Commodes Provide Handicap Accessibility and Privacy

Commodes are useful for people who are unable to walk long distances to use the restroom. A commode is a portable toilet that can be placed next to a person’s bed.

They are significantly higher than an average toilet, making them easier to get off and on. Commodes are perfect for somebody that is put on bed rest or may have trouble standing for long periods of time. A commode placed near a bed in a room allows a person to use their bathroom in private.

At first glance, a commode looks like a chair with handles and a toilet bowl but there are many differences. The handles on both sides allow for extra stability when standing up or sitting down similar to some elevated plastic toilet seats. These arm handles can be lowered when not in use or locked into place when necessary. The chair back provides more support than a regular toilet. Most commodes have lids as well. The container is removable for easier cleaning and disposing. Some commodes have wheels, making it convenient to move when not in use. The wheels should be locked when near a bed for use. Some commodes may have seat belts. These are great for people who are very weak, and may slide off the chair.

Tip: Before using your commode, it is helpful to add just a small amount of water to the container. The liquid in the container will help to make it easier to clean.

Handicap Commodes

Handicap commodes are a form of medical equipment that acts like a porta potty with security rails or like a potty wheelchair. They are perfect for someone who recently had surgery and needs the bathroom to be as close as possible. There are several different types of commodes available.

Bedside Commodes

There are the stand alone commodes that can be put near the bedside called bedside commodes. They shorten the bathroom trip during the night or in the morning. With a commode bucket and lid to cover the waste, they can be placed nearby the bed and emptied later. Bedside commodes can also reduce the accidents that occur when dealing with incontinence.

There are also commodes that fit over a standard toilet, but the seat is much higher, and commodes that are multi functional and can be used in the shower. Shower commodes are very useful for caregivers who need to help wash their patients. It provides an easy roll in and out access while allowing the patients to remain comfortably seated. There are also shower wheelchairs built like a wheelchair with a potty area that can be exposed to harsh water environments.

Commodes can come in a regular size or wide for larger people. There are tall bedside commodes that can be adjusted from 16 inches to 22 inches high.

Commode chairs are pre-assembled, and should not require any tools. There may be some unfolding but should be relatively simple. You will need to install the plastic catch container. This should easily be able to slide off and on, or dropped in. There are some commodes that fold up for ease in storage. With all these choices and models, a commode is probably one of the best and cost effective handicapped equipment out there.

Buy Recommended Commodes

• Commode Toilet Chair – A simple toilet commode that can be placed bedside or in needed areas. Private commodes comes attached with a lid and easily removable bucket. The legs are adjustable and can be made as tall as 22 inches high.
• Padded Commode with Wheels and Legrests – This commode can be used as a wheelchair to transport people. Perfect for post surgery patients.
• Extra Large Bariatric Commode Chairs – This commode chair is built for weight. It can support up to 1000 lbs and will handle obese and overweight patients. The arms of the commode can also be drop down arms making for easy transfers. The seat width is 3 feet long.
• Oversized Heavy Duty Bariatric Drop Arm Bedside Commode Chair – This is a much more affordable bariatric chair and supports up to 650lbs. These are perfect commodes for large people. The backrests and armrests are padded for your comfort.
• Bedside Commode Chairs – These are commodes that come with a strong frame, easy to clean toilet lids, and removable back rails. Has 300lb weight capacity.
• Wide Handicap Commodes – These are wide bariatric commodes that provide ample leg and thigh room for the larger individual.
• Portable Camping Commodes – Are you traveling and need portable commodes to take to the road? Consider camping commodes that come with a sturdy seat and can be folded up when not in use. The folding potty is lightweight and can be easily placed in the trunk of a car. Users have reported that the camping commode seat can support up to 350lbs.

Does Medicare Cover Commodes?

Commodes are covered by Medicare if deemed medically necessary. Some other insurance programs may cover the cost as well, if they are referred by a doctor. To purchase a commode they are relatively low cost. Some commodes start around $40.00. Depending on the size, brand, and features commodes can cost up to $400.00 or more. You may also be able to rent a commode from a medical equipment company.