1. Module: Toilet and shower chairs
  2. Lesson 1: Introduction to toilet and shower chairs
  3. Topic 1 of 3

Toilet chairs

Topic Progress:

Different types of toilets are used around the world.

Toilets are set up for people to use them either by squatting or sitting.

A person crouches over a toilet set in the ground.

Squatting

A person sits on a toilet built above the ground.

Sitting

Discussion

A small wood hut with walls and roof are built around a pit in the ground.

Pit / squatting toilet

A white toilet with a seat, lid and water tank is kept in a small room with toilet paper nearby.

Flushing / sitting toilet

In your area, are squatting or sitting toilets most common?

A toilet chair can be placed over most types of toilet to help people use the toilet more easily.

A toilet chair placed over a pedestal toilet. The seat of the toilet chair is higher and arms provide a place to grip.

Toilet chair over a sitting toilet

In some situations, it may be more practical to use a toilet chair in a private location other than over the toilet.

In this situation a toilet chair with a removable bucket is used. The bucket can be emptied into the toilet after use.

A padded chair with a cut out in the seat and a bucket attached underneath.

Toilet chair with bucket

Question

What are some reasons why it may be more practical to use a toilet chair with its own bucket?

Click to see answer

Some possible reasons are:

  • The person has difficulty getting to or into the toilet area
  • A toilet chair cannot be safely placed over the toilet
  • A lot of people share the same toilet.

There are many types of toilet chairs.

Always look for these important features when selecting toilet chairs:

Important features

To be safe and effective, all toilet chairs should:

  • Be strong and durable
  • Be rust and water resistant
  • Have a smooth finish to prevent injury
  • Have rubber stoppers on legs (unless they have wheels)
  • Have brakes (if they have wheels, not legs)
  • Have height adjustable legs
  • Be specified to carry the weight of the user.

A toilet chair placed over a sitting toilet. The seat of the toilet chair is higher and arms provide a place to grip.

A box with a picture of the same toilet and toilet chair on it. Text reads ‘Compact. Height adjustable. 130 kilogram weight limit.’ The 130 kilogram weight limit is circled.

Other features

Other features that are useful, particularly for people who are less mobile or need more support are:

  • A removable bucket
  • Castor wheels (wheels that turn / swivel)
  • Height adjustable armrests
  • Swing away armrests
  • Height adjustable and swing away footrests
  • Padding on seat and armrests
  • Backrest with padding

A padded chair with a cut out in the seat and a bucket attached underneath. It has castor wheels on the legs and footrests.

Activity

Look closely at the toilet chairs available at your service or in your local area.

  • How many of the ‘important features’ listed above does each toilet chair have?
  • How many of the ‘other features’ does each toilet chair have?
  • Do the toilet chairs have other features not listed above?
  1. Module: Toilet and shower chairs
  2. Lesson 1: Introduction to toilet and shower chairs
  3. Topic 1 of 3

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