Most of us are uncomfortable about the idea of needing help to use the toilet. Yet, for anyone with a disability it is one of the most difficult things to use in most residential bathrooms. Making your toilet area senior-safe can preserve both independence and dignity for older visitors and residents alike.

The next time you use a public restroom, try the toilet in the disabled stall. The toilet is set higher, which makes it easier for most people to sit and stand. Unless you are very short, it should be easier for you to use, too. A higher seat puts less strain on your back and your knees and legs.

You can purchase raised toilet seats, either with or without arms, that sit on the toilet bowl. These aren't very good looking, but they will do when your elderly parent is visiting for a short time, or in a pinch. They are generally not as comfortable for long-term use, and they are more difficult to keep clean than a standard seat.

A better looking, but a bit more expensive alternative is to simply lift the whole apparatus 4 to 6 inches off the ground. The Toilevator was invented to do just that, and it works remarkably well. The end result looks a lot better than a removable raised toilet seat. Unless you are experienced with removing and resetting a toilet you will want a plumber to install a Toilevator. The Toilevator may be a little more expensive than an add-on raised seat, but it's certainly a great deal less expensive than purchasing a new, higher toilet.

Something to hold on to at the toilet is a must. Even if you have a seat with arms, such as the one above, a grab bar on the wall (exactly like the ones in the shower or tub) or a pole to hold when getting on and off will prevent many a stumble. This is a SuperPole Mobility Aid - the perfect solution when you don't have a logical place to install a grab bar, or if you rent and don't want to install more than you must.

Another alternative if you don't have the space for a grab bar on both sides of the toilet is safety support arms. This particular one will fit in tight areas between sind and/or tub. 

In order to help someone at the toilet there needs to be room to maneuver. You should plan on a minimum of 18 to 24 inches in front of the toilet for a helper to stand. Anyone in a wheelchair is going to need 42 to 48 inches of space at the side of the toilet.

This means that if your toilet is located in a little toilet room, it will not be accessible to anyone in a wheelchair, and it will be hard to use for anyone needing a walker. This may be the time to think about expanding the useful space in your bathroom by removing the enclosing walls.