Need suggestions for bathroom safety items around toilet?
by
April
+21
Previously I had posted a question about installing a grab bar around the toilet and I’m very thankful for all the help. However, I have concerns now about drilling into old wallpaper and my carpentry skills are not the greatest. Upon giving this a lot of thought, I’d like to weigh all of my options.
One option in particular is something that we have elsewhere in the house — toilet safety rails — which looks like the picture I’m attaching to the post. The only thing is, it sort of wobbles a bit. Is there any sort of suction cup or something that would steady it and make it sturdier?
Are there any other options I may be missing?
That actually is a walker set in reverse. Somewhat modified to act as a toilet safety rail. There is nothing that could be done to steady it. My opinion it really isn't safe. Here are some that are bolted under the toilet seat bolts. Sturdy and safer than free a standing rail.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Drive-Medical-Toilet-Safety-Rail-rtl12087/204124189
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Drive-Medical-Toilet-Safety-Frame-with-Padded-Armrest-rtl12000/205517475
Hello. Could this product comparison be helpful?
https://aginginplace.org/prevent-accidents-in-the-bathroom-with-these-toilet-safety-rails/
The free standing toilet safety rails you enclosed a picture does indeed have the possibility of a tip over if the person does not use both hands equally on the bars. So, a toilet safety frame would be a recommended choice, eliminating a tip over, and these are attached to the toilet.
If you choose to install a frame to just 1 side of the toilet, you can, but for safety & security, it is better to install both arms to the frame.
When shopping for a frame, make sure you get 1 that is adjustable for height & width to fit the person's body.
ref:https://seniorsafetyadvice.com/products/bathroom/toilet-safety-rails/
When I had my knee replacement surgery my husband bought this safety rail for our toilets to help me get up and down on the toilet. It's been a year since my last surgery and I am still using them. I think they are great and I have never felt they were unsafe. https://www.amazon.com/Stand-Alone-Toilet-Rail-Vive/dp/B015789VQI/ref=sr_1_13?crid=17PDY46QAU9W8&dchild=1&keywords=toilet+safety+frame&qid=1619097914&sprefix=toilet+safety%2Caps%2C207&sr=8-13
You can invest (insurance should kick in quite a bit for this purchase) in a toilet riser seat. It is similar to the walker you are showing put has a toilet seat and lid on it. You position it above the toilet, against the tank, for a free standing solution. You can also get a toilet seat riser. Here are links to the types of devices I am referring to. My mother has the seat with legs, insurance paid all of it since it was recommended by a physical therapist or her doctor (don't remember which).
https://www.medicalsupplydepot.com/Bathroom-Safety-Products-1/Raised-Toilet-Seats-2/Extra-Wide-Tall-Ette-Bariatric-Elevated-Toilet-Seat-with-Legs.html?itemNSId=73901&utm_source=google_ads&utm_campaign=10007040395&utm_content=104536195601&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&gclid=Cj0KCQjwvYSEBhDjARIsAJMn0lgJ5_4yfoWK65eGnulIKhfcUZgl2yCnFp4HK0_JdcV67ioVnE09x0AaAj6HEALw_wcB
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Glacier-Bay-E-Z-Lock-Raised-Toilet-Seat-With-Adjustable-Armrests-5-in-FGB303GB-THD/312272463?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&mtc=Shopping-VF-F_DYNM-G-D29B-29_9_BATH_ACCESSORIES-GLACIER_BAY-NA-NA-PLA_LIA-NA-NA-MK378512001_9015878943_FY21_1622&cm_mmc=Shopping-VF-F_DYNM-G-D29B-29_9_BATH_ACCESSORIES-GLACIER_BAY-NA-NA-PLA_LIA-NA-NA-MK378512001_9015878943_FY21_1622-71700000081458345-58700006933249858-92700062320153851&gclid=Cj0KCQjwvYSEBhDjARIsAJMn0liy3xJd8_HiyuEyd5f9R7n2ddd2MD-U9oqRoYC3f6jnbbjT3hK-ej4aAgNyEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
What about something like this on Amazon that has a rubber base that you can stick on typically chair legs, but maybe you could use it on this instead? https://rstyle.me/+OS1tUcQi7u9c2xCrrG7hGA Or maybe a rubber floor mat under it, so it doesn't slide.
these may work but they are not as sturdy as the ones drilled into the walls maybe you need to find a handyman that can do this job for you???
As my mother got older (she lived in an apartment) we bought a toilet seat riser that she found very helpful. https://www.amazon.com/Vive-Toilet-Seat-Riser-Handles/dp/B074JCVMY2/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=toilet+seat+riser&qid=1619310990&sr=8-3-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyNkZJRjJLUkRISFo0JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjE5NTE2WUtGQjdUQ09COUpGJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA1OTMxOTAzRFRUTFlFVTdVWUomd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl
This is not a safe option. You should find someone who can install grab bars for you. It is not hard to do and will be much safer for your loved one.
Hello all,
I’m so sorry that I haven’t replied individually as of recently, we’ve been incredibly busy.
Upon some suggestions, I did a little research and came across this product. Is this good or is there a more stable version of this product available?
http://www.vivehealth.com/products/toilet-safety-frame-rail
These walkers come in different widths and sizes. if you can find one the right size it will fit over the toilet backwards and be a snug fit. It does not wobble at all. My mother n law uses one and it works out great.