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

December 15, 2025

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

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.

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.

Raised Toilet Features to Consider

Feature	Why It Matters
Comfort-height seat (460–480mm)	Most important measurement for elderly users
Soft-close seat	Prevents slamming and reduces hand strain
Ergonomic bowl shape	Adds stability when sitting
Optional grab rails	Additional support for balance

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.

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)

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.

We are the sole supplier of the EasiLoo and EasiLoo Plus, two of the most supportive toilet lifters available in the UK.

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 has 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

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 and EasiLoo Plus

6. Comparing Toilet Options for Elderly Users

Toilet Type	Best For	Key Benefits
Raised/Comfort-Height Toilet	Mild–moderate mobility issues	Easier standing/sitting
Bidet Toilet	People with flexibility issues	Wash & dry, improved hygiene
Smart Toilet	Those wanting full automation	Hands-free, luxury, hygiene
EasiLoo/EasiLoo Plus	Severe mobility challenges	Power-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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