Tall Toilets for Elderly People: A Buyer's Guide for Comfort and Safety
Squatting down on a toilet and getting up again becomes increasingly difficult as aging muscles lose strength or become injured. Fortunately, products are available that can help: tall toilets. For elderly people with mobility limitations, toilets with seats that are higher off the floor can be essential tools for maintaining safety and independence.
A tall toilet height means that users can exert less effort getting on and off the seat, which can be greatly beneficial for seniors with leg, hip, knee, joint, or back problems. The extra inches also make these toilets a good choice for taller people who find standard toilets uncomfortably low.
This article outlines the basic facts about tall toilets (commonly known as comfort height toilets) and describes eight of the best models you may want to purchase. It also explains what factors you should think about when shopping for a toilet and what's involved in having one installed.
Keep in mind that you don't necessarily have to replace your toilet with a taller unit. You might choose to adapt your existing toilet with a raised seat or other accessory. That's why we've also included information on elevated seats, commode chairs, and other products that can make going to the bathroom a more comfortable experience for an older adult.
The Basics of Comfort Height Toilets
A comfort height toilet is slightly taller than a traditional model in order to ease the process of sitting down and standing up again. The idea is to emulate the average height of a typical dining room chair. (Chair height is the same as comfort height.) It can be a bit confusing because such toilets are known by different names depending on the manufacturer. So a universal height toilet is a comfort height toilet, and a right height toilet is a comfort height toilet. The various terms all mean the same thing.
The difference between standard and comfort height toilets is generally two to four inches. While a standard toilet typically measures 15 or 16 inches from the floor to the top of the seat, comfort toilet heights are 17 to 19 inches. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifies that the height of a disabled toilet must be within this range.
Keep in mind that if you're prone to constipation, comfort height toilets might be bad for you. That's because it's easiest to move your bowels when you're in a squat position with your hips slightly lower than your knees. However, resting your feet on a step stool that fits around the base of the toilet can help.
Also, comfort height toilets might not be the best choice for a shorter person. If your feet dangle while you're seated, you could experience pain, tingling, or even numbness in your legs. To alleviate that, you could try using a step stool. Another option is to forego the comfort height toilet and install toilet rails on a standard toilet instead.
Factors to Weigh When Choosing a Toilet
A toilet is an essential household device. So how can you ensure that you get the right one? Here's what to think about when shopping for a toilet for elderly folks:
Height
A toilet seat should be high enough off the floor that you are able to sit down on it and stand up again easily. It's also important to be able to rest both feet flat on the floor.
If you use a wheelchair, look for a toilet with a seat height that closely matches your wheelchair seat's height. That makes for an easier lateral-slide transfer to the toilet seat. Bear in mind that an ADA toilet is 17 to 19 inches high, but that doesn't necessarily mean that height will work for you. If you need something taller, wall-mounted toilets might be worth considering. With those types of units, the highest toilet height is about 28 inches.
Note that many manufacturers only specify the height of a toilet from the floor to the rim of the bowl, not to the top of the seat. That's because the seat is often sold separately. It generally adds about an inch to the total height.
Bowl shape
Most toilet bowls and seats are either round or elongated. A round bowl is somewhat circular and is often found in older bathrooms. An elongated toilet seat is more oval and is becoming much more common. You will know if you have a round or elongated toilet by measuring from the seat mounting bolts to the very front of the bowl. For a round toilet, this measurement will be about 16.5 inches; for an elongated toilet, it will be about 18.5 inches.
So, which is better: a round or elongated toilet? That depends. Elongated toilets offer more sitting surface and tend to be more comfortable for adults. However, they also take up more space. As you can see from the measurements above, they generally extend an additional couple inches into the room. Since a round toilet can fit into a smaller space, it might be a better choice if you have a tiny bathroom or need extra room for a walker, wheelchair, or scooter.
Style
There are two basic styles of toilets: one-piece and two-piece.
With one-piece toilets, the tank and bowl are integrated as a single seamless unit. They generally take up less space than two-piece toilets and are easier to clean because they have fewer crevices in which bacteria can hide. They can also be simpler to install because they don't have to be assembled. However, they typically cost more. It's also worth noting that some models have a bit of a ridge between the seat and the tank that can make it difficult or impossible to add accessories like a raised toilet seat if you want to do so later.
