The completely ordinary height-adjustable toilet has made life more normal for Zara and her family. Thanks to the toilet's design and features, Zara can manage her bathroom visits independently, and the bathroom has retained its aesthetic.
Zara's home office
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Zara lives on Stora Essingen in Stockholm in an apartment with her husband and their four-year-old daughter. She runs her own web management business, which she can manage from home—something that suits her well. Zara has a muscle disease that weakens her arms and legs, presenting many challenges in her daily life.
Various Aids at Home If Zara were to work in a traditional office, extensive adjustments would be necessary. Unfortunately, most workplaces are not designed to meet her needs. For example, staff and conference rooms often have chairs that are too low, and even accessible toilets have seats that are too low for Zara to use independently. As a result, various adaptations have been made in her home instead. "I have an office chair at home with an electric lift and an electric brake that I use when sitting at my desk. The bed I sleep in has an adjustable backrest, and the entire bed is elevated on blocks to help me get in and out." The armchair and sofa are also elevated on blocks. "Not pretty at all, but I haven’t been able to find any living room furniture that combines the functions I need with an appealing design." The kitchen has been adapted with lifts in two cabinets, allowing Zara to lower items from the shelves, and the oven is elevated for easier access. On the toilet, she previously used a standard seat riser with handles—the tallest one available. "Some days it worked fine, but if I had exerted myself, it became more difficult, and my husband had to help me. But you want to at least be able to manage on your own in the bathroom if possible," Zara explains. |
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AXLA Level™ is a height-adjustable toilet designed to blend seamlessly with home interiors while providing support and independence for individuals with reduced mobility.
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Zara uses a power wheelchair with a joystick to travel longer distances, providing a comfortable and independent way to move around. The wheelchair also accompanies her when she uses transport services, serving as both a seat and a means of transportation.
Being away from home makes Zara acutely aware of the assistance she requires. She often has to ask for help and plan her activities in an entirely different way compared to when she’s at home. On trips or vacations, she uses a manual wheelchair, which also serves as her seat throughout the stay. Unfortunately, her independence is limited as she cannot manage or has the strength to propel the wheelchair on her own.
"I get very mentally exhausted from all the planning required when I’m away from home, and it’s hard to deal with the fear of being alone. I’m so dependent because I can’t even get out of bed, move to a chair, or use the toilet by myself. If I fall, it often takes two people to help me up because I lack the strength to assist," Zara explains.
Being away from home makes Zara acutely aware of the assistance she requires. She often has to ask for help and plan her activities in an entirely different way compared to when she’s at home. On trips or vacations, she uses a manual wheelchair, which also serves as her seat throughout the stay. Unfortunately, her independence is limited as she cannot manage or has the strength to propel the wheelchair on her own.
"I get very mentally exhausted from all the planning required when I’m away from home, and it’s hard to deal with the fear of being alone. I’m so dependent because I can’t even get out of bed, move to a chair, or use the toilet by myself. If I fall, it often takes two people to help me up because I lack the strength to assist," Zara explains.
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The Home Shouldn’t Look Like a Hospital
Although all these aids are essential for everyday life to function smoothly, Zara and her husband don’t want their home to resemble a care facility. "Both my husband and I are interested in interior design and enjoy having a beautiful home. I want to be independent when I’m at home and not constantly reminded of my condition. It would be disheartening if our home looked like a hospital. That’s why I’m especially happy and grateful for the toilet we’ve had installed in the bathroom. It looks much nicer than the previous toilet seat riser I used, and it’s also height-adjustable, which is exactly what I need." |
The whole family uses the same toilet, so it’s great that it’s height-adjustable!
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Even though you're not always alone in the bathroom as a parent of a young child, Zara still wants to be independent.
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Standard accessible toilets or seat risers are either too low, or I can't lift myself off the seat. But this one can be raised high enough for me to use the toilet independently, and the function isn’t visible from the outside. When we have visitors, no one even notices that we have a special toilet - it looks just like a regular one, and I’m so grateful for that," Zara says with a smile.
The family appreciates that the toilet is as discreet as possible, and their four-year-old daughter finds it amusing to adjust the height herself. Occasionally, Zara even gets a little extra "ride" when they’re in the bathroom together. |
