Commodes

A commode is a chair with a toilet seat and a removable pail. It is bought for one of two reasons: the toilet is too far away, or getting onto the toilet has become too difficult.

The three jobs a commode does

Most basic commodes do all three, which is why they are often sold as 3-in-1.

Beside the bed. With the pail in place, it means someone does not have to cross the house at night, which is when most falls happen and when accidents are most likely.

Over the toilet. With the pail removed, the frame stands over the existing toilet, raising the seat height and adding armrests to push up from. That is often all someone needs.

As a shower chair. Some models can be used in the shower, though a chair designed for the bathroom will do it better.

Drop arms are worth the difference

If someone transfers sideways from a wheelchair, a fixed armrest is in the way and has to be lifted over. A drop arm swings down out of the way, so the person slides across at seat level.

For anyone doing a sliding transfer, this is not a luxury. It is the difference between a safe transfer and a lift.

Shower commodes are a different thing

A rehab shower commode is a wheeled chair the person stays in for the whole routine: wheeled to the bathroom, positioned over the toilet, rolled into the shower, dried, and wheeled back. It eliminates repeated transfers rather than assisting one.

Tilting versions add pressure relief and head support for someone who cannot hold themselves upright. These are specified with a therapist, not bought off a page.

Height and weight

Seat height should let the feet rest flat with knees at roughly a right angle. Too low and standing up is hard; too high and the feet dangle. Most commodes adjust.

Bariatric models are wider and reinforced. Match the width to the person, not just the weight rating.

Ask us

Tell us where it will be used, how the person transfers, and whether anyone is helping. That is usually enough for us to point you at the right one.