Commode (portable home toilet)

A commode is a mobile toilet that can easily and quickly be moved from room to room in a home. Most commodes sit on four legs and some have lockable castors (small wheels) to aid their movement. Others have rubber feet that keep them static at all times.

In instances where someone is severely mobility restricted a commode can be a great asset. It can also be ideal for someone who lives in two storey accommodation, but finds climbing stairs awkward or difficult. Having a commode on a lower floor can be a substitute for a second bathroom for those who have difficulty with stairs.

Types of commode

There are two main types of commode, a frame based commode (standard) and a chair based commode. They are described below.

Standard commode

All standard commodes have the same basic appearance, namely a sealed toilet unit with a seat and a lid that is suspended and supported on a frame that typically has four legs. There will be arm supports to help the person using the commode to lift and lower themselves and the commode may be height adjustable.

The framework that holds the toilet and provides the legs is normally of a tubular construction and it will usually incorporate arm rests (handles) to assist in lowering and raising oneself from the apparatus. Commodes of this type are normally finished in white, or have a white basin and a stainless steel frame. The armrests are usually padded, so they double as rests and handles.

Some commodes will fold up for easy storage or transportation when not in use. The seats are usually plastic and they can quickly be dismantled.

Mobile commode (combi chair)

A mobile commode is similar to a wheelchair in appearance, but with a central opening in the seat. Additionally, it will also have wheels (castors) and handles at the rear so that it can be moved by a carer. Some, but not all mobile commodes, have separate foot rests for the feet.

If the commode is intended to be self propelled by the user, it will need to have large wheels at the rear.

Beneath the seat there is a removable container that acts as the toilet. This container is similar to a bucket in appearance and it may be protected with splash guards.

Some commode and shower chairs will actually straddle over a conventional toilet which removes the need for the self contained commode bucket.

Most commodes of this type double up as a commode and a mobile shower chair. They are sometimes referred to as rehabilitation chairs (or combi-chairs) because of their multiple uses and applications for those recovering from injuries, operations etc.

The more expensive combi chairs may have remote controlled motorised assistance that raises, lowers and angles the seat for ease of access for both the user and any carer who is assisting them. This kind of chair can also make tasks like general washing, hair cutting and examinations easier for a carer.

The big advantage of this kind of apparatus is that it can reduce the number of transfers required if an individual wishes to use both the toilet and the shower.

Other features to look for include fold away arm rests (handles) and foot rests.

Bariatric commodes

Bariatric commodes and shower seats differ from standard models in that they are designed for the larger and heavier individual. This means that they are larger and stronger (with greater weight bearing capacity) than a regular commode. They may also have additional legs (or casters) and they are more structural in their construction.

The most notable feature of a bariatric commode is the extra wide seat, desihned to accommodate larger bodies.

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