Tall toilet seats are a must for elder people who use them. They can help prevent falls, reduce the risk of hip fractures, and make it easier to get up from the toilet.
The first thing you should know about tall toilets is that they’re not just for elderly people. These toilets are designed with the needs of older adults in mind, but anyone over 5’8” will find these toilets comfortable as well. The height of the seat allows users to sit comfortably without having to bend their knees or lower themselves down on a stool.
If you have an elderly parent or family member at home, this may be one of the best purchases you’ll ever make. It’s important to note that if your loved one has any mobility issues, such as arthritis, then a standard-height toilet is likely going to cause more trouble than good.
If you’ve got a senior citizen living in your house, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t consider getting a taller toilet. There are several reasons why you might want to buy a taller toilet for your elderly relative. One reason is because you don’t want him or her to fall while using the bathroom. Another reason is because you’d like to make life easier for your loved one by making things easier to reach.
However, there are many factors such as safety, how comfortable they are, and ease of use that make a tall toilet seat a great idea for elderly people. In this article, we will discuss these different points. We will also give you some tips on how to choose the right toilet for your elderly loved ones.
What Is A Tall Toilet?
While a typical toilet measures at around 15 to 16 inches, a tall toilet can measure anywhere between 18 and 20 inches. This makes it much higher off the ground than other toilets.
The difference in height comes from the fact that a tall toilet is designed specifically for people over 5’8”. If you’re looking for a toilet that’s easy to access, then a tall toilet is definitely what you need.
It is perfect for those who are taller than the average person, but it is also a lot safer for elderly people, or those with disabilities, to use. This is because they won’t have to worry about bending down to reach the bowl: instead, they will simply stand up straight and use the toilet normally.
With a tall toilet, they won’t have to stoop down to avoid tripping, so they will be able to stay upright and safe.
Another benefit of a tall toilet is that it helps prevent back injuries. When someone stands up straight, he or she doesn’t have to lean forward to use the restroom: instead, they can keep their spine aligned naturally. This means that they won’t have to strain their backs when sitting down.
There are many benefits that come with buying a tall toilet for your elderly loved one, and many people vouch for the fact that it is definitely worth investing your money into. Overall, a tall toilet is a very practical purchase for both the elderly and disabled.
Things To Consider While Purchasing A Tall Toilet
When purchasing a tall toilet, there are certain aspects that you will need to think about beforehand.
Unfortunately, it is not as simple as buying a regular toilet and expecting everything to work out just fine. You will need to take into account a few factors before deciding whether to purchase a tall toilet. If you don’t, you could end up having problems later on.
Whether it is measurements for the individual using the toilet, or add-ons that may help the person find increased comfort and safety, there are some things you should consider before purchasing your own tall toilet.
The Height Of The Toilet
The height of the toilet refers to the distance between the floor and the top of the toilet.
You want to ensure that the height of the toilet is high enough to accommodate the individual’s needs. For example, if you have a wheelchair user in your household, then you’ll want to get a toilet with a high enough height so that he or she can easily sit down without having to bend too far.
The average height of a tall toilet is around 18-20 inches, which is perfect for those who have an average height who find it difficult to bend their legs, or stretch their hips. You don’t necessarily need to go above 20 inches, since most people find that the extra inch isn’t really worth the hassle.
If you have a disabled person in your house, then you’ll want a toilet with a height that is slightly higher than normal. The reason behind this is simple: if you buy a toilet that’s too low, then you may not be able to help your loved one into the bathroom.
On the other hand, if the toilet is too high, then you may end up having to lift him or her by his or her arms.
This is why it’s best to purchase a toilet that’s somewhere in the middle. It’s better to err on the side of caution rather than risk making things more complicated for yourself or your loved ones.
The Height Of The Individual
People of all ages can benefit from a taller toilet seat. When visiting someone’s home, it could mean a lot to your host if you’re able to reach the toilet easily. Remember that height does vary among individuals, so there is no one size fits all solution.
The height of the individual is important to consider while purchasing a tall toilet, as well as the overall height of the toilet itself. If the toilet is too small, then the person might feel like they are going to fall over every time they try to sit down. On the other hand, if the toilet is too big, then the person will have difficulty maneuvering themselves into the seat.
So, when buying a tall toilet, make sure that you consider the height of the individual first before looking at the overall height of the unit.
If you are unsure whether the height of the seat works well for you, then contact your doctor. They can advise you on what is most comfortable for you.
The Weight Of The Individual
While being heavier means more weight to lift, it also means more power needed to move up and down. This adds a challenge for those who weigh more.
When choosing a tall toilet, you should take into account the weight of the individual using it. If you know that the person weighs more than 200 pounds, then you should select a toilet that has a lower seat height. This is due to the fact that the person would need to exert more effort to raise himself or herself up.
Of course, sometimes weight has nothing to do with it: the individual may be considerably light-weight but still struggle with getting up and down. In these cases, you should look at the overall dimensions of the toilet instead of the weight of the individual.
However, you will need to consider whether the individual will be capable of lifting themselves up and down. If the answer is yes, then you should definitely purchase a toilet that has a higher seat.
