Best Toilet for Older People: Top Choices for Comfort and Safety [2024]

As people get older, simple daily activities can start to feel more difficult, including going to the bathroom. For the elderly, a regular toilet might not offer the most comfort or safety. This is why finding the best toilet designed for older adults is important.

The right toilet can make a significant difference in the daily lives of older adults. It can provide additional support, prevent falls and promote independence. When choosing the best toilet for older people, there are several critical factors to consider.

Firstly, the height of the toilet is essential. A standard toilet is typically around 14-16 inches high, which can be too low for older adults with mobility issues. A higher toilet seat, around 17-19 inches, can make it easier for seniors to sit and stand. Additionally, a raised toilet seat can be added to an existing toilet to increase its height.

Another crucial factor is the toilet’s design. A toilet with a wider bowl and seat can provide more room and comfort for older adults. A toilet with an elongated bowl shape can also be more comfortable, especially for those with knee or hip problems.

We spent hours researching and testing various toilets to identify the best toilet for older people. In the following sections, we’ll discuss our top picks and what makes them stand out.

Best Toilets for Older People

As we age, we may find that certain activities that were once easy become more difficult. Using the bathroom is one of those activities that can become challenging for older people due to mobility issues or other health concerns. Fortunately, there are toilets designed specifically for older people that can make going to the bathroom easier and more comfortable. In this article, we’ve rounded up the best toilets for older people to help you make an informed decision.

Drive Medical Folding Steel Bedside Commode Chair

If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile toilet chair for bariatric individuals and larger users weighing up to 350 pounds, then the Drive Medical Folding Steel Bedside Commode Chair is a great option for you.

Pros

• The 3-in-1 design of this commode chair enables it to be positioned over a standard toilet, used as a portable self-contained commode, or a shower chair.
• The foldable frame makes it easy to store and transport, making it perfect for camping, tailgating, and other outdoor activities.
• It’s easy to assemble, and the seat height can be adjusted via easy-to-adjust built-in push pins.

Cons

• The seat may be a bit small for some users.
• The plastic snap-on seat and lid may not be as durable as some users would like.
• The armrests may not be as comfortable as some users would prefer.

We recently had the opportunity to use the Drive Medical Folding Steel Bedside Commode Chair, and we were impressed by its sturdy construction and ease of use. The chair is made from durable powder-coated steel, and the plastic arms, a 7.5 quart commode bucket with a carry handle, cover, and splash shield provide added comfort and safety.

The chair is also easy to clean, thanks to its convenient carry handle and protective pail cover. The bedside commode bucket with 7.5 Quart capacity is easy to empty, and you can use commode liners for even quicker cleanups.

Overall, we highly recommend the Drive Medical Folding Steel Bedside Commode Chair for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile toilet chair for bariatric individuals and larger users weighing up to 350 pounds.

HEPO Toilet Safety Rails

If you’re looking for a toilet safety rail that’s easy to install and can be adjusted to fit your specific needs, the HEPO Toilet Safety Rails might be a good option for you.

Pros

• The adjustable width and height make it easy to find a comfortable fit for every user.
• The sturdy support can hold up to 300 pounds, and the non-slip rubber tips on the legs keep it from slipping on the floor.
• The toilet safety rails are designed to help seniors, disabled and injured patients get up and down from the toilet more easily and securely.

Cons

• Some users reported that the unit can be wobbly and unstable.
• There were no instructions included in the package, and it was poorly packaged.
• The toilet safety rails can flex a lot with minimal load when standing up.

We recently tried the HEPO Toilet Safety Rails, and we found that they were easy to install without any tools, drilling, or cementing required. Once everything was in place, we felt more secure while sitting down or standing up.

The toilet safety rails can be adjusted from 21.6” to 24.6” in width and from 26” to 30” in height, which makes it easy to find a comfortable fit for every user. The frame provides additional stability to prevent harmful slipping and falling, and it can hold up to 300 pounds thanks to its rigid, corrosion-resistant high-strength aluminum alloy construction.

