Using the toilet

Maintaining independence for daily tasks like using the toilet is crucial for older adults. However, age-related changes in strength, flexibility, and balance can make this seemingly simple activity challenging.

Common scenarios and concerns	Lifestyle and equipment options to help you
Difficulty lowering and raising: Weakness in legs or limited flexibility can make sitting down and standing up challenging. This can lead to an increased risk of falls, decreased independence, and frustration.	Strengthening exercises: Work on leg and core muscle strength. Assistive devices: Utilise grab bars, raised toilet seats, or transfer benches.
Reduced balance and stability: Feeling unsteady while using the toilet can increase fall risk. This can lead to injuries from falls and reduced confidence.	Grab bars: Install grab bars near the toilet for support. Take your time: Avoid rushing, and prioritise stability.
Limited reach and difficulty wiping: Decreased mobility or dexterity can make personal hygiene challenging. This can lead to discomfort and potential health concerns.	Assistive devices: Utilise toilet paper aids, grab bars, and raised toilet seats. Adapt hygiene practices: Consider alternative cleansing methods if needed.

Common scenarios and concerns

Lifestyle and equipment options to help you

Difficulty lowering and raising: Weakness in legs or limited flexibility can make sitting down and standing up challenging.

This can lead to an increased risk of falls, decreased independence, and frustration.

Strengthening exercises: Work on leg and core muscle strength.

Assistive devices: Utilise grab bars, raised toilet seats, or transfer benches.

Reduced balance and stability: Feeling unsteady while using the toilet can increase fall risk.

This can lead to injuries from falls and reduced confidence.

Grab bars: Install grab bars near the toilet for support.

Take your time: Avoid rushing, and prioritise stability.

Limited reach and difficulty wiping: Decreased mobility or dexterity can make personal hygiene challenging.

This can lead to discomfort and potential health concerns.

Assistive devices: Utilise toilet paper aids, grab bars, and raised toilet seats.

Adapt hygiene practices: Consider alternative cleansing methods if needed.

Common challenges when using the toilet

Difficulty lowering and raising: As we age, muscle weakness and reduced flexibility can make it challenging to lower ourselves onto the toilet seat and stand up again. This can be particularly difficult for individuals with existing conditions like arthritis or limited mobility.
Reduced balance and stability: Feeling unsteady while transferring on and off the toilet can significantly increase the risk of falls, leading to potential injuries and decreased confidence.
Limited reach and difficulty wiping: Decreased mobility or dexterity in the hands and arms can make reaching for toilet paper or properly wiping oneself difficult, potentially leading to discomfort and hygiene concerns.

Strategies for safe and independent toilet use

Strengthen your core and leg muscles: Regular exercises targeting your core and leg muscles can significantly improve your ability to lower and raise yourself from the toilet seat safely and independently.
Take your time: Avoid rushing, particularly when transferring on and off the toilet. Focus on maintaining good balance and stability throughout the process.
Install grab bars: Sturdy grab bars strategically placed on the wall near the toilet and next to the shower or bathtub can provide essential support and stability when transferring.

Equipment and aids to help you use the toilet

Raised toilet seats: These seats increase the height of the toilet, making it easier to sit down and stand up. Choose a seat with a height that allows your feet to comfortably touch the floor when seated.
Transfer benches: These benches provide a stable intermediate surface between the wheelchair or walker and the toilet, facilitating safe and controlled transfers.
Toilet paper aids: Long-handled toilet paper grabbers or specially designed toilet wipes can assist individuals with limited reach and dexterity to maintain proper hygiene.

Additional tips for safe and comfortable toilet use

Ensure adequate lighting: Good lighting in the bathroom is essential to avoid missing any hazards and safely navigate the space.
Keep the floor clear and dry: Remove any clutter or slippery objects from the bathroom floor to prevent tripping hazards.
Wear appropriate clothing: Choose loose-fitting clothing that allows for easy movement and access when using the toilet.
Consider alternative cleansing methods: If reaching or wiping is extremely difficult, consult a healthcare professional about alternative cleansing methods, such as bidets or specialised hygiene products.
Seek professional guidance: An occupational therapist can assess your specific needs and recommend suitable assistive devices or modifications to your bathroom environment to maximise safety and independence during toilet use.

Where to buy equipment and technology to help you use the toilet

Plymouth City Council, NHS Devon, and Livewell Southwest have jointly commissioned NRS Healthcare to deliver the Safe+Well service, and they have over 2,500 daily living aids that you can purchase by mail order, telephone, or online.

View the Plymouth Safe+Well website

NRS has a dedicated phone line with a trained team of specialists who can answer any questions you might have. Just call 0345 6461860.

Other places to buy equipment from:

Free assessment tool: Select the area of difficulty that is relevant to you. You will then be asked a few questions to guide you towards helpful daily living aids.
Free telephone advice line: Complete the online form, and we will contact you to arrange a convenient time to call.