How to Measure for a Raised Toilet Seat

As our elderly loved ones age, they can suffer from medical problems that make it difficult to sit down or stand up from the toilet. Installing a raised toilet seat can help make this process easier and less uncomfortable. But first, you must know how to measure for a raised toilet seat.

To measure for a raised toilet seat, take the measurement between the floor and the knee of the intended user. Next, calculate the distance between the current toilet seat and the floor. The difference between these two measurements should be the ideal height of the raised toilet seat.

Read on to learn how to measure for a raised toilet seat in addition to everything you need to know about raised toilet seats.

1. Find the Ideal Seat Height for Your Loved One

The first step is to measure the distance between the floor and the back of the knee of your elderly loved one. This measurement represents their ideal seat height when using the toilet.

Raised toilet seats provide a more comfortable seating position for the elderly and those with limited mobility. They do this by minimizing the distance your loved one has to lower themselves when using the toilet. Therefore, a raised toilet seat must be ideally at or slightly above the knee level for the user.

Why Do You Need To Measure the Distance From the Floor to the User's Knee?

If you haven't noticed, standard toilets are designed to ensure the buttocks are below knee level when using the bathroom. It turns out that having your hips or buttocks below knee level is the best posture for efficient bowel movement.

Unfortunately, some older adults don't have the dexterity to reach that low position. The next best thing for them is to look for a squat position that does not cause tremendous discomfort. For this reason, a raised toilet seat must allow them to sit at knee level.

Health professionals find that squatting up to knee level is a lot less tasking for seniors. That is why you are advised to measure the distance between the floor and the knee of your elderly loved one before buying a raised toilet seat.

2. Measure the Height of Your Current Toilet Seat

Measuring the height of your current toilet seat will help you determine which type of raised toilet seat will fit properly in your bathroom. To do this, take out a measuring tape and measure from the top of your current toilet seat down to the floor.

Toilets come in different sizes and heights. By knowing the exact height of your current toilet seat, you'll be sure that the raised toilet seat you buy will fit both your current bowl and provide adequate support for its intended user.

Aside from measuring the height, note the shape of your current toilet seat. Regular toilet bowls come in round or elongated shapes, so the vast majority of raised toilet seats on the market come in either of those two shapes.

How Raised Toilet Seats Make Your Current Toilet Easier To Use

A raised toilet seat is an apparatus you place on top of the toilet bowl to increase its height, thereby reducing the distance someone has to squat when they want to use the bathroom. Most raised toilet seats add up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) to the height of the toilet.

Raised toilet seats are designed to make it easier for people with knee, joint, or lower back problems to use the bathroom.

3. Determine the Ideal Height for the Raised Toilet Seat

The ideal height that you should get for your loved one's raised toilet seat is the difference between the current toilet seat height and the intended user's knee level. This way, they will not have to bend down or stretch too far up in order to get on and off the toilet.

Benefits of Using a Raised Toilet Seat With the Correct Measurements

The right toilet for your elderly loved one can help reduce strain on the legs, back, and arms. It will offer more support and help them minimize balance problems when using a regular-sized seat.

They Are Cheaper Than Tall Toilets

Tall toilets serve the same function as raised toilet seats; to reduce the distance someone has to squat when they want to use the loo. However, unlike raised toilet seats that aim to increase only the seats' heights, tall toilets are inherently tall by design. As you can imagine, tall toilets are much more cost-intensive compared to raised toilet seats.

They Improve Bathroom Safety

Bathroom safety is an issue of real concern among older adults and people with mobility issues. According to statistics, nearly 80% of seniors' injuries at home occur in the bathroom.

That will involve investing in safety features like non-slip mats, grab rails, and raised toilet seats. On that note, check out the Vive Grab Bars on Amazon. These grab bars are made of stainless steel, meaning they are exceptionally durable.

As for a reliable non-slip bathroom mat, you cannot go wrong with the Gorilla Grip Patented Bath Mat, which you can also find on Amazon.

They Offer a Sense of Self-Reliance

A raised toilet seat coupled with grab bars can allow seniors to handle their business without requiring your help, giving them the feeling of independence that has become increasingly elusive.

What Are the Different Types of Raised Toilet Seats?

Portable Raised Toilet Seats

As the name suggests, these seats can be used wherever and whenever. Portable raised toilet seats do not require permanent installation, allowing you to carry them with you for convenience. Compared to other raised toilet seat types, portable seats are typically more budget-friendly in addition to being easy to install.

Lockable Raised Toilet Seats

These seats feature a safety mechanism that allows you to secure them tightly on the toilet bowl. As you can imagine, lockable raised toilet seats are the safest of their kind.

Adjustable Raised Toilet Seats

It might come as a surprise to discover that some raised toilet seats actually allow for height adjustments. That means you do not even need to measure for them; simply lower or raise the toilet seat till you find the most comfortable height.

Other Factors To Consider When Buying a Raised Toilet Seat

• Weight capacity. Raised toilet seats come with different weight capacities, with most supporting between 250 and 500 pounds (110 to 220 kg).
• Utilitarian features. Some models feature padded seats to provide extra comfort when using the toilet.
• Safety features. You may also want to consider buying a raised toilet seat with handles.
• Portability. Does the person you are buying the raised toilet seat for travel frequently?
• Price. Raised toilet seats can cost anywhere between $20 and hundreds of dollars.

Alexa can be helpful when you take care of an elderly. Check out my guide to learn some tips on using it. 11 Essential Tips for Using Alexa for Elderly Parents

Conclusion

Raised toilet seats can make bathroom visits less daunting for people with mobility issues. However, for a raised toilet seat to serve someone well, it must be designed to accommodate their height. Use the tips in this article to measure a raised toilet seat and choose the most appropriate model for your loved one.

About Chip Mitchell

Chip Mitchell is the founder of Growing Gray USA. With over a decade of experience owning a home care company, he has helped hundreds of families navigate the complexities of caring for aging parents.