With two-piece toilets, the tank is a separate unit that bolts to the top of the bowl. They tend to be more common and less expensive than one-piece toilets. They are easier for one person working alone to install because each piece can be lifted separately; they can also be less expensive to repair, since the tank and bowl can be switched out independently. However, they have more potential for leaks and are more difficult to keep clean.
Wall-hung toilets are a special type of two-piece toilet in which the bowl is mounted on the bathroom wall while the tank is concealed behind the wall. They can be installed at a wide range of custom heights and can save as much as 12 inches of floor space in front of the bowl. However, they are extremely expensive because they involve buying a special carrier system and opening up the bathroom wall. They also require moving the drainpipes from the floor to the wall.
Flushing technology
The vast majority of American homes use gravity-feed toilets. When you press the flush button or handle, water falls from the tank to the bowl and harnesses the force of gravity to push waste through the drain. (In fact, some toilets flush twice because too much tank water is dropping into the bowl.) These toilets tend to be affordable, effective, and fairly easy to repair. However, they can be prone to clogging. And if your home has low water pressure, you may have to flush the toilet twice in order to clear all the waste.
Gravity-feed toilets also use a lot of water. Decades ago, such toilets commonly used five or six gallons per flush (GPF), but since 1994, federal law has mandated that toilets must use 1.6 GPF or less. Some states, such as California, set the maximum at 1.28 GPF. If you're concerned about water use, the best GPF for a toilet is about 0.9. Toilets that are designated as WaterSense-certified meet Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for low water consumption and high performance.
Some gravity-feed toilets are dual-flush models, with one flushing option for removing solid waste and one water-reduced option for clearing away liquids. Such units typically have a two-position flush handle or two buttons on top of the tank. These types of toilets can be more eco-friendly because they allow you to use less water when appropriate. However, they can also be more difficult for some older people to operate because they require you to press a button or pull a lever rather than simply push a lever. They also tend to cost more than standard gravity-feed toilets.
Pressure-assisted toilets have a special plastic tank within the toilet tank that holds a combination of water and air under pressure. When you flush, the pressurized air forcefully expels the water into the toilet bowl in order to clear the contents. These types of toilets use less water than gravity-feed models and are much less likely to clog. They also don't sweat because the water does not sit directly against the porcelain tank.
However, pressure-assisted toilets tend to be very loud when they flush. In addition, they typically cost more than gravity-feed toilets and are more difficult to repair. You should also be aware that your home needs to have a minimum of 25 pounds per square inch (psi) of water pressure in order for this type of toilet to work.
Installation Costs and Considerations
Putting in a toilet requires setting a wax ring around the waste pipe, positioning the toilet, bolting it down, and hooking up the supply lines. It's generally a one- to two-hour job. Independent plumbers and places like Lowe's charge somewhere between $200 and $500 to install a toilet. Special types of labor-intensive installations, such as for wall-mounted toilets, can cost $2,000 or more. If leaks, cracks, or other problems are discovered during installation, you could end up with a higher bill.
Keep in mind that those figures do not include the actual cost of the toilet. If a seat does not come with your toilet, you will have to pay about $10 to $50 to get one. Also, homeowners are typically responsible for buying the wax ring, mounting bolts, and water supply lines (each of which costs less than $15 and can be found at any home improvement store). It's important to note that you will likely need an extra long supply line if you're putting in a taller toilet.
Before you purchase any toilet, check the rough-in size. The rough-in size for a toilet is the distance from the bathroom wall (not the baseboard) to the middle of the sewer drain. This measurement is typically 12 inches, but sometimes it can be 10 or 14. Choosing a toilet with the appropriate rough-in size will make for a much easier installation.
You should also ensure that whatever model you buy will fit in your bathroom with enough clearance for doors, drawers, and cabinets. So if you're thinking about changing from a round bowl to an elongated one, measure carefully.
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8 of The Best Tall Toilets for Elderly People
The best toilet for elderly individuals is the one that allows them to take care of their biological functions safely and comfortably. For many people, that means a model with a higher seat. Most toilets on the list below measure 16 or 17 inches from the floor to the rim of the bowl; the tallest toilet is 20 inches tall. Remember that the seat will add another inch or so to the overall height of the toilet.
