Toilets and wash basins, e.g. lift toilets

Standard toilets and wash basins are limited in terms of their adaptation to someone who is less able bodied and it is normally the addition of rails and handles that make them easier to use.

TThere are however some excellent variations in these items of bathroom furniture that allow them to be personalised to a mobility restricted or physically challenged person. These range from the use of plinths and raised height toilets through to lift toilets and shower toilets.

Raised height toilets

One of the most popular bathroom suite variations is the raised height toilet.

Bending down and standing up can be a big challenge and having a toilet that is higher than usual can be of great assistance. There are three ways to achieve this.

The first is to buy a raised height toilet where the height of the toilet pan is higher than normal. This is a toilet that is specifically made for this purpose and it looks like a regular toilet, except of course that it is higher.

The second option is to use plinths. These plinths vary in height from one inch (25mm) to four inches (100mm) and they raise the height of the toilet by forming a structural base upon which the toilet sits (is fitted).

The third option is to increase the toilet's height by adding a seat that raises the sitting level. These raised toilet seats come in different designs, but most will lock or fix on to the toilet and some have arms or grab rails.

Toilet and hygiene – shower toilets

A shower toilet performs the usual toilet functions, but additionally it also cleans the person using it.

Toilets of this kind clean the user as the toilet flushes with a warm vertical water spray. A warm air drying function then dries the user enabling them to use the toilet without the need for paper or help from a carer. This is ideal for anyone who finds it difficult to clean themselves and does not want to rely on another person. Toilets of this type offer increased hygiene and are popular in Japan for able bodied people. They are considered the clean and hygienic option.

Shower toilets are operated by remote controls which can take the form of buttons or elbow pads. They can be used as standard “flush only” toilets if required and they look very similar to conventional toilets.

Lift toilet and lift shower toilet

A lift toilet is a toilet that has an electric height adjustment, typically with a vertical adjustment range of approximately one foot (300mm). A remote control unit is normally used to lift and lower the toilet. The toilet is fitted to tracks on the toilet wall and in some instances it may be possible to recess these mountings. Arms are usually included in the toilet set and these assist the user in the final standing up, or initial sitting down stage.

Lift toilets require a strong structural rear wall behind the toilet unit. This wall needs to be capable of bearing the full weight of the toilet and user, its motor and all of its fittings. The companies that supply these toilets will usually perform a free survey to check that the wall's load bearing ability is satisfactory.

These lift toilets are also available as shower toilets (see above). This makes them the complete solution for anyone who has some mobility around the home, but has difficulty standing, sitting and cleaning themselves without external assistance.

See also Mobile toilets, i.e. commodes for more toilet solutions.

Wash basins

Unlike a toilet, the requirement for a wash basin can often be to have it at a lower level than is normal. This may be because a lesser height allows someone to sit on a chair or stool when using the basin.

This kind of customisation can easily be achieved by using a wall mounted basin that does not require a pedestal. When this is the case the basin can be positioned and fitted at a height that suits its user. Grab handles or rails can be positioned either side of the basin to facilitate its use. The other option is to use the wash basin while seated. Information covering bathroom seating can be found here - Bath steps and seats.

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