In case you missed it, Season 6 of Grace and Frankie dropped on Netflix™ in January and the internet cannot stop raving about the duo’s bathroom safety invention: the Rise Up.
If you’re familiar with the show, then you know that Grace and Frankie (played by actresses Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin) have become the face for aging in place with a sense of humor. From iconic moments like the pair “escaping” their senior living home to Frankie Googling “business words” to sound more like an entrepreneur, this dramatic show is all too relatable.
Inspiration for the Rise Up
The most recent moment that has the internet buzzing includes their latest invention for toilet assistance that we just mentioned. [Spoiler Alert] The invention was inspired by Grace’s dilemma after marrying and moving in with her new billionaire husband, Nick (played by Peter Gallagher). Shortly after moving in, Grace’s bad knee gave out on her and she had difficulty standing up from a seated position. And some of you already know where this is heading… this was especially hard for her when using the toilet. Grace had to call Frankie to help her stand up off the toilet!
Knowing that Grace couldn’t have been the first senior with this issue, the two women set out to develop the Rise Up, a hydraulic-powered toilet seat to help users sit down and stand up from the porcelain throne. Later in the season, they present their invention on Shark Tank! We think this is one of the best TV show crossovers we’ve seen in a while, but we won’t spoil any more details for those of you that haven’t seen season 6 yet.
Watch the Season 6 Trailer to get a glimpse of what we’re talking about.
Real Talk About Our Real-life Solution
One of the reasons that we are so enamored by this plotline is because this product already exists in real life! The TILT® Toilet Incline Lift from EZ-ACCESS is a motorized toileting aid that raises and lowers individuals on to and off of the toilet. With this item already on the market, you won’t need to call your best friend for help while you wait for the fictional Rise Up to become available.
Here are a few features that make the TILT the leading toileting aid for seniors:
Easy Installation:
This lightweight unit weighs 34 pounds and can be installed within 15 minutes. Simply remove the existing toilet seat and lid and attach the unit directly to the bowl. We not only have step-by-step instructions but also helpful instructional videos.
Increased Stability:
The unit attaches directly to the bowl and allows the user you to move 7½” forward, which positions their your shoulders over their your feet for optimal balance and positioning. Additionally, arms remain at an ideal positioning angle, which keeps elbows slightly bent to maximize ideal strength in order to exit the seat.
Hand Grips:
The handles on both sides of the toilet seat feature non-slip covers, assisting with your balance as the seat raises and lowers.
Easy Cleaning:
Assembly is protected by a plastic shield, which can easily be removed for cleaning.
Hand-held Control:
For user and caregiver convenience, a hand-held, push button control is available to operate the lifting process.
Compatible with Multiple Toilet Bowls:
This product is available in round and elongated seat styles and fits bowl heights ranging from 14" to 21".
Fits a Variety of Users:
The TILT accommodates individuals ranging in height from 5'2" to 6'4" and supports up to 325 pounds.
The TILT is conveniently available in corded or cordless power to best suit the bathroom’s needs that it is installed in.
What Users Say about the TILT
Great product and easy to install and use
“This is a great product. My father has had a rough year with a few surgeries and was having a hard time navigating the bathroom. We added this product to his toilet in about 10 minutes and it helped me as a caregiver get him on and off the toilet. It is a cost effective alternative to nursing homes or other options. I highly recommend this product.”
A "God-send" if you have trouble standing up from seated position
“This is an exceptionally well engineered and well constructed toilet seat lift system (built in the USA). It was very easy to install using the clear instruction booklet that came with it…”
Life Changing
“I am severely disabled, comfort level toilet with a 4" riser with handles no longer worked for me..... had this installed and never looked back WOW I can now go with ease and no anxiety about being "stuck" on the toilet.”
How to Get the TILT for Your Home
Now that you know the Rise Up isn’t too good to be true, you might want to invest in this bathroom aid to maintain independence and privacy. We don’t blame you!
There are two ways to purchase the TILT:
1. We can put you in contact with one of our trusted dealers near you that can talk you through the process of purchasing a TILT, deliver it to you, and can even offer installation.
2. You can also buy the product online through one of our Authorized Online Retailers and they will ship the product directly to you. With this option, you are responsible for assembling the product, however, we designed the lift for easy-assembly so it can take as little as 15 minutes to set up.
Extra Assistance
If you’d like extra assistance from an EZ-ACCESS team member, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Customer Service team.
We’ll be the Frankie to your Grace when you need help getting off the toilet.