One thing to keep in mind is that some users reported that the unit can be wobbly and unstable, and there were no instructions included in the package. Additionally, the toilet safety rails can flex a lot with minimal load when standing up.

Overall, we think that the HEPO Toilet Safety Rails are a good option for those looking for an adjustable, easy-to-install toilet safety rail that can provide additional support and stability while using the toilet.

RMS Toilet Safety Frame & Rail

If you’re looking for a portable and foldable toilet safety frame and handrail, the RMS Toilet Safety Frame & Rail is a great option.

Pros

• No assembly required, easy to use right out of the box
• Fits around most toilet seats with a back bar in front of your toilet tank
• Armrests are soft and comfortable, making it easy to sit and stand

Cons

• Plastic connector has a tall 90-degree outcropping that can be a hazard
• Not attached to anything, so you need to be careful and grab the sides
• Some users may find the armrests too short for their liking

We recently had the opportunity to try out the RMS Toilet Safety Frame & Rail and were impressed with its ease of use and portability. It’s perfect for anyone who suffers from limited mobility and needs a little extra support when using the toilet.

One of the things we liked about the RMS Toilet Safety Frame & Rail is that it requires no assembly. It’s easy to use right out of the box, which is great for those who may not have the ability or desire to put together a complicated piece of equipment.

The frame fits around most toilet seats with a back bar in front of your toilet tank, making it easy to use in almost any bathroom. The armrests are soft and comfortable, and we found it easy to sit and stand with the support they provided.

However, there are a few downsides to the RMS Toilet Safety Frame & Rail. The plastic connector has a tall 90-degree outcropping that can be a hazard if you’re not careful. Additionally, since it’s not attached to anything, you need to be careful and grab the sides when using it. Finally, some users may find the armrests too short for their liking.

Overall, we think the RMS Toilet Safety Frame & Rail is a great option for anyone who needs a portable and foldable toilet safety frame and handrail. It’s easy to use, comfortable, and provides the support you need when using the toilet.

Agrish Raised Toilet Seat with Handles

We highly recommend the Agrish Raised Toilet Seat with Handles for older people who need a comfortable and safe toileting experience.

Pros

• The padded raised toilet seat is super comfortable and allows users to sit for a long time without discomfort.
• The toilet rails with non-slip handles help prevent slips and falls for seniors, disabled, and those who are recovering from injury or surgery.
• The adjustable raised toilet seat is helpful for those who suffer from knee pain or leg ache and is applicable to different heights.

Cons

• The width between the seats is 16 inches, which might be too narrow for some users.
• The toilet seat has a slight wobble, which might be a concern for some users.
• The assembly instructions and labels on parts don’t match up, which might be confusing for some users.

We found the Agrish Raised Toilet Seat with Handles to be a great product for older people who need a comfortable and safe toileting experience. The padded raised toilet seat is much better than other toilet seat raisers that are made of hard plastic, making toileting a pleasant experience. The toilet rails with non-slip handles are covered by soft and waterproof foam, which helps users hold them tightly and prevent slips and falls.

The adjustable raised toilet seat is easy to adjust from 18″ to 22″, making it fit most toilets and helpful for those who suffer from knee pain or leg ache. It’s also essential assist for individuals who have undergone surgery for a broken hip, femur, Achilles tendon, or other injuries.

One thing to note is that the width between the seats is 16 inches, which might be too narrow for some users. Additionally, the toilet seat has a slight wobble, which might be a concern for some users. Finally, the assembly instructions and labels on parts don’t match up, which might be confusing for some users.

Overall, we think the Agrish Raised Toilet Seat with Handles is a great product that provides a comfortable and safe toileting experience for older people.

Angol Shiold 4-in-1 Folding Bedside Commode Chair

If you’re looking for a versatile and convenient toilet for older people, the Angol Shiold 4-in-1 Folding Bedside Commode Chair is a great option.

Pros

• The extra-wide design and heavy-duty construction can accommodate people weighing up to 300 pounds.
• The adjustable toilet safety frame provides customizable support, with 5-level height adjustment from 13.9” to 17.9”.
• The innovative folding mechanism makes it easy to collapse and store away when not in use.

