The Complete Guide to Toilets for Older People in the UK (2025)

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Raised Toilets • Smart Toilets • Bidet Toilets • Electronic Toilet Lifters

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For many older adults, using the toilet safely and independently becomes increasingly difficult due to reduced mobility, arthritis, balance issues, and chronic pain. Choosing the right toilet for an elderly person can dramatically improve comfort, dignity, hygiene, and long-term wellbeing.

There are various models and designs to suit all types of mobility needs such as raised height toilets, a comfort-height toilet, a bidet toilet, or a smart toilet or even a toilet lifter with a built-in bidet. This guide explains everything an older person (or family member) needs to know— including features, costs, and the most suitable option for your needs.

1. Why Choosing the Right Toilet Matters for Older Adults

For many people over sixty-five or those who have reduced mobility, chronic pain or illness, the standard UK toilet design becomes increasingly difficult to use. Problems such as struggling to sit down or stand back up, knee, hip, or back pain, poor balance or fear of falling, reduced hand strength or limited mobility due to arthritis, stroke, MS, Parkinson’s, or reduced muscle strength can all make the bathroom feel unsafe.

A poorly suited toilet doesn’t just affect comfort — it increases the risk of falls and decreases independence. Installing a toilet designed for an elderly person can restore confidence, dignity, and daily comfort.

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2. Raised Toilets for the Elderly

A simple and highly effective mobility adaptation

Raised toilets — often known as comfort-height toilets, high toilets for the elderly, or easy-access toilets — are elevated beyond the standard height to make sitting and standing easier.

What Is a Raised Toilet?

A standard UK toilet is approximately 400mm high. A raised or comfort-height toilet increases this to 460–480mm, bringing the seat closer to a natural standing height. This reduces joint strain, helps with balance issues, and makes it far easier to lower and rise safely. But most importantly it provides confidence to the user who may have struggled to use their standard toilet or had a fall. Grab bars can provide further reassurance and independence when placed next to the toilet.

Key Benefits of Raised Toilets for Elderly People

  • Easier to sit and stand
    Reduces pressure on knees, hips, and lower back.
  • Improved safety
    Less risk of losing balance or needing to pull on unstable fixtures.
  • Increased independence
    Older adults can use the toilet with less assistance.
  • Suitable for arthritis and mobility conditions
    Ideal for people with joint pain or reduced leg strength.
  • Looks like a normal toilet
    Modern comfort-height toilets are stylish and blend into any bathroom design.

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Raised Toilet Features to Consider

FeatureWhy It Matters
Comfort-height seat (460–480mm)Most important measurement for elderly users
Soft-close seatPrevents slamming and reduces hand strain
Ergonomic bowl shapeAdds stability when sitting
Optional grab railsAdditional support for balance

At AHM Installations. we don’t just supply and fit raised toilets, we integrate them as part of a complete accessible bathroom design such as a walk-in shower, wet room, or walk-in bath to ensure the full spectrum of bathroom needs are met.

Learn more about our walk-in showers and wet rooms installation service.

3. Toilets With Bidet Functions (Wash & Dry Toilets)

Improved hygiene, reduced strain, and a dignified cleansing experience

Bidet toilets — sometimes called wash-and-dry toilets, smart bidet toilets, or toilets for elderly with bidet — are becoming increasingly popular in the UK.

These toilets automatically wash and dry the user, making them ideal for people with limited flexibility or difficulty reaching. Some models also have additional features such as heated seats, or night lights and remote controls to provide an enhanced experience.

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Bidet Toilet Features

  • Warm-water wash
  • Adjustable pressure and angle
  • Warm air drying
  • Soft-close heated seat
  • Remote or side control panel
  • Self-cleaning nozzles
  • Deodorising function (premium models)

We supply and fit several bidet toilet options suitable for elderly users across the UK.

Benefits of Bidet Toilets for Elderly People

  • Better hygiene
    Gentle warm water washing reduces infection risk and improves cleanliness.
  • No need to twist or reach
    Essential for people with arthritis, spinal issues, or reduced mobility.
  • More comfortable than wiping
    Soft water spray is soothing for sensitive skin and chronic pain.
  • Reduces carer involvement
    Promotes independence and dignity for those who prefer privacy.
  • Some can be installed on existing toilets
    A cost-effective alternative to a full replacement.

4. Smart Toilets for Elderly Users in the UK

Technology designed for comfort, safety, and independence

Similarly to bidets, smart toilets combine comfort-height design with integrated bidet functions, automatic flushing, hands-free operation, and hygiene features ideal for older adults.

