What height toilet for seniors?

Whether you’re trying to make your home friendly for a special senior, or simply thinking ahead to your own retirement, small home improvements can make a big difference in safety and comfort. When it comes to ensuring safety, few places are as crucial as the bathroom. Learn the right toilet height for seniors, and how to make the best choice for your needs.

Several toilet height options are available, with higher options (in the 17-19-inch range) being more suitable for seniors. Comfort toilets, ADA-compliant toilets, chair toilets, and wall-mounted toilets offer different heights and features, ensuring a better, more independent bathroom experience. Selecting the right height toilet for your senior should start with assessing the senior's mobility, physical limitations, and also their preferences.

Why does toilet height matter?

Toilet height is a crucial consideration for seniors because it can affect their comfort, mobility, and overall safety. The standard toilet height, typically around 15 inches from the ground to the seat, could be too low for some older individuals. This makes it difficult for them to sit down and stand up, which can then result in strain, discomfort, and even injuries.

Seniors often experience reduced joint flexibility and muscle strength, making it challenging to lower themselves onto a low toilet or get up from one. The right toilet height can make these movements easier. Many seniors value their independence and want to continue using the bathroom without assistance. Most importantly of all, the bathroom is a common area for slips and falls.

Toilet heights options

Several toilet height options are available for our homes, and many higher options are ideal for senior users. Additionally, some other styles of toilet could be a great fit. Here are some options you should consider:

Standard Toilets (15 inches)

This is the standard toilet height found in most homes. While it may be suitable for most people, they’re often a little too low for seniors, especially those with mobility issues.

Comfort Toilets (17-19 inches)

These toilets are slightly higher than the standard and are sometimes called ‘right height’ toilets. They provide greater leverage when sitting and standing, making them an excellent choice for seniors.

ADA-Compliant Toilets (17-19 inches)

In a similar vein are toilets that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines. While they are specifically designed to be accessible to people with disabilities, they can also be a great choice for seniors, who often develop mobility issues with age. These toilets are the same height as comfort toilets and have additional features like grab bars and more space around the toilet.

Chair Toilets (17-19 inches)

Similar to comfort toilets, chair toilets offer a convenient seating height for seniors. They mimic the height and shape of a standard chair, which makes them easier to use.

Wall-Mounted Toilets (custom height)

Wall-mounted toilets allow for customizable height installation. This option can be ideal if you need a specific height tailored to an individual's preferences or limitations.

Selecting the right toilet height

Choosing the right height of toilet for a senior will always be a matter of personal preference, as well as need. Here are some factors to consider.

Start with a frank assessment of the senior’s mobility, remembering any physical limitations they have and how they may develop with time. Those with joint problems or difficulty standing up should opt for higher toilets like comfort height or ADA-compliant models. Seniors who need support for balance can consider toilets with built-in grab bars or install grab bars near the toilet. This provides extra stability, especially if the toilet is not ADA-compliant.

But it’s not all about the ‘specs’! Seniors should also feel at ease when using the toilet in their home. Encourage them to try out different heights and styles to determine which one is most comfortable for them.

While wall-mounted and ADA-compliant toilets can be more expensive than standard and comfort height models, they also bring a little more to the table. If you are on a budget, you may want to strike the right balance between affordability and needs.

Additional accessories to consider

Once you've chosen the right height toilet for your senior, there are a few additional considerations to ensure a senior-friendly bathroom.

For seniors who have difficulty using a standard toilet even with a height adjustment, consider using a raised toilet seat with it. These seats add extra height to the toilet and can be easily installed as an accessory. To prevent sudden slamming and reduce the risk of injury, consider installing soft-close toilet seats, which close slowly and quietly.

Don’t forget that proper lighting in the bathroom is essential, especially at night. Ensure there is always enough light to avoid trips or falls.

Conclusion

Selecting the right height of toilet for seniors is a simple, yet essential, modification that can significantly improve their daily lives and enhance bathroom safety, too. By considering factors like mobility, comfort, space, and budget, you can easily create a more senior-friendly bathroom environment that helps maintain their independence and reduce the risk of accidents in the bathroom.