Commode chairs are often used when patients are restricted to bed or a wheelchair. The commode can be placed by the patient’s bedside or anywhere the patient needs the commode to be. With wheels and other features to make using the commode as simple and convenient as possible you may find that these chairs are a good investment when you have a disabled patient or loved one living in your home.

Choosing a Commode

Commode chairs are sold with many different features. Removable backs and drop down arms make it easier for the caregiver to assist in moving disabled patients to the commode while a frame that sits over the regular toilet can make it simpler for patients to use the commode alone. Some easy to use models include the following options:

• Convertible commode chairs can be used as both a shower chair and a commode. The toilet has a removable pail system and a durable frame made of stainless steel that won’t rust in the shower. The commode is also made from plastics that are easier to clean and care for than other materials.
• A removable back allows the commode to be used as a frame for the regular toilet. This is a good option for those who have surgeries or injuries that prevent bending or that cause difficulty in moving from a sitting to standing position.
• Bariatric commodes can be used for patients who are over 300 pounds. If you or your patient is right below the 300 pound limit for most commode chairs then you may want to choose a bariatric chair instead.
• Portable commodes that can fold into a small space when not being used. These commodes are a good option when you don’t have a lot of space but need an option that is simple to use for disabled persons living in the home.
• Pediatric commodes that are smaller in size to assist in moving children with mobility issues to the toilet. These commodes are generally narrower and have a smaller seat to prevent the child from slipping down. The pediatric chairs are also available as portable and convertible chairs, as well.

Finding the right commode chairs can make bathing and being restricted to the bed much simpler. You can find these chairs with many different features that make moving patients much simpler, as well.

Materials Used

The materials that your commode chairs are made from will make a difference in the length of time they can be used. Most commode chairs are made from a combination of plastic and metal but there are some versions that are made from plastic alone. The legs and arms of the chair should be metal tubing if you need a long term solution to working with a disabled patient. Metal often has a longer life than plastic, especially when working with bariatric patients. Durable plastics are an affordable option when you don’t want to use metal, however.

Durable plastics are easy to clean and care for and can also be used in the shower. Commode chairs that are made for the shower may have mesh backing that dries quickly. These materials resist mold and mildew even when used often. If you are worried about the water degrading the materials used to make your chair you can easily take a few moments to dry the chair off after each use. If you are using a commode chair that has metal legs in the shower then the material is most commonly stainless steel, which is also rust resistant.

The seat of the commode chair is also plastic. Plastic is durable and easier to clean and maintain than other types of materials. You don’t need to worry about using cleaners such as diluted bleach on the plastic as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dilution. Mild soaps and warm water can also be used on most materials that are used in making portable commodes.

Raised Commode Seats

If you are looking for another type of seat then you may want to consider raised commode chairs that fit onto your toilet. These toilet seats are like a commode frame except the seat sits directly on the toilet. A raised seat has many benefits when working with patients who are regaining their range of motion. Since the seat is higher up the patient won’t have as much work to do with their legs, knees and hips to use a toilet that is raised slightly.

Padded armrests make a raised commode seat more comfortable while a locking feature that secures the seat to the toilet ensure the patient won’t slip off the seat because it isn’t secure enough.  An anchoring system on the back of the seat also works to prevent falls and accidents when using the seat.

A toilet safety frame is also an alternative to commode chairs. The frame simply fits around the toilet to assist in sitting and standing. The patient uses the toilet as normal with the assistance of the frames. If you or your patient has some limited mobility or is recovering from an injury or surgery that has weakened leg, back and knee muscles then a frame is a good choice in allowing more independence at home. With these three options patients who have more mobility will find it is simpler to use the bathroom at their own convenience without the hassle of asking for help.

Assisting Patients

When you are assisting patients with using commode chairs you may find that the patient is embarrassed to ask for help. Most people feel very strongly about having privacy when using the commode. If your patient is mobile enough to use a bedside commode alone then you may want to simply step outside the room. It is also a good idea to stay within earshot of the patient just in case there is an accident.

Commode chairs can increase the independence of patients who have some limited mobility by making it more convenient to use the commode alone.

There are several things to think about when working with a disabled person including how to find a bedside commode. Toilet choices are very flexible today. There are modern bedside toilets that can also be used as a shower chair and those that work as a frame for the regular toilet. Choosing the one that fits your personal needs best allows you and your patient to be as comfortable as possible.