Cons

• The chair is made of plastic, which may not be as durable as metal.
• The backrest is not adjustable, which may not be comfortable for all users.
• The chair may be too bulky for small bathrooms or limited storage spaces.

We recently tested the Angol Shiold 4-in-1 Folding Bedside Commode Chair and were impressed with its versatility and convenience. The extra-wide design and heavy-duty construction make it a great option for larger individuals, while the adjustable toilet safety frame provides customizable support for users of different heights and needs.

One of the standout features of this toilet is its innovative folding mechanism, which makes it easy to collapse and store away when not in use. This is especially useful for individuals with limited storage space or those who need to transport the toilet between different locations.

While the chair is made of plastic, we found it to be sturdy and durable during our testing. However, some users may prefer a metal construction for added durability. Additionally, the backrest is not adjustable, which may not be comfortable for all users.

Overall, we recommend the Angol Shiold 4-in-1 Folding Bedside Commode Chair for its versatility, convenience, and sturdy construction. If you’re looking for a toilet that can meet the diverse needs of elderly, disabled, and pregnant individuals, this is a great option to consider.

Vaunn Medical Raised Toilet Seat

If you’re looking for a reliable and sturdy toilet seat for older people, Vaunn Medical Raised Toilet Seat is a great option.

Pros

• The ergonomic design adds 4″ of height extension to your toilet seat, making it easier to sit down or get up from the toilet.
• The anti-slip surface, push pins, and locking mechanism ensure a secure fit on the toilet bowl rim, providing a safer and more comfortable experience.
• The seat is made with heavy-duty molded premium plastic construction, which guarantees frequent long-lasting use.

Cons

• The toilet seat riser fits on most standard toilets (16.5″), but it will not work on elongated toilets (18.5″).
• The grab bar handles are removable, which may not be ideal for some users who need extra support.
• The product is not suitable for toilets with a bidet.

We found the Vaunn Medical Raised Toilet Seat to be a great product for older people and those with limited mobility. The ergonomic design makes it easier to use the toilet, and the anti-slip surface and locking mechanism provide added safety and security. The heavy-duty plastic construction ensures durability and long-lasting use.

The installation process is simple and tool-free, and the seat is easy to clean and wipe. The product is lightweight and portable, weighing less than 5 lbs, making it easy to store or travel with for added convenience.

Overall, we highly recommend the Vaunn Medical Raised Toilet Seat for anyone looking for a reliable and sturdy toilet seat for older people or those with limited mobility.

Medline Folding Steel Bedside Commode

If you’re looking for a versatile and durable commode chair for an elderly person, the Medline Folding Steel Bedside Commode is a great option.

Pros

• The commode is very easy to set up and adjust to the perfect height thanks to its push-button design.
• The chair is made of high-strength steel and plastic, which makes it very sturdy and durable.
• The 3-in-1 design allows you to use the commode chair as a bedside toilet, a raised toilet seat, or safety rails around a regular toilet.

Cons

• The seat could be more comfortable for extended use.
• The commode bucket is a little small and may need to be emptied frequently.
• The plastic arms may not be very comfortable for some users.

We recently purchased this commode chair for our elderly parent who needed a safe and easy-to-use toilet option. The Medline Folding Steel Bedside Commode was very easy to set up and adjust to the perfect height. We appreciated the push-button design, which made it simple to customize the chair’s height in seconds.

The chair is made of high-strength steel and plastic, which made us feel confident that it would last for a long time. We also liked the 3-in-1 design, which allowed us to use the chair as a bedside toilet, a raised toilet seat, or safety rails around a regular toilet.

However, we did notice that the seat could be more comfortable for extended use. The commode bucket is also a little small and may need to be emptied frequently. Additionally, the plastic arms may not be very comfortable for some users.

Overall, we would recommend the Medline Folding Steel Bedside Commode for anyone looking for a versatile and durable commode chair for an elderly person.

OasisSpace Stand Alone Raised Toilet Seat

If you’re looking for a reliable and sturdy raised toilet seat, the OasisSpace Stand Alone Raised Toilet Seat is a great option.

