How to Find the Best Toilet Seat Riser
- Learn how a toilet seat riser enhances comfort and independence, and learn how to compare the best raised toilet seats so you can find the right fit for your unique needs.
A toilet seat riser is an essential tool for elderly individuals or those with mobility issues, providing added comfort and safety in the bathroom.
Raised toilet seats can make a significant difference in one's daily routine by alleviating strain on joints and muscles, particularly in the lower back and legs.
In this guide, we will examine the various toilet seat risers available in the market and their associated advantages to assist you as you shop for the best toilet seat riser for your needs.
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Benefits of Toilet Seat Risers
Toilet seat risers offer a range of benefits that enhance the overall bathroom experience.
Improved Comfort and Ease of Use
Toilet risers make it easier for elderly individuals to sit down on and stand up from the toilet by reducing the distance they need to bend their knees. This increased height not only provides greater comfort but also reduces strain on joints and muscles.
For those with arthritis or other conditions affecting joint mobility, this can be particularly beneficial in minimizing pain during daily activities.
Better Safety and Stability
Falls are a significant concern among older adults; according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one out of five people aged 65 years or older fall each year in the United States.
A major contributor to these falls is difficulty navigating bathrooms due to slippery surfaces combined with reduced strength or balance issues caused by age-related health problems such as osteoporosis or Parkinson's disease.
Toilet seat risers offer additional support when sitting down or standing up from the toilet by allowing seniors to sit at the height needed for their comfort, and through features like padded armrests or handles integrated into certain models' designs - making it less likely that users will lose their footing while transferring weight between positions.
Increased Independence
- Maintaining privacy: Many seniors prefer not having assistance when using restroom facilities because it allows them greater privacy. Toilet seat risers help make this possible by reducing the need for a caregiver's support during bathroom visits.
- Reducing reliance on others: By making it easier to use the toilet independently, raised toilet seats can also reduce seniors' reliance on family members or caregivers - allowing them greater autonomy and control over their daily lives.
Better Hygiene
Elderly individuals may struggle with maintaining proper hygiene due to mobility limitations that make it difficult to clean themselves effectively after using the restroom. Toilet risers can help address this issue by providing better access to hard-to-reach areas, enabling users to more easily maintain cleanliness without assistance from others.
Affordability and Easy Installation
Toilet seat risers are relatively inexpensive compared to other types of bathroom safety equipment like grab bars or walk-in tubs, making them an accessible option even for those on tight budgets.
Furthermore, most models do not require professional installation; instead, they simply attach to existing toilets via clamps or brackets - meaning there's no need for costly renovations to an existing toilet seat or modifications to home structures.
Types of Toilet Seat Risers
Three main varieties of raised toilet seats are available, including bubble-type, lockable and adjustable height models. Each type offers unique features that cater to different needs and preferences.
Bubble-Type Raised Toilet Seat
The bubble-type raised seat is a simple yet effective solution for those seeking an affordable option without compromising on comfort. This type of riser is made from soft foam material that contours around the user's body shape providing added cushioning while sitting down or standing up from the commode. The lightweight construction makes it effortless to fit over the current toilet seat, and can be quickly taken off when not in use.
- Easy installation - no tools required.
- Affordable price point compared to other options.
- Provides extra cushioning for a comfortable experience.
- Ideal for temporary situations such as post-surgery recovery or visiting relatives' homes.
Raised Toilet Seat with Lock
If you're looking for a more secure fit than what the bubble-type can offer, consider investing in a raised toilet seat with lock mechanism.
This type of riser is designed to securely attach to your existing toilet bowl using a locking mechanism that prevents the seat from shifting or moving during use. The added stability provided by this design can be particularly beneficial for those with severe mobility limitations or balance issues.
- Secure fit - lock mechanism ensures seat stays in place
- Ideal for individuals with more significant mobility challenges
- Provides additional support and safety compared to bubble-type raised seats
Adjustable-Height Toilet Seat Risers with Arms
The most versatile option among the three types, adjustable-height raised toilet seats allow users to customize the height of their existing toilet seat according to their specific needs. An adjustable knob or button allows users to customize the seat's height if they require a lower toilet seat. Some models even come equipped with slip-resistant pads and other accessories for added comfort and support.
- Fully customizable - choose your desired height setting.
- Ideal for households with multiple users who have varying needs.
- Offers greater independence and improved accessibility compared to other options.
Choosing the Right Type for You
With so many different raised toilet seat options available on the market today, it's important to consider your individual needs when selecting the right one for you.
Factors such as budget, installation preferences, level of mobility limitation, and personal comfort should all play a role in determining which type best suits your requirements.
For example, if you are recovering from surgery and need a temporary solution, the bubble-type on top of your existing seat may be your best option. On the other hand, if you require long-term support and stability due to severe mobility challenges, a hinged elevated toilet seat or adjustable-height model would likely be more appropriate.
Carefully evaluating your needs and exploring the various raised toilet seat models available can guarantee you secure, comfortable use for a long period.
Does Medicare Cover Toilet Seat Risers
Unfortunately, Medicare generally does not cover toilet safety equipment, such as risers, elevated toilet seats, and safety frames.
Why Doesn't Medicare Cover a Raised Seat for Toilets?
Medicare considers these items to be personal convenience items rather than medically necessary durable medical equipment (DME). DME refers to any long-lasting medical device used in your home that provides therapeutic benefits due to a medical condition or illness.
To qualify for coverage under Medicare Part B, an item must meet specific criteria set by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
- Durability: The item should be able to withstand repeated use over time.
- Medical Necessity: A doctor must prescribe the item as medically necessary for treating or managing a specific health condition.
- In-home Use: The device should primarily serve its purpose within the patient's home environment.
- Lifespan: The expected lifespan of the item should be at least three years.
Toilet seat risers do not typically meet all these requirements; hence, they are not covered by Original Medicare. However, there may be other options for seniors to obtain financial assistance for purchasing these essential bathroom safety devices.
Alternative Funding Options
If you or a loved one requires a toilet seat riser but cannot afford the out-of-pocket expense due to lack of Medicare coverage, consider exploring alternative funding sources:
- Medicaid: Depending on your state's Medicaid program and eligibility requirements, some home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers may cover bathroom modifications or equipment such as toilet seat risers.
- Veterans Affairs (VA): Veterans who qualify for VA healthcare benefits might be eligible for assistance with home modifications through the Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant program.
- Medicare Advantage: Since Medicare Advantage plans typically offer more wide-reaching coverage when compared to Original Medicare, some MA plans will pay for bathroom assistance products.