Features

There are many choices available for a commode. Toilet options include those with a removable pail that allows for easier cleanup. Toilets that are made from all plastics with a metal frame can also be used as a shower chair, but you do need to make sure that the chair was intended for this purpose. It isn’t recommended that you use chairs that aren’t intended for the shower in the bath. Look for a multi-function commode that can be used for both a commode and a shower chair to ensure safety.

Drop down arms are also a convenient feature when working with patients who have very limited movement. You can put the side without an arm right against the bedside to allow for easy movement from the bed to the commode. Toilet features also include easy-to-clean plastic frames that are also very durable and removable backs that allow the commode to be used along with the regular commode. The frame feature is especially helpful when patients have some mobility but have difficulty moving from sitting to standing positions.

Patient Needs

The patient is the most important thing to think about when choosing a bedside commode. Toilet features are only useful when they benefit the patient so make sure you match the commode to the personal needs of the person you are purchasing it for. For instance, does the person want to limit the use of the commode to the bathroom? If so then a commode frame is usually the best option. This type of toilet makes moving the patient on and off the commode much simpler since the frame sits higher up and is simple to clean and care for.

If the patient can’t move to the bathroom then you may want to consider a portable commode. Toilet features typically include wheels that allow the toilet to be moved easily. Wheels allow for easy clean up in the shower or tub and also allow the patient to be moved into the bathroom as desired. There are many benefits of having a portable commode when working with a disabled patient.

Price

You can find many affordable makes and models when searching for a bedside commode. Toilet features are often more important than price when considering the convenience and comfort of the patient. You may find that you end up replacing a less costly toiler with another option because the features that you need just aren’t there. When the toilet fits the patient’s needs the result will be convenience for both the patient and the caregiver.

A bedside commode is a necessity when working with patients who have very limited movement. Your bedside commode can save many accidents from happening and can also be used as a shower chair when choosing a commode with a removable pail. These tips will help you choose the right commode for your needs.

Weight Restrictions

The weight of the patient is an important consideration when choosing a bedside commode. Your patient may need a bariatric commode if their weight exceeds 400 pounds, depending on the style of chair that you are interested in. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for information on weight limits with each chair that you are interested in.

The movements of the patient may also make a difference in choosing a weight limit. For instance, if the patient moves very heavily and can’t sit on the seat without dropping down suddenly then a heavier weight limit may be needed.

Portability

The portability of your bedside commode is also an important consideration. You may need to move the commode from room to room as the patient moves throughout their home. If you need a portable commode then check for a model that has wheels. A narrower commode may also be a good idea if you have smaller doorways. Portable commodes are also available to use as shower chairs. These chairs have a removable pail that fits in under the seat.

The entire bedside commode is made from durable plastic that can be wheeled right into the shower as needed. Patients with very limited mobility may prefer a portable commode if they like to spend their time in various places. The pail can then be emptied out into the toilet and washed conveniently as the patient is bathing. Multi-purpose items such as this are very convenient for both the patient and the caregiver, and also save money on purchasing mobility items.

Flexible Options

When choosing a bedside commode you may notice that some models have a removable back. This feature allows the commode to be used as a frame for the regular toilet. Having a raised frame can be beneficial when patients have difficulty moving from the sitting to standing position and can also save wear and tear on the caregiver who moves patients from their wheelchair to the commode. A raised seat is much simpler to reach than a regular commode.

A bedside commode with more options for use is very beneficial for patients who have had surgery or injuries that limit movement since the chair can also be used as the patient heals and becomes more mobile. Changing the seat for the shower is also a good option to save time and money.

Use

The use of a bedside commode is very convenient for patients who have little or no control over their legs. Drop down arms and other features ensure your commode is easy to use while sturdy construction allows the commode to be used for an extended period of time. Choosing a commode is simple when you know which features are important to you.

As you begin to get older some of your body functions begin to change.  It can often become difficult to make it to a washroom if you have a disability that prohibits your movement.  Luckily, there are specific chairs that are designed to be used as a commode or toilet.  A commode chair has a chamber pot that is attached to it to allow you to sit down and use the bathroom in the chair.

These chairs are perfect for people who have trouble with mobility or with control over their bowel movements.  If you are looking for a good commode chair it is important that you find something that will work for your particular needs.  When searching for a chair there are a few factors that you should take into consideration before you make a purpose.

