Toilet Transfers – Seat Height

Toilet Transfers – Seat Height

Toilet Seat Too Low
•	Knees above the hips when seated
•	Difficulty sitting down or rising
Solutions - Raise the Seat Height
•	Standard raised seat
•	Hinged riser under toilet seat
•	Regular commode over the toilet
•	Commode with auto lift up
Hover over a Solution for Tips

STANDARD RAISED TOILET SEAT

Ranging in height from 3 to 5 inches, a standard raised toilet seat usually replaces the existing seat.

Choose the right seat height so the person's feet are flat on the floor. If the seat is too high, the person's feet will dangle, causing discomfort.
If the person recently had a hip fracture, you'll need to follow your physical therapist's or doctor's instructions for the correct type of raised toilet seat.

Safety Wise! Choose a raised toilet seat with a "lock" that clamps onto the toilet. Otherwise the seat and the person may slide off.

HINGED RISER UNDER EXISTING TOILET SEAT

This hinged 3 inch high riser fits under the existing seat and can be raised and lowered like a standard toilet seat. As it doesn't significantly change the appearance of the toilet, some individuals find this option more aesthetically pleasing than the standard raised seat.

Other Benefits

Easily used by both males and females
Existing toilet seat & riser are bolted to toilet
Seat can be lifted for easy cleaning

Cons

Only available in a 3 inch height
Costs more than a standard raised seat

COMMODE OVER THE TOILET

Available features

Padded seat and back for extra comfort
Wheeled legs if person needs to be wheeled into the bathroom to be positioned over the toilet
Drop arm for wheelchair transfers
Adjustable seat height
Removable pail for use at bedside or on ground floor without bathroom

$ Medicare pays for a basic non-padded "3-in-1" commode that can be used at the bedside or over the toilet if prescribed by a health care professional.

Automatic Seat Lift

This commode features an automatic non-electric seat lift. When the person's ready to get up, the seat lifts the person up and forward, raising the person to a semi-standing position. This commode can be used at the bedside or over the toilet, if there is sufficient space.

Person Still Requires

Adequate Balance Skills & Strength to
- Lean forward
- Push off (arms/legs)
- Straighten to stand
Caregiver Help (push levers to rise, etc.)
Ability to Comprehend Instructions

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Narration:

Many toilets are only 15 inches high, which can cause transferring problems. While sitting on the toilet, if the person's knees are above their hips and/or they have difficulty getting up or sitting down – the seat is too low.

There are several ways to raise the height of toilet seats. For simple fixes, place your mouse over any of the solutions for tips and more information.