Tips for low seats etc

This is so true. Low seats are a nightmare.

Have found a number of techniques.

Firstly, develope an encyclopedic knowledge of where all the
hand / safety rails are and sit in the place where you can pull
yourself up on them. If none are within reach a gradually increasing
rocking motion back and forward until you have enough momentum
to either get up or reach something to get you up.

Or take a walking stick. Found the “Swan neck” ones you can pull
yourself up in turn. Or a rollator, a walking frame with seat,
the handles are the grab rails. In the end gave up and
bought a mobility scooter, the world is better from
your own low seat.

This is a really difficult problem for many and needs to be discussed and acted upon.There are a number of apps for iphone and other systems available that can help locate one, or you might use a suitable web site like

http://changingplaces.uktoiletmap.org/

Thos that I ahve used can vary in quality as you might expect. Some have really excellent facilities, whilst others, like one in Chester, although identified as a self cleaning room , are indeed quite filthy. I am not aware of any portable seat raisers, although it is possible that one like this http://www.mobilitysmart.cc/luxury-padded-toilet-seat-raiser.html, could be carried ina back pack on a scooter or chair, and used when you visit a facility. perhaps there is a market for a design for a portable version which cna be inflated when necessary using a small can of air?

A cheaaper version can be found here https://www.completecareshop.co.uk/toileting-aids/raised-toilet-seats/2-inch-padded-raised-toilet-seat
If you use sticks to get about with the coupled with one of those you might find that you cna begin to use many more facilities.

What about others? Disabled toilets are a constant bone of contention for us all ( a few days ago I saw drug users coming out of one, note the plural term). But I believe that raised seats is a topic that seems to be rarely considered by designers. Has anyone else any thoughts and suggestions?

Mike

PS with regard to Dragon, to know her would help you understand, but I would not change her for the world.

To Mike,

Thank you so much for your reply. I have bookmarked both those padded raised toilet seats to look at later. It could be a solution, I hope, and lessen my anxiety.

As you say, raised toilet seats are not thought about at all in public places. This lack of suitable facilities for myself and others makes going out for a drink or a meal extremely difficult. Many places offer disabled facilities but that just means more space (than I necessarily need) and a low toilet seat for wheelchair transfer, which is useless to me and others.

As my condition progresses sit to stand is becoming a real issue. I now sit in my scooter if I do go out for a meal or drink, which is rare due to reasons above. But at least this is possible.

As I say many thanks for your reply. I feel more hopeful. Thank you.

the problem I found with raised toilet seats was that to be secure meant removing the standard toilet seat.