Take the Fear Out of Bathroom Falls with a Power Toilet Lift

October is the time of year when we embrace all things spooky and scary. While many people are caught up in ghoulish costumes and eerie decorations, a large number of older adults and mobility-restricted individuals face a different kind of fear every day - the fear of falling. And with good reason - falls are a leading cause of injury and death in the home, ranking as the second-leading cause of preventable injury-related fatalities.¹

Bathrooms are particularly risky. One study examining at-home falls found the bathroom among the top three locations where older adults reported falling.² Bathing and toileting are the activities most associated with these falls, with toilet-related injuries especially prevalent in individuals aged 65 and older.³

Fortunately, there are solutions that can help make the bathroom a less scary place. A power toilet lift is one simple tool that enables safer, more independent toileting - helping reduce fall risk and restore confidence. Read on to learn how this versatile aid works and get tips on choosing the right fit for your needs.

The Relationship Between Fear and Falls

Much research has focused on quantifying the physical impact of falls – but what about the mental impact? Fear of falling is prominent in populations at greater risk of experiencing falls, with some research citing that nearly half of elderly individuals have expressed such fears.⁴

Fear of falling can have a powerful impact on people’s daily lives. People who fear falling may begin to doubt themselves and shy away from doing activities they perceive to be dangerous, thus decreasing their independence and overall quality of life. Fear of falling and fall occurrence are also believed to have “a reciprocal relationship, with one potentially amplifying the other.”⁵
 

Why the Bathroom Can Be a Scary Place

Most home bathrooms are compact, making them difficult to navigate for people with mobility challenges - especially when walkers or wheelchairs are involved. On top of that, bathroom surfaces are unforgiving. Hard porcelain and tile offer no cushion in the event of a fall, and when wet, their slipperiness only adds to the risk.

Unsurprisingly, multiple studies looking at the relationship between the indoor home environment and fear of falling identified the bathroom as a common area of concern, with low toilets and wet walls topping the list of reported barriers. Encouragingly, research also shows that addressing these obstacles through simple home modifications can significantly reduce fear of falling.⁵
 

Restoring Independence, Reducing Fear

Bathroom modifications can range from comprehensive construction and custom-built solutions to simple changes like brighter light bulbs and a grab bar. The key to success lies in remembering that one size does not fit all when it comes to bathroom accessibility. Modifications should be matched to the individual’s mobility level, with the goal of maximizing independence and minimizing both fall risk and fear of falling.

Raised toilet seats and grab bars are often a common starting point. By reducing the distance required to sit down or stand up, raised seats lessen lower-body strain and make it easier to use the toilet. Grab bars add further support by allowing users to rely less on lower-body strength while also steadying themselves.

While these common bathroom aids may provide enough support for individuals with minimal lower-body weakness, they can fall short for those with greater mobility challenges. For example, even with a raised toilet seat, individuals with upper-body weakness may still struggle to push or pull themselves back to a fully standing position using grab bars alone.

Power toilet lifts, which gently lower and raise the user, provide significantly more support than a raised seat or grab bar. Because they assist throughout the entire sit-to-stand motion, these lifts require little to no caregiver involvement—allowing users to use the restroom confidently and privately, without fear of falling.

The LiftSeat Independence is one of the most versatile toilet lift options available. With the largest range of heights and numerous accessories to choose from (like an electric washing bidet seat), it can be customized to meet nearly any individual need. It is also easy to install (no tools required) and compact enough to fit in most bathroom spaces. Unlike many other similar lifts, LiftSeat units are all manufactured in the US, ensuring the utmost safety, reliability, and quick access to customer support. 

To learn more about LiftSeat Toilet Lifts for home use, click here or call 1-877-665-4381. 

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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