Patterson Medical/Sammons Preston
An important bathroom aid is the raised toilet seat.
Health
beingwell magazine Summer 2008
Occupational therapy assists in working through problems that interfere with your ability to do things that are important to you. Occupational therapists are specially trained to look at problems in function across many different areas, such as looking after oneself (self-care), enjoying life (leisure) and participating in paid/unpaid work activities (productivity). For example, an injury, illness or disability may impact on your ability to get dressed, cook a meal, wash a car, or complete a banking transaction. Therapists can teach you new ways to do things or recommend equipment that can allow you to maintain your independence.
An important bathroom aid is the raised toilet seat. Many people have difficulty getting on and off the toilet safely and this can result in falls or injuries.
Potential hazards can be properly addressed through education and appropriately installed equipment.
Raised toilet seats are plastic boosters that raise the height of the toilet seat. They commonly come in two-inch or four-inch heights. The seat of the toilet is flipped up and the raised toilet seat is placed over the toilet bowl and securely clamped into place. Raised toilet seats are often used with grab bars to provide additional assistance with getting on or off the toilet. The extra height of the toilet allows a person to sit down and stand up using less energy and strength. Therapists may recommend raised toilet seats to people who have fallen in the past, tire easily, have poor balance or who have an injury or condition affecting their lower body. This piece of equipment can often make the difference between someone being able to go to the washroom independently or needing a helper.
Pam Rantz and Jen Appelton are occupational therapists working on in-patient floors at Southlake Regional Health Centre.