Adults require mobility toilets due to temporary or permanent reasons. People with back and knee problems or arthritis suffers find it difficult to lower and raise themselves from standard toilet seats. Those in wheelchairs must be able to slide themselves off their chair onto the seat without slipping or falling. Patients recuperating from hip or knee replacement surgery cannot bend their new joint at first until physical therapy permits. This modern mobility bathroom accessory provides added security and support for the elderly if they are unsteady on their feet or are unable to use the standard appliance on their own.
Mobility toilets meet the requirements specified by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 which was signed into law by President George Bush. This act provides stipulations to make public and private surroundings more accessible to the disabled.
Section 4.16.3 states toilet height should be 17” to 19” when measured from the floor to the top of the seat.
Section 4.16.5 states flushing controls are to be easily hand operated or automatic and should be mounted on the wider side of the toilet as high as 44” from the floor.
Toilet Lifts and Commode Lifts
To assist those that have trouble getting off their toilet seats, there are toilet lifts systems that can be placed on top of your existing toilet. These toilet lifts will provide a boost and raise you off your toilet while reducing strain on your knees. Create your own personalized bathroom after having knee replacement surgery by adding one of these devices.
There is an optional commode bucket that can be placed underneath the toilet lift system. Once installed, the lift can be placed anywhere around the home where you might need a toilet such as the bedroom.
There are many styles of a mobility toilet available. A bench style commode can be conveniently positioned next to the bed making it easily accessible by sliding off the bed or mobility wheelchair onto the bench. Shower toilets provide a spray of water known as a bidet for cleansing, and a warm air drying feature eliminates the manual need for toilet tissue.
Other styles include wall mounted tanks and a backrest attached to the bowl. Seats can be elongated instead of the usual round shape. Standard units can be turned into a mobility toilet by mounting the commode on risers which will make it higher from the floor. A raised toilet seat can also be attached to the existing seat. Other mobile units incorporate seating framed by handrails which sits over the existing toilet bowl.
Mobility toilets can also be utilized for short term reasons such as sprained ankles, post surgery rehabilitation, injured legs or hips. This appliance offers security and independence to the user to accomplish a normal, daily function.