Why is it so important to have a contrasting colour toilet seat?

As an occupational Therapist who has worked in both the physical and mental health fields I have on numerous occasions struggled to encourage the older person to sit confidently onto a toilet seat. Usually the seat, toilet pan, floor, grab rails and tiles are all white and the person is unable to distinguish between them. Effectively the toilet becomes invisible. However, that all changes when there is a contrasting toilet seat and grab rails because the person can identify where they need to sit and their confidence and independence grow as they can now easily identify the toilet. This signage and the red toilet seat work perfectly together as the person now associates the sign with the same object that is in the bathroom and they are more likely to go to the toilet independently instead of having to ask for help.  more