Elderly have specific requirements as far as toilets are concerned. An ideal toilet for them is the one which is built and design according to the physical needs and comfort. Some common and easy to apply tips to to ensure the toilets are safe and comfortable for elderly are provided here:
Toilets Seats for Elderly
The height of normal toilet seat differs from individual to individual. It's quite easy for majority of persons to use the toilet of 18" heigh seat. Whereas, the same height of seat may create trouble for many especially if the person is elderly. There are some older people who need to sit in a squatting position, having their knees completely bent along their thighs. You can mount the toilets at relatively lesser height for this purpose. But such customization may be problematic for persons not able to sit and get up due to weakness. A design allowing rising the feet a bit can solve the problem. Permanent support like grab bars or corners of the tub are crucial to enable people to safely perform this independent shifting.
Grab Bars for Elderly
Grab bars across the toilets can be ideal device and can assist elders with more security. This grab bar should be capable enough to bear 250 pound load. To get the right support of load, the bars must be fixed into wall, or fixed with the help of blocking techniques. Screws into sheetrock or molly nails or bolts are not sufficient. There are ideally three primary grab bars: sheltering arms, wall mounted, and pivoting. In view of the requirements and potential of the users, you should opt for the right type of grab bars for your toilet.
Pivoting Grab Bars
Such grab bars should be detached and again be fixed when they’re required to be used as support. Grab bars, which are fixed into the walls, are considered to be stationed, and supporting arms offer the right support for sitting and getting up from a toilet. Several older people feel difficulty in sitting and standing from a toilet as they've lost strength in their legs. Because of this, supporting arm grab bars should be wall-mounted.
Sheltering Arm Grab Bar
Such arm grab bar is placed around you, offering you full support identical to those arm rest as you have in your chair. It enables you to facilitate your hand and leg muscles bending easily on the toilet seat and standing up. These arms also offer improved balance support during seating position while using the toilet. Supporting grab bars with extended legs to the door are more stationed and comfortable compare to those bars resting on the toilet bowl. A wooden bar, which is rectangular in shape, will enable closure amongst the fingers and thumb. This offers better clasp when you hold the bar. Usually the ideal diameter for grab bars can be 1 ¼ to 1 ½ ". The ideal difference between the grab bar and wall must be 1 1/2". A greater distance can be fatal in case you slip and any part of your body traps between the bar and the wall. A narrower distance can also be not sufficient for fingers or even knuckles.
Floor Surfaces
Adhesive strips with non-slippery properties, flowers, or dots are considered to be the least cost solution to the problem of slippery walking areas, both within and outer part of the bathing unit. You can replace the existing floor surface with a non-slip strip or surface, for instance a non-skid ceramic tile. Indoor and outdoor carpeting is yet another solution that is a bit costly, but may be more effective and can beautify your bathroom also.
With these 5 simple tips you can make your toilet confortable and safe for elderly to use without any problems.