2", 3", 3.5" and 4".

How it fastens - Make sure fastens securely. The last thing you want is a tipsy unstable elevated toilet seat. I prefer the designs that secure to the inside of the bowl rather than try to grip the outside of the bowl. They are more secure and have less tendency to loosen over time.

How much do they cost?

They cost anywhere between $25 to $80, depending on the design and quality.

What else do I need to make toileting safer for my aging parents?

As I mentioned above, the two main reasons seniors have difficulty getting on and off the toilet are: 1) the seat is too low and 2) there is nothing secure to push or pull on to help them stand. RTSs increase the seat height and toilet safety frames, grab bars and over toilet commodes solve the second issue.