The first consideration that you should make is the weight capacity of the chair.  If you are a lighter individual you don’t have to worry about the weight limit of the chair.  However, if you are a heavy weight you will need to make sure the commode can carry your weight.  Most commodes usually have a weight limit of around 250 pounds.  This is usually enough for most people who need them.

Another aspect of commode chairs that you will need to consider is whether you want to have padded or molded arms.  The difference between the two options is really a choice between comfort and functionality.  If you choose to get a chair that is molded you will have a much easier time cleaning the chair.

You will also need to decide if you want commode chairs that are stationary or if you want one with wheels and brakes.  The commode chairs that come with wheels can be pushed around the home and can be wheeled around like regular wheel chairs.

You can also look at foldable shower commode chairs to see if you want to save space in the bathroom.  Some chairs can be specifically folded so they won’t take up a lot of space in the bathroom.

The best place to purchase a commode chair is on the internet.  Using the internet you can find a variety of different chairs that are available for you to use.  It is important for you to look up the different models of commode chairs that are available.  Looking at different retailers will help you find the best product available.

Accidents are a part of life.  As we get older the chance of an accident will increase because of our lack of control and mobility.  If you are worried about needed to use the washroom when you are taking a shower you should purchase a shower commode chair.  These chairs are perfect because you don’t have to worry about getting out of the shower when you need to have a bowel movement.

A good shower commode chair will act as a multipurpose tool.  You can use the chair as a support chair when you are using the bathroom and you can also use it for the chamber pot function.  This multifunctional device is something that every senior should consider putting in their bathtub.

Most of the shower chairs are made with durable aluminum and water proof materials such as plastic.  These chairs can also serve as a bedside commode for people who can’t make it to the washroom in the middle of the night.  They come equipped with a removable pain that can be changed an washed.

When choosing the right commode chair for you there are few considerations that you need to make.  One thing you will need to consider is the weight capacity of the chair.  It is important to make sure you find a chair that will be able to hold your weight.  Averaged sized seniors will not have to worry about this specific feature.

Another feature some chairs will offer is the padding on the arm rest.  If you are looking for a good padding on your arm it is important that you look for models that come with these feature.  The chairs that don’t have the padding are a lot easier to clean.  This is more beneficial for the caregivers that have to clean the chair afterwards.

The mobility of the chair is the final feature that you will need to decide.  If you want your caregiver to be able to wheel you around like a wheel chair, you should get a commode with wheels.  Always make sure you try and find a model that will give you the best results.

It is important that you look online for different retailers that offer different models of commode chairs.  Finding the best shower commode chair will depend on your ability to look up the online retailers.  It is important for you to find the best price available online.

People who have difficulty controlling their bowel movements should look at different products that are available to assist them.  Commode chairs are extremely popular for people who have a difficulty with mobility or controlling their bowel movements.  Finding the right commode chair for you will depend on your personal preferences.

There are a variety of commode chairs that are available on the market.  Each chair is designed to help you use the bathroom without actually moving around.  Most of the time people use commodes they usually have an assistance that is there to help them.  These chairs are perfect for people who lack the mobility to make it in the bathroom fast enough.

When selecting a commode chair it is important that you look up the different features that each chair offers.  The mobility of the commode chair is something that you should look at.  If you have a care worker that is working with you consider purchasing a mobile chair that has wheels.  This will make it easy because you can get wheeled around the house without worrying about rushing to the bathroom.

Another consideration that you will need to look at is the weight capacity of the chair.  Can the chair hold your weight?  If you are an averaged sized in individual the answer is probably yes.  People who are heavier set need to look at find a chair that will work for their weight.

Another thing you should consider is if you want a padded or molded model.  Padded chairs are more comfortable, but can be harder to clean.  This is a trade off you will have to make when you are choosing a good shower commode chair.

One particular model of commode that you should look at is the Medline 4-in-1 steel commode.  This is an excellent product for people who are looking for something that provides functionality and comfort.  It has adjustable legs which allow the seat to be raised and lowered by increments of 1 inch.  It is a non-skid chair that will provide you with the comfort and relief you are looking for.

People who are interested in finding commode chairs need to look up the different products that are available.  The type of commode that works for you will depend on your personal preferences.  Remember it is important for you to look up different online retailers that are available.  This will help you get the best priced commode available.