04 July 2023
Written by Lizzie Quarterman,
Clinically reviewed by Sharon Coyle
One key bathroom aid for people with reduced mobility is a toilet frame or safety rail. Designed to bear your weight while you lower yourself down and lift yourself up again, these supports give people the extra stability they need to use the toilet safely.
But with so many different bathroom rails and frames to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide on the different types of toilet frames and toilet support rails – and who they’re best suited for.
But don’t forget – everyone’s needs are different. If you’re still unsure which solution is best for you, speak to a healthcare professional to get individual advice.
Designed to fit around the toilet, toilet frames offer extra stability when sitting and standing, allowing you to be more independent when you use the toilet. Specially designed for use in the bathroom, they’re typically made from a coated metal, making them easy to clean and resistant to corrosion.
When it comes to choosing the right frame, there’s a range of models and variations to suit different needs. Some toilet frames are designed to be permanently fixed to the floor, while others can be easily removed to accommodate other users of the bathroom. Some frames also include built-in raised toilet seats, reducing the distance that you have to lower yourself down.
The kind of toilet frame you’ll need will depend on your specific care requirements. Here’s a little more detail about the different types of frames – and who they’re best suited for.
As the name implies, permanent toilet frames are designed to be permanently fixed to the bathroom floor. These frames can be a great option if you live alone, or use a separate bathroom to the other people you live with. Because they’re attached to the floor, permanent frames can also be a better option if you need to minimise your fall risk.
Temporary toilet frames can be a good choice if you share a house with other people, or have frequent visitors. Designed to be easily removed, these free-standing frames are often foldable, so they can be tucked away neatly against the bathroom wall while they’re not needed. These frames usually include design features like non-slip rubber ferrules, helping to minimise the risk of falls.
Similarly to a toilet frame, toilet support rails are designed to offer extra stability while you are getting on and off the toilet. Support rails are usually fixed to the wall or floor (or both), and can often be folded out of the way when they’re not required. Although most rails are one-sided, there are also options for two-sided rails, which offer support on both sides of the toilet.
One-sided support rails can be a good choice if you are noticeably stronger on one side of your body, or only have the use of one arm. They’re also a useful option if you use a wheelchair, as they leave plenty of space around the toilet for you to transfer yourself back into your wheelchair. However, if you struggle with your balance, or have weakness on both sides of your body, a double-sided rail might be a better choice.
If you suffer from weakness or stiff joints, or who have problems with your balance, a double-sided toilet support rail is often the best solution. Designed to support you on both sides of the toilet, these rails give you the extra stability you need to manoeuvre yourself up and down. However, it’s worth considering whether a two-sided rail will obstruct transfers from and to a wheelchair. A healthcare professional will be able to advise on the best solution for your space.
Another consideration when shopping for toilet support rails is whether they’re going to be mounted to the floor or the wall of your bathroom. Wall-mounted rails tend to occupy less space than floor-mounted options, and can often be folded out of the way, making them perfect for smaller spaces.
However, these types of rails can only be used where the wall of the bathroom is strong enough to support your weight. Light stud partition walls, for example, are usually not strong enough for this purpose. In these cases, a floor-mounted system is the safer choice. We suggest you take the advice of a building profession as to the strength of your wall and the best fixings to be used.
Although they tend to take up a little more space, floor-mounted support rails are the perfect choice for bathrooms that can’t support a wall-mounted system. These rails can be screwed down into the floor, offering a permanent fixture of support for those with reduced mobility.
Whether you need a toilet frame or a toilet support rail will depend on a variety of factors, including the available space, the number of people using the bathroom, and – most importantly – your own needs and abilities.
One-sided toilet support rails are ideal if you have enough strength on at least one side of your body to lift and lower yourself with minimal support. They also take up less room than a toilet frame or double-sided rail, and can often be neatly tucked away when not in use.
However, if you have more severe mobility issues, or have issues with weakness, stiff joints or balancing, a system offering more support will likely be better for you. If your space can accommodate it, this might be a double-sided toilet rail or a toilet safety frame.
If you are still struggling to lower yourself down, even with additional support, it’s also worth considering a toilet frame with a built-in raised seat. Where minimising falls is especially important, make sure to choose a fixed option, rather than a freestanding system.
If you’re still unsure about which bathroom aid would be best for you, reach out to a healthcare professional, such as a care worker or an occupational therapist. They’ll be able to advise on the best solution for your specific needs.
Once you’ve decided on the type of support system you need, it’s also important to find the right model.
Here are some of the most important things to consider:
When it comes to shopping for toilet rails and frames, there’s a wide range of systems available online. With a variety of models, features and prices available, you can find the right aid to support everyday life – without leaving your home. And to make things even easier, some specialist providers – like Complete Care Shop – offer free advice from occupational therapists to help you find your perfect fit.
Ready to find yours? Shop toilet frames and toilet support rails online today.
At Complete Care Shop, we have a range of affordable toilet support systems designed to help people with reduced mobility to increase their independence and use the toilet safely. From toilet safety rails to toilet support frames and raised toilet seats, we’ve got bathroom aids to suit any requirement.
If you need any help or advice on finding the right toilet frame, please don’t hesitate to get in touch using our free online expert advice service. One of our on-hand occupational therapists will be more than happy to help you find the right one.
For people living with reduced mobility, going to the bathroom can be a struggle. That’s why we’re committed to helping people find the right bathroom aids for their needs and lifestyle – with on-hand occupational therapists offering free expert advice along the way.
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