Otherwise, you may end up with a situation where the individual needs to ask for help, especially if they require a wheelchair or other forms of aid to move around.
This challenge can be overcome by buying something that helps make climbing easier. Some models allow for adjustable heights and positions, while others offer features like handrails to assist users in moving about safely.
Armrest Or No Armrest?
Another factor to consider while purchasing a tall toilet is whether you should get an armrest. An armrest provides a place to rest your arms during use. This can help an individual if they find it difficult to climb up and down without assistance.
In some instances, people who are disabled or elderly find it difficult to climb up and down the toilet because they cannot grip onto anything.
Therefore, if you are purchasing a new toilet, you should check out the model carefully to see if it includes an armrest. It is recommended that you buy a toilet that comes with an armrest, even if you don’t plan on needing one.
You should also think about how much space you have available. If there is no room for an armrest, then you should probably avoid purchasing a toilet that does include them.
Armrests come in two varieties: fixed and telescoping.
Fixed arms don’t slide into place. Telescoping ones do. These features are helpful when using toilets at restaurants or other public places where space may not be available.
Fixed arms make it easier to climb onto the toilet, as they provide a stable resting point. However, they can be a little bulky, and this could pose problems if your bathroom is quite small. Fixed armrests are best for individuals who are able to stand up on their own without any support.
On the other hand, telescopic arms are smaller, lighter, and easier to maneuver than their fixed counterparts. They are perfect for those who need to sit down on the restroom, but who are unable to reach the top. Telescoping arms are less bulky than fixed ones, and can give you a better view of the surroundings.
Although they are helpful in making the task of sitting down easier, they can create a safety hazard if used incorrectly: if they are not fitted properly, they can easily slip off the toilet.
It is so important to ensure that your model of toilet, and its features, are completely safe before you or your loved one starts using it. Armrests may be useful depending on the individual, and it will be down to you to decide whether they are needed or not. You should always look at the model closely to determine what type of armrest is included.
Single Lever Or Double Lever?
There are two main types of tall toilets: single lever and dual lever. Single lever toilets come with only one handle, whereas dual lever toilets come with two handles.
Dual levers allow you to adjust both sides of the toilet independently. This means that you can raise the left side of the toilet and lower the right side simultaneously. This feature is especially useful if you have a handicapped person living in your household.
Dual lever models are more expensive than single lever models, but they are worth every penny. The extra cost is well-worth the added convenience, as you won’t have to worry about adjusting each side separately.
If you’re looking for a simple toilet, then you might want to go for a single lever model. Single lever toilets are usually cheaper than dual lever models, but they offer fewer options. If you like the idea of having multiple adjustments, however, then you should definitely consider buying a dual lever model.
The price difference between these two types of toilets isn’t huge, so it really comes down to personal preference. Both are great choices, and whichever you choose will suit your needs perfectly. Again, it all comes down to the ability and agility of the user, and how much space there is in the bathroom.
How Much Does A Tall Toilet Installation Cost?
Next, you are probably wondering how much the installation will cost.
It depends on several factors, including the height of the toilet, the quality, and the amount of work required to install it. These factors and more, will affect the overall cost of installing a new toilet.
In general, taller toilets tend to cost more than standard toilets. This is because they require more materials, such as pipes, valves, and fittings. In addition, longer pipes also mean that the plumbing has to be installed deeper into the wall.
You can expect to pay around $1,000 for an average-sized toilet installation. However, this figure could rise up to $2,500 for a high-end toilet installation.
You should also remember that toilet prices vary from store to store. Some stores sell high quality products at low prices. This is why it is best to shop around when purchasing a new toilet: by comparing prices from different companies, you can get a good idea of how much a particular product costs.
Once you know the approximate cost, you’ll be able to make a decision based on your budget. You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on a new toilet just because it looks nice. The main thing is to ensure that you buy something that suits the user’s needs.
The Benefits Of Having A Tall Toilet
A tall toilet offers many advantages over standard toilets, especially if the user finds it difficult to sit properly, or move around on their own.
We have already mentioned a couple of the benefits involved with having a tall toilet previously in this article, but we thought we would expand upon them here.
Here are some of the most important ones.
More Comfort While Sitting Down
As we grow older, our bodies change, and we adapt accordingly. We get shorter as we age and lose height over time. When we do not have the ability to adjust to these changes, we begin to sag and suffer from chronic pain.
When we sit down, our natural posture is straight. However, older adults most likely hold their back slouched, causing back pain.
Not only does sitting on a short toilet cause discomfort, it actually prevents us from sitting properly: our pelvis becomes tilted forward while our legs are bent backwards. This causes our spine to curve backwards, leading to pain.
This problem is exacerbated by the fact that some elderly people require the use of a wheelchair. If someone is using a wheelchair, then it is even harder to maintain proper posture.
Having a tall toilet solves both problems. It allows the person to sit upright without being hunched over. In addition, the extra space between the floor and the seat provides room for movement. This means that the user can sit comfortably and still remain mobile.
Easier To Stand Up From The Toilet
People who are elderly tend to be less flexible. They cannot bend their knees and hips, making it difficult to rise from a seated position. A normal-sized toilet requires the user to lean forward and push against the rim of the toilet bowl. As a result, they can end up falling off the toilet.
