The best toilet height for seniors is typically around 17 to 19 inches from the floor to the top of the seat. These are considered a comfortable height for most adults, as it allows them to sit down and stand up easily without straining their legs or back.
Some toilets that are designed specifically for seniors may have a slightly lower or higher seat height, depending on the needs and preferences of the user.
Today, different companies like American Standard and Kohler Co., are building ADA toilets, meaning they are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
ADA toilets, or “Americans with Disabilities Act” toilets, are designed to be accessible to people with disabilities, particularly those who use wheelchairs.
These toilets typically have wider openings and grab bars to assist with mobility, and may also have features like raised seats, lower sinks, and automatic flushing.
They are required in many public buildings and spaces in order to comply with the ADA, which is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability.
Of course, it makes sense that the best toilet height for seniors varies depending on the individual’s height and if they have limited mobility.
For example, some seniors may prefer taller toilets if they have difficulty bending down, while others may prefer a lower seat if they are short in stature. It may be helpful to try out a few different toilet heights to see which one is most comfortable and easy to use.
The one thing you do not want to do is to use a step stool to get onto or off the toilet. It’s too easy to slip off and injure yourself.
If you are designing or remodeling a bathroom and want to follow the recommendations of the American Disabilities Act (ADA) for toilets:
An ADA-compliant toilet should be at least 60 inches wide and have a seat between 17 and 19 inches from the base of the unit to the seat top. In addition, there should be 16 to 18 inches of room between the unit’s centerline and the sidewall.
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These days, the tallest toilets are called a convenient height toilet which is 21 inches high. This can be useful for taller people.
For safety’s sake, in addition to the seat height, it’s also important to consider the overall design and functionality of the toilet.
Family members should keep in mind the need for grab bars, especially if the older adult has a mobility issue. Installing grab bars on either side of the toilet will help to ensure their safety when getting up from or sitting on it.
The Best Toilet Features For Older Adults
There are several important features that can make toilets more comfortable and accessible for seniors.
- Height: As I mentioned earlier, a toilet with a seat height of 17 to 19 inches is generally considered to be the most comfortable for seniors. These are referred to as comfort height or chair height toilets.
- Raised toilet seat: If you don’t want to replace your toilet, a raised toilet seat is an excellent option to add additional height for seniors. These seats raise the height of your existing toilet by 2 to 4 inches and can make it easier to sit down and stand up with support.
- Design: It’s a personal preference, just like whether to hang a toilet paper roll from the front or the back. Some older adults are more comfortable on a round toilet seat whereas others prefer an elongated one.
- Toilet Bowl: Everyone has their own preference when it comes to the shape of the toilet bowl. Some prefer a low-profile model that is less likely to be uncomfortable for those with mobility issues, while others prefer a deeper bowl for added comfort and stability.
- Flushing mechanism: A hands-free flushing system can be helpful for seniors with mobility issues, as it allows them to flush the toilet without having to touch a handle or lever. Also, a lever may be easier (and more familiar) for some seniors than a push button.
- Grab bars: Grab bars installed near the toilet can provide additional support and stability for seniors when sitting down or standing up.
- Comfort: A toilet with a soft-close seat and lid can be more comfortable for seniors, as it can help to prevent the seat from slamming down and causing noise or vibration. Some toilets also have built-in heated seats, which can be especially helpful in cold climates.
- Water efficiency: A toilet that uses less water per flush can be more environmentally friendly and can also help to reduce water bills. This can be especially important for seniors who may be on a fixed income.
- Easy to clean: A toilet with smooth, easy-to-clean surfaces and a design that allows for easy access to all parts of the bowl can make it easier for seniors to maintain the toilet and keep it hygienic. You can even take it a step further and look into the many Self Cleaning Toilets available these days.
Of course, a raised toilet seat accessory can be added to a standard height toilet as well to raise it. But this does not raise the toilet bowl which may make it difficult for someone to reach the lever to flush the toilet.
It is important to consider the individual needs and preferences of the senior when selecting a toilet, as different features may be more or less important depending on the person’s specific needs and abilities.
What Is The Most Popular Toilet Height?
Regular toilets, (aka standard height toilets) are typically around 14 to 15 inches from the floor to the top of the seat. Generally speaking, these are the ones that are most often found in bathrooms across the world.
This is the standard height for most toilets and is considered comfortable and easy to use for the majority of people.
Older adults, however, may find that this standard height is too low and can cause strain on their bodies. For those with arthritis or other mobility issues, a higher toilet seat can make all the difference in terms of comfort and safety.
Chances are that if you are living in an older home and have not replaced your toilets in many years, you probably are living with a standard height toilet.
What Is A Comfort Height Toilet?
High toilets for seniors are also known as comfort height toilets. These have a higher seat height than a standard toilet. The seat height of a comfort height toilet is usually around 17 to 19 inches from the floor, which is similar to the height of a standard chair.
This is supposed to make it easier for people to sit down and stand up from the toilet, especially if they have mobility issues or are taller than average.
Comfort height toilets are also known as “right height” or “chair height” toilets and are often recommended for seniors or people with disabilities.
In addition to the seat height, comfort height toilets may also have other features that make them easier to use, such as a handrail or a raised seat.
These features can help users feel more secure and stable when using the toilet.
If you’re shopping for a toilet and are looking for a more comfortable and accessible option, a comfort height toilet may be a good choice.
How To Measure Toilet Height
To measure the height of a toilet, follow these steps:
- Stand facing the toilet and locate the top of the seat.
- Measure from the floor to the top of the seat using a tape measure or ruler.
- Record the measurement in inches.
