Commodes

A commode or shower commode chair is an important mobility aid for people who have a condition or a disability that makes using the lavatory difficult. In many cases, making the trip to and from the bathroom can be impossible for people in this situation, which necessitates the need for the commode for your specific toileting needs. A commode is a portable toilet that has a removable commode pan that can be emptied after each use.

What is a commode?

A shower commode chair is a seat that has a hollow centre, specifically designed to provide quick toileting access when the individual needs to use the toilet, these can be easily removed to allow for easy transportation. There is a wide range of different styles of commode chairs, depending on the needs of the user, from mobile commodes that can be used over the toilet to those with a removable, attachable pan such as static commodes.

What are the benefits of commodes?

High quality commodes are designed to help people use the toilet more easily and to maintain their independence as a result. There are options to suit a higher or lower max user weight or height, as well as styles such as tilting or folding commode or shower chair.

Commodes have many benefits such as being discreet and being able to provide easy toilet access as an alternative to a standard toilet for people who are living with a disability or have limited mobility due to age-related conditions. A shower commode chair can be used in the home or for travel purposes, and they have a simple design that allows for subtlety and discretion in a variety of environments. Made from easy to clean materials for hygienic use, commodes are sturdy and secure so you can use them with confidence, knowing that they will support your weight.

What types of commode can I choose?

There are several styles of commodes to choose from, depending on your needs. In addition to static commodes which are ideal for permanent use, there are also transportable or folding commodes options that have features such as braking castors to allow for flexible movement and stability when they’re in place, as well as wheeled, self-propelled, and attendant-controlled commodes which suit all needs.

The more common model is the discreet commode chair, which are long-term use options for the living space that feature modern design blends. They’re often made from wood and come in a variety of styles with detachable armrests and a padded seat to suit your home and personal tastes, doubling as a comfortable chair. As with many commodes, they have a small toilet seat instead of a bar bowl, with a commode pan or bucket carry handle to make for easier emptying. There is also extra wide commode chair options for larger people.

Alternatively, you can purchase metal frame commodes, such as those made from steel, which are lightweight, affordable and easy to keep clean, while still being sturdy.

Wheeled commode chairs are versatile solutions that can do double duty as wheelchairs and chairs that are suitable for use in wet rooms. Many wheeled commodes are height adjustable, although you can purchase fixed height chairs, which offer flexibility. This style of commode often has a metal frame and vinyl seating which can be wiped clean and disinfected easily.

A mobile commode, also known as a shower commode chair or shower wheelchair, can often double up for use in the shower, which reduces the need for transfers and provides quick lavatory access as well as comfort when you’re showering. A folding commode is compact and lightweight and is perfect for travel while tilting commodes can be used in the shower and are useful when washing hair.

What to look for when purchasing a commode?

There are several considerations to make when choosing a commode.

Style

Firstly, you need to look for a style that suits your needs, such as whether you need your commode to be static or mobile, or whether you need an option that can be transported for travel. An adjustable commode, such as a height-adjustable commode, is also a convenient solution.

Size

The size and weight of the commode are also important – it needs to be lightweight and easy for the individual to move so they can maintain their comfort and safety. Check the maximum user weight that the commode can accommodate to ensure that it’s safe for the individual using it.

Added features

There are also accessories you can purchase when buying a commode, such as supportive armrests, harnesses or foot trays, to make the commode more comfortable and convenient to use. A commode can often be tailored to your circumstances and needs for greater comfort, whether it’s a harness for safer use as a shower chair or removable arms that can be attached and detached quickly and easily, and with a height adjustable commode chair you can adjust the height to be suitable for you.

Get in touch

In addition to commodes, Keep Moving Care provides a wide range of high-quality mobility aids to suit elderly or disabled people, from bathroom accessories such as bath cushions and grab rails to shower chairs and bath transfer benches many of which are eligible for VAT relief. We offer free delivery and provide excellent customer service. Contact us today for further details or to learn more about the different products we offer to our customers.