Here are eight good options you may want to consider for an elderly person's bathroom:
1. Convenient Height 20-Inch Extra Tall Toilet
Measuring a full 20 inches from floor to rim, this toilet is even taller than ADA-compliant models. It has a compact elongated bowl that sticks out more than a round bowl (but less than a true elongated one), so it offers comfortable seating while still fitting in a smaller area. It has dual-flush technology (push the handle down for a 1.28-GPF flush or pull it up for a 0.9-GPF flush), and it even includes a slow-closing seat for safety.
Buy on Amazon2. TOTO MS854114EL#01 Eco Ultramax ADA Elongated One-Piece Toilet
The Eco Ultramax's one-piece design means there is no seam between the tank and the bowl where germs can gather, so it's easy to keep clean. This WaterSense-certified unit uses 1.28 gallons with each flush. It has an elongated bowl for comfort and is 18 inches tall when you factor in the included soft-closing seat.
Buy on Amazon3. American Standard 2467016.020 Cadet Right Height Elongated Pressure-Assisted Toilet
This pressure-assisted toilet gives an extra oomph to every flush. It's louder than a traditional gravity-feed toilet, but the powerful flush means you won't have to worry about clogs. This unit measures 16.5 inches from the floor to the rim of the elongated bowl. The seat is not included.
Buy on Amazon4. American Standard 2886518.020 H2Option Siphonic Dual-Flush Right Height Elongated Toilet
Want a 16.5-inch tall gravity-feed toilet that flushes well and conserves water at the same time? This WaterSense-certified model might fit the bill. It features two buttons on the top of the tank that allow you to choose either a partial (0.9 GPF) or full (1.28 GPF) flush. Note that the seat is sold separately.
Buy on Amazon5. Kohler K-3816-U-0 Memoirs Classic Comfort Height Elongated 1.28 GPF Toilet With AquaPiston Technology
Using only 1.28 GPF and boasting WaterSense certification, this toilet offers excellent performance. With Kohler's AquaPiston technology, water flows into the bowl from all around the rim for a more effective flush. As an added bonus, the tank liner helps to minimize condensation.
Buy on Amazon6. TOTO CST744SL#01 Drake 2-Piece ADA Toilet With Elongated Bowl
Clogging is rarely an issue with the Drake. With an oversized flush valve and siphon jet, this toilet clears the contents of the bowl quickly and effectively. It measures 16.5 inches from floor to rim (seat sold separately) and uses 1.6 gallons of water with each flush.
Buy on Amazon7. American Standard Compact Cadet 3 FloWise Tall Height 1-Piece Toilet
Looking for a tall toilet with a round bowl to fit in a tight space? Consider the Compact Cadet 3. This high-efficiency model uses 1.28 GPF and is WaterSense-certified. It features a slow close seat and FloWise technology for more effective waste removal.
Buy on Amazon8. Kohler K-6299-0 Veil Wall-Hung Elongated Toilet Bowl
This wall-mounted unit can be installed at a height of your choosing. It's a great space saver for small bathrooms, since the tank is hidden away behind the wall. However, you still need to purchase an in-wall tank, carrier system, toilet seat, and flush button, which can add a significant amount to the total price.
Buy on Amazon5 Raised Toilet Seats and Other Accessories
Do you need a high toilet seat for a brief time while you recover from surgery? Does one person in your household need an elevated seat while another prefers a standard height? Are you looking for a way to add height to your toilet without actually replacing the whole thing?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, here's the good news: You can raise the height of a toilet by installing special accessories such as a toilet pedestal, toilet seat riser, or elevated toilet seat. These are available for both round and elongated toilets and can add anywhere from two to six inches of height. Some bolt directly to the toilet, while others have locking brackets or clamps to help with stability. And some provide extra support in the form of attached arms or handles.
Check out a few of the best options:
1. Toilevator Toilet Riser
You can literally raise your toilet up with the Toilevator. It's a pedestal that installs between the floor and your toilet and adds 3.5 inches to the overall height. There's no danger of wobbling, and you don't have to do any special cleaning. The pedestal can even be painted to match the rest of your bathroom décor. Just make sure that the base of your toilet will fit: The Toilevator is just over 23 inches long and 11.25 inches wide.
