A: I am sorry for your husband's illness and I'm reminded that many of us take so much for granted.

Your husband, like a lot of people in this country, does require what's called a "special needs" toilet. A special needs toilet is a higher toilet, and the extra height does make it a little easier to get on and off the seat.

Standard toilets are usually about 14 inches high without a seat, and special needs toilets can be about 3 to 5 inches higher than that. The thicker toilets seats you mentioned are an easy and inexpensive way to raise the height of a standard toilet. However, for long term use or a more convenient solution, replacing the existing toilet with a completely new special needs toilet is another option that should fit your families needs.

In the past, these higher toilets were very expensive, pretty straight-forward looking, and usually the only color readily available was white. Plumbing product manufacturers do understand that more and more families are looking into special needs toilets, and they have really stepped up to the plate to offer a wider range of features. For instance, new styling and colors are now available that should match just about any existing bathroom. Also, many of the special needs toilets are now called "comfort height," and they are marketed more as a family toilet that is comfortable for everyone to use.

Since they are becoming a popular option, the prices have come down a bit, and the labor to install a special needs toilet should be the same as for a standard toilet. But, please remember that replacing an existing toilet is still a lot bigger project that just replacing a toilet seat. I know you are on a budget so I recommend that you find a licensed plumber in your area to get a written estimate first. Also, a well-respected plumbing company may offer you a payment plan to help ease the costs, so don't be afraid to ask.

I know when I was on the road in my plumbing truck, the best payback I received was when I knew my work and understanding actually changed someone's life for the better. And to all you hard working plumbers trying to make a living out there, please keep in mind that good business usually follows a good deed!