A bedside commode is an excellent solution for anyone who finds it difficult to reach a traditional toilet due torestricted mobilityor illness. While a standard commode’s purpose is to offer a portable toilet that can be placed in any room of the house, there arevarious options to choose from, each one answering specific needs. Over-the-toilet, drop arm, bariatric, and shower commodes are just some examples. People looking for more flexibility can also get a 3-in-1 commode, which can be used both as a portable toilet and an elevated toilet seat. However, before getting one these chairs it’s essential toresearch which bedside commode fits your needs best.
The different types of bedside commodes
There are various types of bedside commodes designed to accommodate different people and medical needs.
Standard bedside commode
The standard version of bedside commodes has a seat, lateral arms, and a removable bucket. These chairs can’t be used over a standard toilet and areintended to be used outside a regular bathroom facility.
Over-the-toilet commode
As the name implies, over-the-toilet commodes are specifically designed to provideadditional support when the user goes to the toilet. It doesn’t have a container and features four locking mechanisms.
All-in-one bedside commode
Also called a 3-in-1, all-in-one bedside commodes can be used bothin the bedroom as a portable toilet or in the bathroom as an elevated toilet seat. The device contains a removable bucket, which can be installed or removed as necessary.
Bariatric commode
Bariatric commodes are standard bedside commode chairsdesigned for people who weigh over 300 pounds, with some of them supporting up to 1,000 pounds. Usually, they have a deeper and wider padded seat compared to standard ones.
Drop arm commode
A drop arm commode is a standard bedside commode, but withfoldable armrests for easier transfer. Due to this, it’s a popular option among customers who require a caregiver to help them move.
Shower commode
Unsurprisingly, shower commode chairs are designed to be used while in the shower. They’reconstructed with water-resistant materials and rust-proof metals, and typically have two or four wheels with locking mechanisms to facilitate entering and exiting the shower.
How to choose a bedside commode chair
Before jumping the gun and getting the highest-ranking bedside commode on the market, there are various characteristics to consider first. As we already pointed out, there are many different types of bedside commodes, and you need to make sure to get the one that best fits your needs.
The veryfirst thing to think about is the mobility of the user. For example, if the person has a high degree of immobility and a caregiver is going to be necessary to transfer them in and out of the chair, a commode with drop-arms is essential. Moreover, it’s crucial toconsider when and where the chair is going to be used. Users that need a commode 24/7 would be best served with a 3-in-1 since it can be used at the bedside, in the shower, or over the toilet.
Another essential factor to take into account is thebedside commode’s weight capacity. Standard chairs usually support up to 300 pounds, but if you’re dealing with a larger user, bariatric models are the way to go.
Furthermore, getting abedside commode that is possible to adjust is always advisable. This way you can be sure it will work for the person in question since it’s possible to set the height, width, backrest, and armrest to accommodate the user’s body type.
Recommended bedside commode chairs
Dignity 3-In-1 Commode Chair by Platinum Health
Drop Arm Bedside Commode by Healthline
Bariatric Bedside Commode by Vive
If a fall occurs when using a bedside commode
There’s no question that bedside commodes highly improve their users’ life quality. However, they can only do so much. They’re an excellent product to have around people who have difficulty reaching the toilet, but that’s it. Moreover, while the probability of a fall while using a bedside commode is much lower when compared to using a standard toilet, there’s no guarantee that the user will never fall again. That’s why wehighly recommend having a medical alert systemin case an accident happens.
With this kind of service, users and their families can count on a24/7 specialized care teambeing a button-push away, ready to help. Moreover, most companies also offer afall detectorthat can be purchased as an extra. This featureautomatically connects the care agent to the user if the sensor detects a fall. This way, even if the one falling passes out and can’t answer the care agent’s call, help is sent right away.
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