Buy on Amazon2. Vive 5" Raised Toilet Seat With Padded Handles
Here's a raised toilet seat with arms that are padded with soft foam for better grip. This seat gives five inches of additional height and works on both round and elongated toilets. It clamps on to the toilet and can be easily secured or removed by turning the adjustable knob. It supports as much as 250 pounds. The handles have 17 inches of space between them and can be removed if necessary.
Buy on Amazon3. Drive Medical Raised Toilet Seat
This elevated toilet seat holds up to 400 pounds and is designed for use on a round toilet bowl. Two rear locks keep it securely in place, and cut-outs in both the front and back of the seat ensure comfort and make it easier to wipe without standing up. This particular seat is six inches high, but it's also available as a two- or four-inch model.
Buy on Amazon4. Carex Elongated Hinged Toilet Seat Riser
Want to continue using your existing elongated toilet seat, but at a loftier height? This riser attaches to your toilet's seat mounting bolts and gives your regular seat 3.5 inches of lift. Because it's hinged, it remains secure during use but lets you easily lift it to clean underneath. It supports individuals who weigh up to 300 pounds.
Buy on Amazon5. AquaSense Raised Toilet Seat with Lid
Made of contoured plastic, this seat is easy to clean. It's designed for round toilets and adds four inches of height. Clamps keep it securely in place but also allow you to remove the seat easily if someone else in the household prefers not to use it. It can support up to 300 pounds and even includes a lid.
Buy on Amazon6 Commode Chairs to Consider
For adults who find it difficult to make the trip to a regular bathroom, a medical toilet chair can be an essential aid to independent living. A portable commode for elderly people consists of a chair-like frame with a removable bucket beneath the seat to collect waste. It can be placed next to your bed or in any area where you would otherwise have to travel a long way or climb a set of stairs to get to a bathroom. Once the bucket is removed, the commode chair can be positioned over a regular toilet as a support aid. It can usually be adjusted for a range of heights.
If you're in the market for a potty chair for adults, have a look at these options:
1. NOVA Rolling Shower Commode Chair
This portable toilet for elderly people can easily be wheeled through most doorways and can also be used as an elevated toilet seat or shower chair. It features swing-away footrests and wheel locks that can be engaged without bending over. It supports up to 250 pounds.
Buy on Amazon2. Dignity Ultra-Premium Padded Commode/Shower Chair
Unlike many other commode chairs, the Dignity features an open front that allows for easier wiping. The chair can hold up to 400 pounds, and the padded seat, back, and armrests are both comfortable and easy to clean. It can be used on its own, over an existing toilet, or in the shower. It even includes a toilet paper holder.
Buy on Amazon3. Vive Bariatric Bedside Commode
Designed for people who weigh up to 500 pounds, this sturdy adult portable toilet is extra wide, with 27 inches of space between the armrests to ensure comfort. It can be used as a stand-alone toilet or as an elevated seat over a regular toilet. It even folds for portability and storage.
Buy on Amazon4. NOVA Heavy Duty Bedside Commode Chair With Drop-Arm
With a 500-pound weight capacity and levers on both sides that enable the arms to drop down, this chair is a great option for larger adults who need a portable toilet that allows for easy lateral transfers from a bed or wheelchair. The gap between the armrests is 25.75 inches, and the extra-roomy seat provides plenty of support.
Buy on Amazon5. DMI Portable Toilet
Like the NOVA above, this chair features drop-down arms that make it easy to slide across from a wheelchair or bed. This one has a smaller profile, with 16.5 inches of space between the padded arms. It supports up to 250 pounds.
Buy on Amazon6. Drive Medical Steel Folding Bedside Commode
This elderly potty chair folds down compactly, so it can easily be moved to wherever you need it. It's both lightweight and study. This commode can hold up to 350 pounds, but the arms are a bit narrow and don't drop down, so it's best suited to smaller folks.
Buy on AmazonMake Bathroom Functions Easier
Tall toilets for elderly people promote comfort and enhance independence. By taking note of the information above, you can learn how to focus your search and find the toilet that will best meet your needs.