With a taller toilet, however, there is no need to lean forward. Instead, the user simply stands up straight and pushes off the side of the toilet. This makes it easier for the user to stand up from the toilet.
A lower toilet seat can make it difficult to lift yourself out of the toilet. This is particularly true if you are overweight, or have mobility issues. A higher toilet seat helps prevent falls, and makes it all around comfier.
Easier To Reach Objects While Sat Down
Reaching for a roll of toilet paper can be difficult for older people, especially those who are confined to wheelchairs. Some may find it impossible to reach objects at all.
If the toilet is too low, then the user will have to place their hand on the ground to grab items such as tissues or soap. This can lead to slipping and falls.
On the other hand, if the toilet is too high, then the user must lift themselves out of the chair and onto the toilet. This is extremely difficult for some users, particularly if they have arthritis.
A tall toilet solves both issues. The user can easily reach items placed on top of the toilet without having to move around the toilet. At the same time, the user can sit down quickly and easily without having to struggle to get up.
A tall toilet of a suitable height will ensure that the individual will not have to bend so far when reaching for an object. This means that he or she will be able to reach items easily and quickly.
Lower Risk Of Falls
As we previously mentioned, falls are common among elderly individuals. They simply have less strength to support themselves in a standing position. In fact, falling is the number one cause of injury in the elderly population.
If they fall, they can break bones and injure internal organs. These injuries can result in death.
One of the easiest ways to prevent falls is to create safer environments, and the risk of falling is greatly reduced with a tall toilet. The extra distance between the toilet and the floor reduces the likelihood of a fall when the individual is lifting themselves up from the toilet. This is because the user does not have to lean forward to balance themselves.
We often hear people installing handrails in staircases and ramps can protect elderly patients against accidental falls. By installing a taller toilet, we can make the bathroom just as safe as anywhere else in the house.
Helps To Avoid Back Pain
Finally, there is the issue of back pain.
Most elderly adults experience some level of back pain. Sometimes the pain is acute and other times it is chronic. Chronic pain usually results from degenerative changes in the spine. Degenerative changes include things like disc herniation, spinal stenosis, osteoporosis, etc.
The most common causes of back pain in the elderly are muscle spasms, arthritis, and poor posture.
When sitting on a shorter toilet, the person has to raise his or her legs to keep them off the ground. This puts pressure on the muscles of the hips and buttocks. Over time this can lead to muscle spasms and arthritis.
When you install a tall toilet, the person no longer has to raise their legs to keep them off of the ground. Instead, they can rest their feet flat on the ground. These relieve pressure on the lower back and helps avoid back problems.
Have You Considered Purchasing A Raised Toilet Seat?
Purchasing a tall toilet can be expensive, and can also cause a lot of stress while it is being fitted into your, or the individual’s, home. If you are reading this article and wondering whether it is worth the time and effort, you should know that there are alternatives out there.
Instead of buying a permanent tall toilet, why not consider purchasing a raised toilet seat to apply to the original toilet?
Raising the toilet seat is a simple way to help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. It is also a great way to improve comfort and safety for the elderly.
You apply a raised toilet seat by placing it over the existing toilet seat. There are two types of raised toilet seats available; the first type attaches directly to the toilet bowl, and the second type attaches to the wall. The advantage of attaching the seat to the wall is that it allows for more flexibility in placement, while still providing the same benefits.
If you decide to purchase a raised toilet seat, you will need to find one that fits your current toilet. You will also need to measure the height of the toilet seat before purchasing one.
A raised toilet seat costs about $100-$200 depending on the style and brand, which is a lot cheaper than buying and installing a tall toilet. You may want to buy several styles so that you can choose which one works best for you. A raised toilet seat is also a temporary fix which can be removed, whereas a tall toilet is permanent.
So, if you would rather have a permanent solution, you may want to consider purchasing a tall toilet. If you preferred a temporary solution, then you should consider purchasing a raised toilet.
It is important to note that a raised toilet does not replace an adjustable toilet seat. Adjustable toilet seats provide additional support for the user when seated. They allow users to adjust the height of the seat as needed.
Adjustable toilets are much easier to use than fixed ones because they do not require any tools to operate. However, they are also much more costly than a raised toilet.
Final Thoughts
Overall, there are so many factors that weigh into whether you should purchase a tall toilet or not, and it is completely down to the individual.
Some people simply cannot afford a new toilet, while others will vouch for the fact that a tall toilet is worth every single penny.
The main thing to remember is that if you are looking to make a long-term investment, then you should opt for a tall toilet. However, if you are looking for a quick fix, then you should consider buying a raised toilet seat instead.
Having a tall toilet can help elderly people by preventing them from having to sit down too low onto their seats. This would help to prevent back problems and other medical conditions caused by sitting for long periods of time. However, it can be a pricey decision to make, and there are cheaper alternatives.
There are many advantages to both options, but ultimately, it comes down to what you feel comfortable with. The choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. No matter what option you select, make sure that it meets all of your needs and expectations.
We hope you found what you were looking for in this article.
Good luck!