Toilet Aids

Using the toilet independently is one of the things people most want to hold on to, and it is usually small changes that make the difference. Our toilet aids are made for elderly and disabled users, and for anyone recovering from hip or knee surgery who has been told not to lower themselves too far. Most qualify for VAT relief, and UK delivery is free on orders over £15.

Where most people start

The usual first step is a seat raiser, which lifts your existing toilet by a few inches so there is less distance to lower into and push back up from. That single change takes a surprising amount of strain off the hips, knees and lower back. You will find the full range on our raised toilet seats page, including fixed and height-adjustable models, options with and without a lid, and seats that fit square and D-shaped pans as well as round ones.

Where getting to the bathroom is the harder part, a wheeled shower commode chair allows someone to be moved from the bedroom, used over the toilet and washed, without repeated transfers in and out of a seat.

Working out what you need

• Is the problem height, or balance? If standing up is the struggle, a seat raiser usually solves it. If staying steady is the struggle, you need something to hold on to as well.
• Who else uses the bathroom? A height-adjustable seat suits shared households, because it can be set differently for different people or removed easily.
• What shape is your toilet? This catches people out. Many modern UK toilets have square or D-shaped pans, and a lot of raisers only fit round ones. Measure your pan, or call us and we will check before you order.
• Is this temporary or permanent? After a hip or knee replacement most people need extra height for a matter of weeks or months, so a simple fixed raiser is often enough.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a toilet aid after a hip replacement? Very often, yes. Most surgeons ask you not to bend the hip past 90 degrees for a period after surgery, and a standard toilet sits low enough to break that limit. A seat raiser is one of the items occupational therapists most commonly suggest having ready before you come home.

Will these fit my toilet? Our EZY-FIT seats fit both round and square pans. If you have an unusual shape, measure the pan or give us a call and we will check for you.

Do I need a plumber? No. Everything here fits onto your existing toilet without tools or plumbing for most models, and can be removed just as easily.

Can I buy toilet aids VAT-free? Yes — if you are disabled or have a long-term illness you can usually buy VAT-free by completing the short declaration at checkout.

Toilet aids sit within our wider bathroom range, alongside bath boards, bath seats and shower stools and chairs. Not sure what you need? Call our UK team on 01531 635678 or email shop@helping-hand.com — we have been helping people stay independent since 1965.