HealthInfo Canterbury
Toilet frames & surrounds
Ngā tapanga heketua
An over-toilet frame makes getting on and off the toilet both easier and safer. It raises the toilet seat height and has armrests, which are an alternative to rails.
The over-toilet frame has four adjustable legs, a plastic toilet seat, a splash guard and armrests. The legs are adjustable in 2.5 cm steps.
In case the floor isn't level, one of the legs has extra adjustment holes every 1.25 cm. These can help to stop the frame wobbling.
Installing an over-toilet frame
- Lift up the existing seat and lid before fitting. You might need to remove the seat and lid entirely so the frame can fit properly, and the splash guard sits nicely in the toilet bowl.
- Find the row of holes on each leg of the frame and the small button that will be in one of the holes.
- To change the height of each leg, push the button in and slide the lower leg section up or down.
- Make sure the button pops out of the hole to lock it in position.
- Place the frame directly over the toilet. Then lift the seat of the frame and put the splash guard in place. Ensure it is fitted correctly to the frame and goes partway down inside the toilet bowl. The splash guard is to stop any splashes going onto the floor.
- Sit on the seat and make sure it's at a comfortable height with your feet firmly on the floor. The seat shouldn't pinch the backs of your legs. If it does, the splash guard might not be sitting right.
- Remember that other members of the household might also use the toilet frame. Check whether the height is also safe for them to use.
Cleaning and maintaining a toilet frame
An over-toilet frame is in constant contact with moisture and body fluids. You'll need to clean it as regularly as you clean your toilet. Use warm soapy water or regular household cleaner and remove the splash guard for a good clean.
Toilet surrounds
A toilet surround is a U-shaped piece of equipment that you can use to make it easier and safer to use the toilet. It provides you with armrests to support you as you get on and off the toilet. It's an alternative to putting rails by your toilet.
A toilet surround doesn't have a seat attached to it. Usually, the surround is supplied with its legs adjusted to the shortest length so you can fit it in a car more easily.
Installing a toilet surround
When you get it home, you'll need to adjust the legs.
- Find the row of holes on each leg of the frame. There will be a small button in one of the holes.
- To change each leg height, push the button in and slide the lower leg section up or down.
- Once you get the correct height, make sure the button pops out of the correct hole to lock it in position.
- You might need to widen the frame so there's enough room for you to turn around and wipe yourself. Use the adjustment screws – there are usually two on the front horizontal bar. You might only need to adjust one side to give you room. Unscrew the connection and pull that side of the frame outwards until you match up with a new hole for the screw. When it's the right width, reattach and secure the screws the same way they were undone.
- This frame sits with the wide opening towards the back of the toilet, and the horizontal bar touching the front of the toilet.
- Sit on the toilet seat and make sure you can use the armrests of the surround easily and they're at the right height for you. Put equal weight on both sides of the surround to avoid the frame tipping to the side.
- If your toilet has a side vent, it may prevent the legs of the frame sitting straight.
If you need more information about how to use a toilet frame or surround safely, contact your retail supplier or an occupational therapist.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Age Concern – Equipment suppliers
A directory of businesses and organisations that supply disability and mobility equipment for people of all ages.
Written by the South Canterbury DHB. Adapted by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed November 2022.
SourcesReview key: HIDAH-120231
