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Mostly Independent
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I have been looking for raised toilet seats with handles, that you can adjust width and height. Has anyone used them? Are they sturdy enough and safe to use? What should I keep in mind if buying one. Thanks for help .
We've gotten by well using a portable commode with my 92 yr old mother...it fits right over the toilet (with a chute attachment), has sturdy arm rests, the height adjusts, and we can change to a bucket attachment to easily move it nearer her bed, when needed. (We were lucky to have a friend loan it to us.) We did also install a shoulder-height, safety grab bar opposite the toilet which she uses once standing, while getting pants down & up.) Note: 4 legs are much more stable than anything that attaches to the toilet.
Bridget, I wanted to add that you might ask your mom’s doctor to send out a physical therapist to evaluate mom for therapy. Her ability to stand and her strength in pulling or pushing herself up from the commode might be strengthened and make it safer for her to use whichever aid you provide her. Plus the therapist are helpful in assessing the safety of what you have in place for her use.
Having no walls adjacent to the toilet, to screw hold bars onto, I purchased a "sara steady" type device, (not the brand name, too expensive). It enables my husband to stand up, with grab bars, and also functions as a moving and transfer device.
i bought my house from an old guy who built it he sold it because he could no longer take care of it. In the bathroom, he put towel bars in front of the toilet that you could grab onto to help you get up. They were very sturdy.
A Super-pole was the answer for us. My Mom had a stroke 2 years ago and was paralyzed on her left side. She uses a power chair to mobilize and can still transfer to and from her chair. In her AL suite they do have a wall grab-bar but that wasn’t enough for her to get leverage to get up and down - she also has a 3” riser on her toilet, she is 5’5”. We have had poles installed anywhere she transfers, by her: bed, toilet, and her recliner. We also have one at our house in our main bathroom that we leave up for when she comes to visit. this keeps her safe and independent.
I think a commode would be better than a highriser. I am sure in the last 13 yrs they have improved but we had them returned. They need to really fit the toilet seat. Some toilet bowls are round, some oval so you need to make sure the riser matches up. Our clients did not feel secure with them. I was able to buy my Mom one that you screw it on. You remove the toilet seat, this is placed in top of the riser and then long screws are used to make it permanent. This on was 3 in high and was hinged for easy cleaning. Just the right height for Mom.
I am 5 ft and do better with a low toilet. The higher one my feet are not flat on the floor.
Since you see many recommendations for a commode, call your social services department to see if there is a community closet that has donated equipment.
I second everyone who has recommended placing a 3 in 1(bedside) commode over the toilet. Because it sits on the floor, it is more stable and height adjustable. They are not terribly comfortable, but will be fine if your mom doesn’t sit for long periods. Be sure to keep the bucket piece in case you need it one day.
A quick look at Amazon shows that they are still available for between $30 and $40. Medline and Drive are well known brands—check the weight capacity if that’s a concern. I think they’re usually safe for around 300 pounds.
JoAnn29, you’re much more elegant in your description of a protector, I’ve always just called it a splash guard lol.
I thought I changed the post from protector to splash guard before I posted it. Could not remember what to call it so used protector until I remembered. Been 13 yrs since I worked that job.
One of my jobs working was loaning out durable equipment. If your bathroom is big enough, a commode over the toilet would be the cheaper way to go.
New commodes come with a bucket and a splash guard. Its the splash guard u will use. First you remove the bar on the back of the commode. You can also remove the toilet seat because the commode comes with one. Then place the commode over the toilet lining up the holes. The splash guard has no bottom. You insert that and adjust the legs so the protector is at least below the rim of the toilet but a comfortable height for Mom now Mom has the arms to help her push up and her legs firmly on the floor.
I did this for a friend of mine and it changed her life. I also got her a shower chair. At that time, I was able to find her bathroom holders for soap and shampoo bottles with suction cups on the back so I could place them on her level when sitting on the chair. A handheld shower head with xtra long hose, helped her too.
P.S. if you get a second hand commode first wash it down with bleach water. Air dry. If only a bucket is available, you can cut out the bottom. Splash guards can be ordered on-line if needed or thru a medical equipment place or some pharmacies. Keeping them clean with bleach water should be good enough. Medicare pays for commodes.
Thank you so much for hour reply. It’s been really helpful. I had a look on Amazon, there are some models that are with soft padded seat. Do you have any experience with them? I’m worried about cleaning and if the seat might stain over time. Splash guard .. how well does it work?For example if the seat is way higher than toilet bowl?
I would get a whole tall toilet replacement and a few grab bars. I am 82. I sympathize. Those KNEES! Yikes! When I am out shopping and they have those low to the floor toilets I swear they can hear my groans!
I used a bedside commode put over my late husbands toilet when he was still mobile, and it helped him greatly as he only had use of one arm/hand and was a fall risk. You can raise it to several different levels and the arm handles really help one lift themselves off the toilet as my husband was able to do it with just one arm/hand.
My 95-yr old Mom has both a bedside commode and an over-the-toilet raised seat with handles. She likes it. Another relative has the "booster" toilet seat that you lock onto the bowl, but I've found that those can become unlocked and became dislodged. Not safe, also a pain to clean.
