Up with loos!

I don't know if RosesMaw still is on GN, but I have found when loos are low, and I haven't got a convenient point to use as a push up, that by putting your hand, between your legs, onto the loo seat and pressing down, gives you the leverage to get up.
Not elegant, but needs must!

Baubles, it could be a safety thing. If, perhaps you were taken ill inside the loo, then you could be got out!

I have a question about radar keys. Why isn’t there a way of locking the door from the inside?

I have a radar key which I got from Disability Rights UK as I have a condition which is considered to be a disability.
I tried out a disabled toilet and, with the help of my husband, discovered that when I was inside he was able to unlock the door from the outside using my key as there wasn’t any means of securing it from inside.

I haven’t used it since which is an inconvenience.

I don't have any sort of physical disablement but I do have back problems for being a carer in a home for the disabled and I've noticed just how low some loos are and if my back is killing me at the time it can be awkward to bend low enough for them, then having to swing back and forth with arms stretched out to try to stand up!

Admitting to a sin here, I've actually bought a RADAR key and will use it when possible because the seats are higher!

hduz5

Hi Everyone.

Ellen from Blue Badge Company here. We sell official radar keys on our website:
www.bluebadgecompany.co.uk/products/genuine-radar-disabled-toilet-key-with-blue-heart-comfort-grip

As mentioned earlier on the thread the keys are intended for disabled users, however you do not have to be registered disabled to purchase a key.

We recommend avoiding the cheap non official keys on eBay as non official keys will not work in all locks.

If you have any questions please let me know, we are always happy to share information regarding radar keys.

Thanks

I bought mine on line Amazon,

Visited boundry mill in Colne, Lancashire, gosh the loos were like what they have in a nursery 😩

Hi Everyone.

Ellen from Blue Badge Company here. We sell official radar keys on our website:
www.bluebadgecompany.co.uk/products/genuine-radar-disabled-toilet-key-with-blue-heart-comfort-grip

As mentioned earlier on the thread the keys are intended for disabled users, however you do not have to be registered disabled to purchase a key.

We recommend avoiding the cheap non official keys on eBay as non official keys will not work in all locks.

If you have any questions please let me know, we are always happy to share information regarding radar keys.

Thanks

I'm a hoverer too, and much prefer them to be on the low side, as I'm only 5ft. I definitely can't hover over a higher disability one.

If I absolutely HAVE to sit on a public loo, I clean the seat with loo paper squirted with soap, then with water, then dry; I just can't bear the thought of sitting on them uncleaned. I did the same for my children too once they got too heavy to be held above them.

40 odd years ago I lived for a while in the Middle East, and hated the hole in the floor ones. I had to spend time in hospital a couple of times, and dreaded having to have to use them; they always seemed to be swimming with water, and it was hard to keep my dressing gown out of it. Most of the other ladies were wearing abayas; not sure how they managed!

I'm sure I've exaggerated it in my mind, but I still often dream about needing a loo, and searching through endless areas of filthy holes in the floor trying to find somewhere acceptable. Often these dreams end in me sitting on the loo after I've found it, only to see that the walls all around me are made of glass!

Apologies if I've put anyone off their tea!

I thought it was illegal to lock the door to loos for the disabled,. As I understand it, these should be available to all those who need to use them whether or not they carry a special key.

At home, when I had my en-suite refitted I had a comfort height loo put in there and do feel the benefit. If I use toilets in other peoples homes, I can really notice the difference.

I frequently find myself in supermarkets and parks where loos are closed due to vandalism? Lack if staff etc. What use is a locked daytime loo to anyone!

We were once allocated an 'accessible' room at a Holiday Inn. Aah, the bliss of being able to get off the loo without a struggle. Strangely enough, the shower was over the bath, so not accessible for everyone.
A higher loo is on our list for home.

I have a RADAR key which is a boon. I also carry a 'Can't Wait Card' because I've got IBS and have to be careful what I eat - which is a nuisance. I've yet to find an 'accessible toilet' cubicle that follows guidance BUT it is better than nothing. I sometimes have to use the 'ordinary' toilets eg in motorway stations which are very difficult to get up and down. Still better than trying to 'hold on' to avoid a 'mishap' !!!

I agree Welshpoppy- one i went in today in a Tesco store -i walked in, saw all the 'mess' all inside the toilet bowl and walked straight back out,i decided i would rather take my chances in the ladies loos- surprised to find they were quite wide, very clean, and had no- touch flushers.I reported the state of the disabled loo to a staff member.I appreciated that they might get in a mess, but its as if staff dont bother checking or cleaning the disabled loos, sometimes even in medical centres.

Im 5ft 1" and find that most of the toilets in disabled loos are far too high for me, and im only perched on it with legs dangling.Which is a shame as i am registered disabled & have osteoarthritis in both knees & other joints,and use a stick. Even the bars dont help as im clinging onto them so i dont fall forwards.Not every disabled person is tall..I also used a loo at Butlins marked 'childrens toilet', which seemed like a normal one same as in the ladies. I dont mind using normal ladies loos, but only those which are a bit wider, or have outward opening doors are easy to use.

I once went in a toilet in London. I did hesitate because it was a single toilet with a sliding door, and it looked like a pod thing
In the end I didn't go in because it looked like you wouldn't be able to get out, it also looked like an alien space ship to tell you the truth... All this time I was dying to go. I think the only thing you can do is go in a pub, buy a packet of crisps and use their toilet.

NanaTuesday, you can get them from AgeUK and several other charities, plus places such as Argos. I got mine from our local heel-bar/key cutter but I'd steer clear of those advertised on eBay or Amazon and so on because there's no guarantee they'll work or that you'd ever get a refund.

Scribbles
Thank you for this information as an IBS sufferer it sounds like something that would be helpful to have .

RosiesMaw
Omg , I can so relate .
We are currently away I. France & the house we are staying in has a “ Loo” so low that you have to think about “ how , you are going to get up “ 🆙
We have both worked it out that there is no other way than holding g onto the door handle !
Also as this is the only one & is downstairs , I make sure I don’t have any nighttime trips 💤

Squat or semi squat is natures preferred position to achieve complete evacuation and avoid constipation and hemorrhoids. I dont know if this is why lots of toilets are so low, or if its just fashion. When I had a precautionary colonoscopy I was advised by the doctor to buy a toilet stool to raise my knees higher and it does seem to work.

We have a higher than average confort height, can bearly touch floor with feet but oh boy is it easy to get up 🤣 #nokneeissues

Wow ! What a cute write up!
???

Thank you!
Also known as the “Ar*e over tip” manoeuvre?

I feel your pain and agree it's not great out there loo wise. However I did watch a video some time ago about standing up safely, it was advocating the 'nose over toes ' method. You lean forward from sitting until your nose is pointing over your toes and you will be lifted up naturally, although it's undoubtedly easier with a grab rail

A lot of the places that rent out wheelchairs/ mobility scooters in shopping centres and town centres sell radar keys they are usually for under £10.00

Alison333

I read that it's supposed to be healthy to have a low level loo (allegedly more natural) but since I had my knee replacement, I have to sort of drop down and getting up again can be interesting!

I wonder how people manage with those squat style loos abroad? French campsites always had them in the 1960s.

We’ve lived abroad where squat toilets were the norm. Even older folk had no problems using them because it’s part of their culture to squat down when you want to rest rather than sit on a chair. They slept on mattresses on the floor, too and most people walked everywhere as few had cars. Older people were remarkably agile and I suspect that their active lifestyle contributed to their staying fit and healthy.