Transfer

III. Transfers

B. Transfer Devices

7. Toilet Transfers/Raised Toilet Seats

One cannot discuss problems within the bathroom without acknowledging potential problems getting to and using the toilet. The height of the toilet seat can be problematic for those with transfer difficulties. The height of a standard toilet is about 14 inches. This height is preferred by people of small stature since it is easier for them to use. But an elevated toilet seat that is at least 18 inches tall makes transfers easier for the average height adult. It will help eliminate or lessen the stress on the knees when sitting or standing. Transferring onto and off an elongated toilet seat is much easier than transferring onto and off a standard toilet seat.

There are simple devices available to aid toilet transfers. If a standard toilet is used and it's too low for comfortable transfers, a variety of raised toilet seats are available to attach to the toilet bowl to increase its height. Some of these seats have armrests that provide additional support when sitting or standing. It is important that these devices are examined frequently to ensure they are mounted securely.

Some individuals do no like they way the toilet looks with the raised toilet seat or feel it is more complicated to keep the toilet clean. Some may be abandoned and not used if more than one person of varying ages and heights reside in the home, for example, an elder mother living with her adult daughter and her small children. The seat will need to be installed for the elder mother to use and removed for the smaller children to use. Overtime, abandonment of the device can occur.

To remove the stigma behind the use of a raised toilet seat, a new device has emerged to add height to the toilet bowl without having to add and remove the seat. This device is called the Toilevator.

The Toilevator is a spacer that is installed under the base of your toilet, adding 3.5 inches of additional height to a standard toilet of 14 to 15 inch height. The toilet will maintain its appearance without looking institutional. It will support up to 500 pounds minus the weight of the toilet filled with water. The installation is not all that complicated, but would recommend the use of a plumber since the water will need to be turned off and a new seal will need to be installed.

Sometimes all that is initially needed is a small grab bar installed by the toilet to provide that little assistance with transfers. Grab bars can be mounted just about anywhere there is wall stud. Some are mounted on the sink's wooden vanity or floor mounted when it is directly beside the toilet and there is limited space.

Toilet safety frames can provide bilateral support for toilet transfers. They are usually made of an aluminum or plastic frame that attaches to the toilet bowl. The frames handrails are made of plastic or a soft rubber material. These devices have adjustable widths to accommodate for the care recipient's body size.

It is important to remember that ample floor space is needed in front and to the side of the toilet for accessible transfers. There needs to be at least 42 inches of clearance space on one side of the toilet to make accessible side transfers. For a stand and pivot transfer in front of the toilet, at least 18 inches is needed for a care recipient that uses a wheelchair to approach and transfer to and from the toilet (Jacobs, 2001). Those who are unable to stand and pivot, ample room is need to use a transfer board safely. Below are two examples of other types of transfer boards, one curved and one with rollers.

Curved Transfer Board	Board with Rollers

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