Why Smart Toilets Work Especially Well for Older People

  • Hands-free operation
    Many models open, flush, and clean automatically.
  • Reduces fall risk
    No bending or twisting to flush or clean.
  • Hygienic and low maintenance
    Perfect for people who struggle with cleaning the bathroom.
  • Luxury comfort features
    Heated seats, night lights, and gentle air drying.
  • Ideal for long-term health conditions
    Especially beneficial for mobility limitations or chronic pain.

5. Electronic Toilet Lifters: The EasiLoo & EasiLoo Plus

One of the most effective solutions for people struggling to sit or stand

For elderly people with severe mobility issues, arthritis, or balance problems, even a raised toilet may not be enough.

That’s where an electronic toilet lifter comes in. It’s a powered unit that gently lowers the user into a seated position and lifts you back up again — just like an electric rise-and-recline chair.

At AHM Installations we are the sole supplier of the EasiLoo and EasiLoo Plus, two of the most supportive toilet lifters available in the UK.

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Both models fit over your existing toilet but provide a higher seating position – and the EasiLoo requires no water connection of mains power.

The EasiLoo Plus had built in bidet functionality, so you can wash and dry yourself in comfort with no twisting or bending. It also has a night light for when you need to take a nighttime trip to the bathroom, and it’s also got a heated seat for those colder days and a remote control so you can operate everything comfortably from the touch of a button

The EasiLoo and EasiLoo Plus provide dignity, confidence, and safety for people who can no longer safely use a standard toilet.

The EasiLoo – Key Features

  • Smooth electric lifting and lowering
  • Stable arm supports for safe transfers
  • Fits over most UK standard toilets
  • Easy to use push-button controls
  • Ideal for arthritis, weakness, and balance issues
  • Battery operated – no need to connect to water or electricity supply

The EasiLoo Plus – Additional Benefits

  • Wash and dry functions
  • Heated seat
  • Night light
  • Remote control
  • Wider and stronger unit for heavier users
  • Excellent for people with progressive conditions
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Who Benefits Most From the EasiLoo Range?

  • People with arthritis or joint degeneration
  • Those recovering from major surgery
  • Those with MS, Parkinson’s, or neurological conditions
  • Individuals recovering from hip/knee surgery
  • Anyone unable to stand up safely from a low toilet

Learn more about the EasiLoo Toilet Lifter and EasiLoo Plus

6. Comparing Toilet Options for Elderly Users

Toilet TypeBest ForKey Benefits
Raised/Comfort-Height ToiletMild–moderate mobility issuesEasier standing/sitting
Bidet ToiletPeople with flexibility issuesWash & dry, improved hygiene
Smart ToiletThose wanting full automationHands-free, luxury, hygiene
EasiLoo/EasiLoo PlusSevere mobility challengesPower-assisted lifting

7. Do You Qualify for NHS Support or Disabled Facilities Grants?

Many people don’t realise they can receive help toward the cost of accessible bathroom equipment.

NHS & OT Recommendations

While the NHS rarely funds full smart toilets, Occupational Therapists frequently recommend:

  • Raised toilets
  • Toilet frames
  • Electronic toilet lifters (in some regions)

Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)

You may also qualify for up to £30,000 in adaptations depending on your income and needs  – you will need to check with your local council or you can find out more here

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8. Why Choose AHM Installations to Supply and Fit a New Bidet Toilet?

For over 26 years, AHM has specialised in accessible bathrooms for elderly and disabled people across the UK. Unlike many companies, we provide:

  • Free home surveys, quotations, and expert advice
  • Full installation by DBS-checked teams
  • Which? Trusted Trader
  • Over 320+ Trustpilot reviews
  • National supply and installation, but still with family-run values

Whether you need a simple raised toilet or a complete mobility bathroom, we make the process safe, simple, and stress-free.

Choosing the right toilet for an older person or someone with reduced mobility is one of the simplest ways to improve daily life, wellbeing, and independence. From raised toilets to smart bidet toilets and electronic toilet lifters like the EasiLoo, there is a solution for every home, every budget, and every mobility need.

AHM Installations we’ll guide you and advise on the best solutions to suit your needs— with friendly expertise, trusted service, and accessible solutions designed around you.

9. Get a Free Brochure or Home Visit

If you or a loved one is struggling with toileting, now is the time to explore your options, call us on 0800 731 6495 to discuss raised toilets, bidet toilets, the EasiLoo range.Request your FREE brochure
Book a FREE no-obligation home survey

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