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.