It’s important to measure the height of the toilet seat rather than the height of the tank, as the seat height is the most relevant measurement for determining comfort and accessibility.
If you’re shopping for a new toilet and want to find one that is the right height for you or a loved one, you can use the measurement as a guide when comparing different models.
Keep in mind that the ideal toilet height can vary depending on an individual’s height and mobility, so it’s a good idea to try out a few different seat heights to see which one is most comfortable and easy to use.
Pros And Cons Of A Comfort Height Toilet
I myself have replaced all my toilets with a comfort height toilet because at this point in my life, I find these to be the most comfortable.
But, like most anything else, there are pros and cons to consider before you make the switch.
Pros of a comfort height toilet:
- Comfort: The higher seat height of a comfort height toilet can be more comfortable for some people, especially for those who have difficulty bending down or getting up from a lower seat.
- Accessibility: Comfort height toilets are often recommended for people with mobility issues, as they can be easier to use for people with limited range of motion or strength.
- Universal design: Comfort height toilets are part of the concept of universal design, which aims to make products and environments accessible to all people, regardless of age, size, or ability.
Cons of a comfort height toilet:
- Cost: Comfort height toilets can be more expensive than standard toilets, especially if you are replacing an existing toilet and need to purchase a new one.
- Height: While the higher seat height can be more comfortable for some people, it may be too high for others, particularly for children or shorter individuals.
- Flushing performance: Some people may find that the higher seat height of a comfort height toilet can make it more difficult to achieve a good flush, as the water level in the bowl may be lower than in a standard toilet.
Overall, whether a comfort height toilet is a good choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you have mobility issues or find it difficult to use a standard toilet, a comfort height toilet may be a good option for you.
However, if you are generally comfortable using a standard toilet and do not have any specific accessibility needs, a standard toilet may be a more suitable choice.
What’s The Difference Between Chair Height And Comfort Height Toilets?
Chair height and comfort height toilets are both types of toilets that have a taller seat height than a standard toilet. The seat height of a chair height toilet is usually around 17 inches, while the seat height of a comfort height toilet is usually around 17 to 19 inches.
These two labels are often associated with the same type of toilet but the difference can be an inch or two.
So, if your salesperson refers to a toilet as either “chair height” or “comfort height”, just measure the height of the seat yourself to make sure it’s the right fit for you.
Are Comfort Height Toilets Good For Short People?
Comfort height toilets, also known as “right height” or “chair height” toilets, are designed to be more comfortable and accessible for people with mobility issues or who are taller than average.
I have a friend who is barely 5 feet tall and for her, a comfort height toilet is just a bit too high for her to use comfortably.
The seat height of a comfort height toilet is usually around 17 to 19 inches, which is similar to the height of a standard chair.
It’s important to consider your own height and mobility when choosing a toilet, and to try out a few different seat heights to see which one is most comfortable and easy to use.
Is A Comfort Height Toilet Worth It?
Whether or not a comfort height toilet is worth it will depend on your personal needs and preferences.
If you or a loved one have mobility issues or are taller than average and find it difficult to use a standard toilet, a comfort height toilet may be worth considering. They can provide a more comfortable and accessible experience and may be easier to use on a daily basis.
However, if you don’t have any mobility issues and are comfortable using a standard toilet, a comfort height toilet may not be necessary. In this case, it may be more cost-effective to stick with a standard toilet.
It’s important to make every area of your home as safe as possible and that includes your bathroom and your toilets. It’s not just about comfort, it’s about safety too.
Ultimately, the decision to purchase a comfort height toilet should be based on your personal needs and preferences.
Are Round Or Elongated Toilets Better?
Both round and elongated toilets have their own unique features and benefits, and the best choice for you will depend on your personal preference and the needs of your household.
Here are some things to consider when deciding between a round and an elongated toilet:
- Shape: Round toilets have a circular bowl that is shorter and wider than an elongated bowl. Elongated bowls are oval-shaped and are longer and narrower than round bowls.
- Comfort: Some people find that elongated toilets are more comfortable to sit on because they offer more surface area and support. Others prefer round toilets because they take up less space in the bathroom.
- Size: Round toilets are typically smaller in size than elongated toilets, which can be a benefit if you have a small bathroom or limited space. Elongated toilets may be a better choice if you have more space and want a toilet that is more comfortable to sit on.
- Appearance: Both round and elongated toilets can have a modern or traditional appearance, depending on the design and style. Some people prefer the sleek, streamlined look of an elongated toilet, while others prefer the more compact and traditional look of a round toilet.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your personal preference and the needs of your household. It may be helpful to try out both types of toilets to see which one is more comfortable and easy to use.
Best Toilets To Choose From
Here are just some of the best toilets that you can choose from to help make your bathroom safer and more comfortable either for yourself or the senior citizens in your life.
Comfort Right Seat Toilet – 21 inches Tall
This 21 inch tall toilet with an elongated bowl has a soft closing seat. It’s 4 inches higher than the standard ADA toilets which makes it perfect for taller seniors.
Comfort Height Toilet – 20 inches Tall
Another toilet with a soft close seat but only 20 inches tall. Includes a solid metal handle as well as a new generation dual flush system.
In conclusion, the best toilet height for seniors is one that allows them to sit down and stand up comfortably and safely. This is typically a toilet that is higher than the standard height of 15 inches, such as a comfort height toilet which measures around 17-19 inches.
It is important to consider the specific needs and abilities of the senior in question when determining the best toilet height, as well as any mobility aids they may use.
Installing a higher toilet or adding a toilet riser can greatly improve the accessibility and comfort of the bathroom for seniors, helping to prevent falls and other accidents.
