<p>We’re really living now!! The simple things in life are the best! We’'ll never go back to a conventional height toilet again. :)</p>
<p>I have no idea what that is.</p>
<p>“Comfort Height” is the politically correct term for “Handicapped Toilet” It is identical to any other toilet except it is 1.5 inches higher than a normal toilet. Sometimes it is referred to as “chair height,” because it is the same height as a standard chair. Now, I didn’t add any grab bars in the bathroom, DW wouldn’t have that!</p>
<p>I actually have asked H to put a grab bar in the shower while we are remodeling- I think it is a safety feature for everyone.
We wouldn’t put a comfort height toilet in though- I have long legs for my height but when I have used handicapped stalls, my feet don’t even touch the floor! :(</p>
<p>I have to admit, we put a grab bar in our shower when we remodeled. It is nice.</p>
<p>Lukester, No rudeness intended, because I don’t know your situation. </p>
<p>Have you also considered a “Zero-clearance shower stall”. Saw it on “Holmes on Holmes”. Basically, it a shower stall with no lip for a shower track, so a the wheelchair bound can just roll right into the shower. Very curious about it, and wanted to see if anyone else knew anything.</p>
<p>Friends of my parent did a beautiful custom shower with no lip and no door, just a curved wall. Added a bar for the future. I think that anyone remodeling in the upper price ranges will be helped by subtle changes for the older set.
Parents had to replace a toilet and chose a “comfort height” one. It’s really great but not just because of the height… the efficient water stuff made it have less of a - shall we call it a skid zone. Don’t want to be gross but it seemed really more effective and efficient as well as up a bit higher for us long legged folks.</p>
<p>DW and I have already started talking about what we will eventually want in our “final” retirement home. 1st priority: master suite on the first floor. She already has bad knees; I can’t imagine the difficulties we’ll have with her mobility in years to come. The things mentioned here have been added to the list…</p>
<p>We had installed this week a ADA, zero barrier, Shower Stall, with bars and seat, no curtains.Finally we have room for FIL to bath. </p>
<p>Can’t wait to get the washlet toilet seat for FIL. (should be here early next week) The seat will add another half to 3/4 to normal height and I will add larger bumpers to make it a full inch or more additional height.</p>
<p>I laughed out loud when I saw the title of this thread because not only did I completely KNOW what a comfort height toilet is, H and I had just been discussing them! I think it is a true sign of old(er) age!</p>
<p>I would LOVE a zero barrier shower. No glass, no lip to step over. Now THAT is really living!</p>
<p>H wasn’t so much obsessed with the idea of a comfort height toilet, but he did insist on one with a power flush.</p>
<p>If you’ve got room it’s nice to have a shower that’s designed so you don’t need a shower curtain or door. It’s on my wish list if I ever get around to adding a master bath to our house.</p>
<p>Those showers tend to be drafty though, so you have to plan for plenty of waterflow. Smaller, contained showers hold the steam in better.</p>
<p>We added a handicapped accessible bathroom. Builder put in a heat lamp as part of the ceiling light / exhaust fan fixture. We are glad he did.</p>
<p>Years ago, I was taught that lower is better with regard to toilet height, do that the thigh muscles can be braced against the abdomen to support the muscles during… This article (which unfortunately does not allow for cutting/pasting) [When</a> Fiber is Not Enough: Current Thinking on Constipation Management -Ostomy Wound Management](<a href=“http://www.o-wm.com/article/1118]When”>http://www.o-wm.com/article/1118) says that feet should be flat on the floor with hips and knees flexed. </p>
<p>Comfort height may work for some of you… but for me, way too tall.</p>
<p>As for houses without stairs, I read recently that older people who live in houses with stairs tend to live longer than those who aren’t required to use the stairs daily. I can’t seem to find the reference, however.</p>
<p>Comfort height refers to the ease of getting on and off if one is elderly or injured. I can assure you that being on crutches most of this past year, I appreciated the comfort height toilets in the handicapped stalls. If your quads are weak or out of commission for some reason, you need the height. The comfort height doesn’t refer to comfort DURING the use!</p>
<p>Love this thread! I agree that this is a great idea since I know many of us are heading up, up and almost over the hill, and many of us can anticipate needing some handicapped help after joint surgeries, etc. etc.!</p>
<p>However- my tip for the day told to me by a very elderly patient in great shape:
Barring a handicapped need, always get up from a sitting position without using your arms, and put your socks on while standing up! Your quads will thank you in the decades to come!</p>
<p>Like MomofWildChild, I had an injury during the past year that involved the use of a wheelchair or crutches for a long period of time. I had a contraption that increased the height of the toilet at home and I sought out the comfort height toilets in handicapped stalls in public. It really does make a difference.</p>
<p>We have them and I hate them - my legs are too short. I bought a small wooden stool to leave in the master bathroom water closet, so that I can rest my feet on it. For my > 6’ tall Dh & S, they’re great.</p>