I was looking recently on Amazon at them. There are many, and they all do different things, and different width, and sturdiness. So really read the descriptions well, and measure moms bathroom area.
Here is a link to a bedside commode. You can position these over a regular toilet to use as a support to get up and down. They are higher than the commode seat and easier on the knees.
By proceeding, I agree that I understand the following disclosures:
I. How We Work in Washington.
Based on your preferences, we provide you with information about one or more of our contracted senior living providers ("Participating Communities") and provide your Senior Living Care Information to Participating Communities. The Participating Communities may contact you directly regarding their services.
APFM does not endorse or recommend any provider. It is your sole responsibility to select the appropriate care for yourself or your loved one. We work with both you and the Participating Communities in your search. We do not permit our Advisors to have an ownership interest in Participating Communities.
II. How We Are Paid.
We do not charge you any fee – we are paid by the Participating Communities. Some Participating Communities pay us a percentage of the first month's standard rate for the rent and care services you select. We invoice these fees after the senior moves in.
III. When We Tour.
APFM tours certain Participating Communities in Washington (typically more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.) During the 12 month period prior to December 31, 2017, we toured 86.2% of Participating Communities with capacity for 20 or more residents.
IV. No Obligation or Commitment.
You have no obligation to use or to continue to use our services. Because you pay no fee to us, you will never need to ask for a refund.
V. Complaints.
Please contact our Family Feedback Line at (866) 584-7340 or ConsumerFeedback@aplaceformom.com to report any complaint. Consumers have many avenues to address a dispute with any referral service company, including the right to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office at: Consumer Protection Division, 800 5th Avenue, Ste. 2000, Seattle, 98104 or 800-551-4636.
VI. No Waiver of Your Rights.
APFM does not (and may not) require or even ask consumers seeking senior housing or care services in Washington State to sign waivers of liability for losses of personal property or injury or to sign waivers of any rights established under law.
I agree that:
A.
I authorize A Place For Mom ("APFM") to collect certain personal and contact detail information, as well as relevant health care information about me or from me about the senior family member or relative I am assisting ("Senior Living Care Information").
B.
APFM may provide information to me electronically. My electronic signature on agreements and documents has the same effect as if I signed them in ink.
C.
APFM may send all communications to me electronically via e-mail or by access to an APFM web site.
D.
If I want a paper copy, I can print a copy of the Disclosures or download the Disclosures for my records.
E.
This E-Sign Acknowledgement and Authorization applies to these Disclosures and all future Disclosures related to APFM's services, unless I revoke my authorization. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time (except where we have already disclosed information before receiving your revocation.) This authorization will expire after one year.
F.
You consent to APFM's reaching out to you using a phone system than can auto-dial numbers (we miss rotary phones, too!), but this consent is not required to use our service.
Note: 4 legs are much more stable than anything that attaches to the toilet.
I wanted to add that you might ask your mom’s doctor to send out a physical therapist to evaluate mom for therapy. Her ability to stand and her strength in pulling or pushing herself up from the commode might be strengthened and make it safer for her to use whichever aid you provide her. Plus the therapist are helpful in assessing the safety of what you have in place for her use.
We have had poles installed anywhere she transfers, by her: bed, toilet, and her recliner. We also have one at our house in our main bathroom that we leave up for when she comes to visit.
this keeps her safe and independent.
I am 5 ft and do better with a low toilet. The higher one my feet are not flat on the floor.
Have an occupational therapist advise where to permanently mount grab bars.
A quick look at Amazon shows that they are still available for between $30 and $40. Medline and Drive are well known brands—check the weight capacity if that’s a concern. I think they’re usually safe for around 300 pounds.
JoAnn29, you’re much more elegant in your description of a protector, I’ve always just called it a splash guard lol.
New commodes come with a bucket and a splash guard. Its the splash guard u will use. First you remove the bar on the back of the commode. You can also remove the toilet seat because the commode comes with one. Then place the commode over the toilet lining up the holes. The splash guard has no bottom. You insert that and adjust the legs so the protector is at least below the rim of the toilet but a comfortable height for Mom now Mom has the arms to help her push up and her legs firmly on the floor.
I did this for a friend of mine and it changed her life. I also got her a shower chair. At that time, I was able to find her bathroom holders for soap and shampoo bottles with suction cups on the back so I could place them on her level when sitting on the chair. A handheld shower head with xtra long hose, helped her too.
P.S. if you get a second hand commode first wash it down with bleach water. Air dry. If only a bucket is available, you can cut out the bottom. Splash guards can be ordered on-line if needed or thru a medical equipment place or some pharmacies. Keeping them clean with bleach water should be good enough. Medicare pays for commodes.
I had a look on Amazon, there are some models that are with soft padded seat. Do you have any experience with them? I’m worried about cleaning and if the seat might stain over time.
Splash guard .. how well does it work?For example if the seat is way higher than toilet bowl?
You can raise it to several different levels and the arm handles really help one lift themselves off the toilet as my husband was able to do it with just one arm/hand.
https://www.amazon.com/HEALTHLINE-Commode-Folding-Bedside-Bathroom/dp/B00IECXYFO