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How Does a Raised Toilet Seat Help?

Raised toilet seats are commonly used when standard toilet height makes sitting or standing difficult. This guide explains how they change the transfer and what to check.
How Does a Raised Toilet Seat Help?

Quick Answer

A raised toilet seat increases the sitting height of the toilet, reducing the amount of hip and knee bending needed to sit down and stand up. Models with arm supports can also provide a handhold during transfers. The height must still allow a stable sitting position and secure foot contact.

What changes when the toilet is raised?

The hips do not need to lower as far, so the knees and hips remain in a less flexed position.

Why can that make standing easier?

Standing from a higher surface generally requires less movement and can reduce the effort needed from the legs.

Who might find this useful?

It may be helpful where lower-limb weakness, stiffness, pain or post-operative restrictions make a low toilet difficult.

What do arm supports add?

Arms can provide a stable place to push from during sitting and standing, provided the product is correctly fitted and designed for that purpose.

Can the seat be too high?

Yes. If the feet do not contact the floor properly or the user feels unstable, the height may be excessive.

Does every toilet accept every raised seat?

No. Bowl shape, fixing method and available space vary. Product compatibility should be checked before use.

What should you check after fitting?

  • the seat is secure and does not rock;
  • the user can place both feet securely;
  • arms do not obstruct access;
  • the user can sit and stand without excessive pulling;
  • the surrounding floor is clear and dry.

Important: A raised seat can reduce effort but should not be used to compensate for an unsafe transfer technique or unstable surroundings.

Raised Toilet Seat With Arms

Raised Toilet Seat With Arms

The Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare TSE150 Raised Toilet Seat with Arms is a practical toilet aid designed to fit securely onto existing toilet bowls, providing added support for everyday toileting. As a universal toilet aid, it helps make sitting down and standing up...
£145.95
View Recommended Support

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When Should You Seek Professional Advice?

If the person cannot control the movement down to the toilet, needs to pull heavily on unstable furniture or requires physical help to stand, professional transfer assessment is appropriate.
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