How the Right Toilet Can Make Aging in Place Easier
We have been getting a slew of calls over the past several months from folks wanting to renovate their bathrooms with an eye toward aging in place.
As with all our inquiries, we begin by asking a lot of questions followed by sharing an equal amount of information. Amenities for the accessible bathroom can include raised countertops to avoid having to bend over too much, paddle faucets that enable you to turn on and off the water without having to grasp and turn a knob, barrier free shower entry, slip resistant flooring and hands-free taller toilets.
After discussing the possibilities, the next conversation is about cost. The prices of converting a typical bathroom into a completely accessible bathroom can approach six figures, so many people opt for a hybrid solution that addresses some of their most basic issues.
One popular modification is the touchless toilet. Just as it sounds, this is a hands-free option that can be a real godsend to aging in place.
To help us learn more about these devices we turned to Dallas Bradford of Central Arizona Supply, a Rosie trusted supplier for over 30 years.

When Toilets and Bidets Were Two Separate Units
There was a time when a bidet and a toilet were two separate units, used in combination. While common in Europe, bidets tend to be a novelty in America. The expense of having a second fixture that needed to be roughed in, adding a second supply line, and the additional space next to the toilet made the addition of a bidet an impractical choice. While the washing function of the bidet is convenient, the increase in costs is not.
Start With a Toilet That is ADA compliant
Height is the key to ADA compliant toilets. A typical toilet fixture is 15“high. Dallas tells us there are two other heights that have become standards, 17” known as the comfort’ height’, and 19” high which is the real ADA standard.
The comfort and ADA heights are designed so you can get up and down easier. The 19” height is designed for easier transfer to and from a wheelchair.

Combining a Toilet and a Bidet
An innovative plumbing fixture manufacturer, Toto USA, (arguably the industry leader), has developed what they call the Washlet System. As you may have already guessed, it is a combination of toilet and bidet in one fixture. To install this type of system, a 120-volt electrical outlet will need to be installed in the space behind the toilet, usually on the left side.
Dallas took the time to relay the many innovative features this system has, and trust me, there is a bunch.
Special Features available:
- Auto open and close- a sensor system opens and closes the lid when you come into the toilet space. The same sensor can auto flush the toilet when you leave. The covers or lids go up and down automatically as well.
- Lights for nighttime use.
- Pre-mist – This lines the interior bowl with a mist like liquid that makes for easier cleaning.
- Heated Seats- Adjustable temperatures to your liking and comfort.
- Programable remote for multiple users.
- Auto wand for rinsing and drying.
- Auto flush.
The innovation is an all-in-one system that has all the necessary parts collected neatly into the fixture. There are many brands available for a combo toilet and bidet. While it is possible to buy a washlet for any brand of toilet, the Toto Washlet and toilet combination is a well-designed unit that eliminates unsightly wires and bulk.
Toto USA has several different models of basic fixtures to choose from. Choices include design, color, and features important to the homeowner.
More cool features of the Washlet
The washing function utilizes an adjustable wand that maneuvers into place to perform the cleaning. This utilizes a small electric motor and can have different settings for different users. Other features are:
- Adjustable water temperature. Incorporated into the device is a way to heat the water to meet your comfort level. Believe me, you want this feature. Y’all don’t want the cold water that is hooked up to the toilet as part of the experience!
- Water pressure is also adjustable. Not unlike the adjustment on a handheld shower, you can choose the type of water stream from a massage setting to a shower setting. Y’all want this feature as well. As with other features, more than one setting for different users is available.
All functions are controlled by buttons on a wall mounted control panel. This is mounted on an adjacent wall in easy reach of the toilet.
What y’all need to know is that the cost of a good Washlet system starts at about $1400. This system provides a lot of independence and is much cheaper than the price of a whole bathroom remodel.
Grab Bars
Dallas reminded us that any conversation about aging in place toilet spaces needs to include a brief conversation about grab bars.
Grab bars need to have backing that is solid and strong enough to support the weight of a person. Depending on the age of your home, 70’s, 80’s or even 90’s or older, structural backing was not typically included in the framing system. That has changed, and now most new homes and all of our remodels include that backing. If you do not have behind the drywall backing, do not despair. Adding a decorative, solid piece of wood or metal that attaches to your existing framing can solve your problem. Be sure to hire a qualified contractor to ensure safe installation.
Speaking of decorative bars, Dallas tells us that grab bars have come a long way. There are several decorative styles available. Different finishes can be chosen to match your bathroom décor. The old institutional stainless-steel models have been greatly improved.
Dignity
Toileting is a part of life we do not want to share with others. The features of a Washlet enable someone with special needs due to injury, illness or age the privacy we all desire. Needing help with the normal functions in and around the toilet can be embarrassing when we lose our ability to function independently. The touchless toilet affords one the ability to function alone and retain some semblance of dignity that comes with even a modicum independence.
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PODCAST
PHOTO CREDIT
- Arizona Central Supply
Comments (2)
Maureen
January 11, 2025 at 8:42 amThank you for this info. My husband and I are in our 70’s & both of us have issues with our knees. My husband also has issues with his back & hips.
This article gave me something to consider & discuss with him.
Rosie on the House
January 13, 2025 at 10:26 amI’m so glad we could provide you information to use and apply in your own life! Thanks for the comment!