One of the most certain things in life is aging. No matter what happens, you will undoubtedly age. Growing old is one of the most beautiful experiences. Sharing wisdom with the younger generation, spending some quality time with the loved ones, and enjoying things in life.
While it can be great, there are also many challenges that elders have to face as they age. The most common challenges are being unable to do the things they used to do every day, like driving or cleaning up around the house. Other than that, their mobility and independence in various activities can also become somewhat limited.
One of the most common issues that comes up is going to the toilet.
Whether it’s because of decreased mobility, balance issues, or other health concerns, the standard toilet is sometimes not good enough for elders. Fortunately, there are toilets designed specifically with the needs of the elderly in mind.
To give you an idea, here are some essential features to look for when shopping for toilets for the elderly.
Height Matters
One of the biggest problems with toilets is the height. Traditional toilets often sit quite low. That means that your elderly loved one will have to put in a lot of effort to sit down and stand back up
That is why you should look for toilets for the elderly with a taller height, typically referred to as “comfort height” or “ADA-compliant.” Generally, these toilets are several inches taller than standard toilets, which makes them much easier to use.
Stability and Support
The next feature you should look out for is stability and support. When you are picking out a toilet for your elderly loves one, you should think about the stability it provides.
Try to find toilets that have sturdy armrests or bars on either side. These grab bars will help your loved one get the right amount of support when sitting down or standing up. They can reduce the risk of slips and falls.
Ease of Cleaning
One of the things that nobody enjoys, especially in an older age, is cleaning. The worst of which is cleaning the bathroom. That is why you should find the right type of toilet that is easier to clean than the traditional options.
These toilets generally have smooth surfaces and minimal crevices where dirt and bacteria can accumulate.
Also, some models come with special coatings that repel stains and odors, which makes maintenance a breeze.
By selecting a toilet that’s easy to clean, your elder loved one will spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying life’s precious moments.
Comfortable Seating
One of the most important things for the elderly is comfort. In the old age, it can be difficult to get the comfort you will need.
You should look for models with ergonomic seats designed for maximum comfort. Some toilets even offer heated seats, which can be very comfortable. This can be really important during the colder months.
You can also look into soft-close seats that prevent slamming and reduce noise.