Bedside Commodes: A Practical Solution For Limited Mobility
Appropriate, safe home care promotes independence, improves quality of life, and delays the transition to assisted living. Accessories like shower chairs, hospital beds, and bedside commodes are important for keeping a loved one safe and comfortable at home.
In this blog, we’ll explain:
- What a bedside commode chair is
- How to purchase one for your care recipient
- The safe use of bedside commodes
Do you have other questions about home care and caregiving? Use this link to find out if you have free access to Trualta’s extensive library of caregiver resources.
What Is A Bedside Commode?
Bedside commodes are portable toilets. They’re designed for use by people with very limited mobility. If your loved one can get out of bed but cannot safely make it to the bathroom, a commode is an alternative to a standard toilet.
A bedside commode is a sturdy, portable chair with a secure back, handles, and arms your loved one can use for support. It should have an adjustable height to accommodate any individual.
A portable toilet does not have plumbing. It has a container under the toilet seat that acts as the toilet bowl. A plastic commode liner goes in this removable bucket. The liner allows you to quickly remove and dispose of waste to keep the commode sanitary and clean.
How To Use A Bedside Commode
Bedside commodes are often safer than regular toilets, depending on your loved one’s mobility limitations. A standard toilet can be made safer, for example, with grab bars and a raised toilet seat. Even with these features, your loved one still faces the challenge of making it from the bed to the bathroom safely.
If you decide to use a bedside commode with your care recipient, it’s important to understand how to use it safely. Here is some expert advice:
- Read all the manufacturer information about the commode before using it. Be sure you know how to set it up and that your loved one is within the weight limit.
- Set up the chair according to directions and ensure the adjustable legs are at the right height and safely locked. The seat height should be set so that your loved one can sit comfortably with their feet flat on the floor.
- Be sure each leg is set to the same height. The commode should be set next to the bed, but ensure the surface is level and the chair is stable and doesn’t move.
- Lock any wheels before using if the chair has wheels.
- Follow best practices for helping your loved one stand and move between the commode and bed.
- Keep toilet paper close at hand and within easy reach.
If you use commode liners, remove the liner and waste right after use and dispose of it appropriately. If you’re not using liners, dump the waste into the regular toilet and clean and disinfect the bucket before putting it back in the commode. Clean the seat and other areas of the commode regularly.
Buying A Bedside Commode
Portable commodes for the bedside are available at a range of prices, but they are generally affordable. The styles are generally very similar. Choosing the right commode will depend on pricing and what you can afford. Before purchasing, consider the size, sturdiness, and comfort different models provide.
Medicare does cover most of the cost of commode chairs after meeting the deductible. A portable commode is considered a type of durable medical equipment. Your loved one must have Medicare Part B, and you must purchase or rent from a Medicare enrolled supplier.
Bedside commodes are useful tools for both convenience and safety if you have a loved one with serious mobility issues. They can be a great way to maintain personal hygiene and some level of independence, even if your loved one needs assistance, but they must be used correctly and safely.
Do you have other questions about home care and caregiving? Use this link to find out if you have free access to Trualta’s extensive library of caregiver resources.
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