Mobility Info - Canada
Toilet Lifters
These devices help people who are physically challenged in some way, with their day to day personal hygiene needs. It's easy to use one of these devices because the user remains seated until they wish to leave the seat! Toilet lifters keep users safe and supported while they are in control of their own personal hygiene management.
The seat is electronically operated and can be raised and lowered at will. This offers seniors, those who are fragile, and physically challenged people, the dignity and privacy they deserve. Self esteem is maintained because the user controls all of the action. Most models are very easy to install and can be adjusted to the user's height. There is always a large range of models which will suit anyone and because the controls are electronic, anyone can make use of them.
Toilet lifters have made many lives better and they are such a simple device. Humans need privacy at various times of their lives and being able to use a device like this enables us to maintain our human dignity. They work great if people lack much, or all, of the ability to bend at the knee, leg or hip, as well as if they need to be in a standing position in order to sit down -- such as in a small bathroom (which we have certainly all encountered! Once a user is seated and has finished, you'll be able to raise the seat to a comfortable standing height and merely walk away.
Toilet lifters are usually the commode type which lower into the toilet basin itself, thereby eliminating splashing. Nursing staff love these types of seats as they reduce the need to move heavy patients, and most importantly, let those patients have the privacy and dignity they deserve. Seats on these lifters are easy to clean and can be changed out to suit most any requirement. Power is supplied by means of 12 or 24 volt DC, depending on the model. This can come from a mains transformer or a battery pack, which is rechargeable and which meets all safety requirements.
No plumbing is needed to put in these toilet lifts because they go on right over your existing system. Toilet lifts fit most standard toilets, whether you are in the U.S., Canada or the U.K. They can lift up to 25 stones (350 pounds), depending on which model is being used. Most lifts come with at least a year's guarantee and are CE approved as well as being registered with the MDA (Medical Devices Agency). Many toilet lift companies will also be able to custom make electrical and mechanical devices if you need them.
Controls normally come in three types: Up and down buttons can be mounted on the right or left side arm supports. There's also a separate hand control if the unit comes without arm supports or the user has limited finger or hand function. At the ultimate end of ease and convenience -- there is the blow and suck method (air pressure control) which allows for completely hands-free operation. The latter may also be used in conjunction with standard buttons and/or a separate hand control. This air pressure method is often used by wheelchair users who have no movement in their hands and very limited other body movement.
A device like a toilet lift is incredibly morale boosting. When we can control at least some aspects of our lives like this, instead of relying on others to take care of personal needs, then we will improve the way we feel about ourselves and this will, indeed, give us a big "lift".