Pros

• The elevated toilet seat is very easy to install and can be assembled in just 10 minutes.
• The raised toilet seat is very sturdy and can support up to 300 pounds, making it a great option for seniors and those with limited mobility.
• The raised toilet seat with handles is very safe to use and doubles as a stability safety frame.

Cons

• Some of the holes for the screws do not line up with the captivated nuts, which can make assembly difficult.
• The higher up setting is not as good if you have a very low toilet.
• The directions for putting the product together could be better.

We found the OasisSpace Stand Alone Raised Toilet Seat to be a great option for those looking for a reliable and sturdy raised toilet seat. The elevated toilet seat is very easy to install and can be assembled in just 10 minutes, making it a great option for those who are not very handy. The raised toilet seat is also very sturdy and can support up to 300 pounds, which is great for seniors and those with limited mobility. The raised toilet seat with handles is very safe to use and doubles as a stability safety frame, providing extra support and stability when getting up and sitting down.

However, some of the holes for the screws do not line up with the captivated nuts, which can make assembly difficult. Additionally, the higher up setting is not as good if you have a very low toilet. Finally, the directions for putting the product together could be better, which can make assembly more difficult than it needs to be.

Overall, we would recommend the OasisSpace Stand Alone Raised Toilet Seat for anyone looking for a reliable and sturdy raised toilet seat. It is a great option for seniors and those with limited mobility, and provides extra support and stability when getting up and sitting down.

Buying Guide

When choosing the best toilet for older people, there are several important factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:

Height

The height of the toilet is an important consideration for older people, as it can make it easier for them to sit down and stand up. Look for a toilet with a higher seat height, typically around 17-19 inches, compared to the standard height of 15 inches.

Comfort

Comfort is another important consideration when selecting a toilet for older people. Look for a toilet with a comfortable seat that is easy to sit on and get up from. Additionally, consider a toilet with a wider seat to provide more room for the user.

Safety

Safety features are essential when selecting a toilet for older people. Look for a toilet with grab bars or armrests to provide support and stability when sitting down or standing up. Additionally, consider a toilet with a non-slip surface to prevent slips and falls.

Flushing System

The flushing system is another important factor to consider when selecting a toilet for older people. Look for a toilet with a powerful and efficient flushing system that can clear waste with minimal water usage. Additionally, consider a toilet with a quiet flushing system to avoid disturbing others in the home.

Ease of Cleaning

Finally, consider the ease of cleaning when selecting a toilet for older people. Look for a toilet with a smooth surface that is easy to clean and maintain. Additionally, consider a toilet with a self-cleaning feature to minimize the need for manual cleaning.

In summary, when selecting the best toilet for older people, consider the height, comfort, safety, flushing system, and ease of cleaning. By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose a toilet that will provide comfort, safety, and convenience for older users.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of a comfort height toilet?

Comfort height toilets are taller than standard toilets, which makes them easier to use for older people and those with mobility issues. They reduce the strain on the knees and back, making it easier to sit and stand up.

Who makes the best comfort height toilets?

There are several companies that make excellent comfort height toilets for older people. Some of the top brands include Kohler, American Standard, TOTO, and Gerber.

Is there any difference between a comfort fit toilet and a handicapped toilet?

Yes, there is a difference. A comfort height toilet is taller than a standard toilet, while a handicapped toilet is designed with additional features such as grab bars and raised seats to make it easier for people with disabilities to use.

What is the highest toilet height?

The highest toilet height available is around 20 inches. However, most comfort height toilets are between 17 and 19 inches.

What is the best portable toilet for elderly?

The best portable toilet for elderly people is one that is lightweight, easy to use, and has a comfortable seat. Some good options include the Drive Medical Portable Toilet and the Cleanwaste Portable Toilet.

What are the best tall toilets for seniors?

Some of the best tall toilets for seniors include the Kohler Highline Comfort Height Toilet, the TOTO Drake II Two-Piece Elongated Toilet, and the American Standard Cadet 3 Tall Height Toilet. These toilets are designed with comfort and ease of use in mind, making them a great choice for older people.