Commodes

Maintaining independence and dignity in your own home is essential, especially as we age. Using the toilet safely and without assistance can be a concern for older adults. Limited mobility, reduced balance, and bathroom layout limitations can all make using a standard toilet challenging.

Common scenarios and concerns	Lifestyle and equipment options to help you
Limited mobility: Difficulty reaching or using the toilet independently. This can lead to increased reliance on others, potential falls, and reduced dignity.	Commodes: Portable toilets that can be placed near your bed or in another convenient location, providing a safe and accessible toileting option.
Reduced balance: Difficulty standing or transferring to the toilet safely. This can lead to an increased risk of falls and potential injury.	Commodes with raised toilet seats: Increases toilet seat height, minimising the need for significant lowering and reducing fall risks.
Bathroom inaccessibility: Standard toilets may be inaccessible due to bathroom layout limitations. This can lead to feeling restricted and dependent on others for toileting needs.	Commodes with detachable arms: Offer additional support during transfers and can be removed when not needed for increased accessibility.

Common scenarios and concerns

Lifestyle and equipment options to help you

Limited mobility: Difficulty reaching or using the toilet independently.

This can lead to increased reliance on others, potential falls, and reduced dignity.

Commodes: Portable toilets that can be placed near your bed or in another convenient location, providing a safe and accessible toileting option.

Reduced balance: Difficulty standing or transferring to the toilet safely.

This can lead to an increased risk of falls and potential injury.

Commodes with raised toilet seats: Increases toilet seat height, minimising the need for significant lowering and reducing fall risks.

Bathroom inaccessibility: Standard toilets may be inaccessible due to bathroom layout limitations.

This can lead to feeling restricted and dependent on others for toileting needs.

Commodes with detachable arms: Offer additional support during transfers and can be removed when not needed for increased accessibility.

Understanding the challenges of using the toilet

Here are some common reasons why using the toilet can become difficult:

Reduced mobility: Difficulty manoeuvring in the bathroom, lowering yourself onto a standard toilet seat, or wiping effectively can become increasingly challenging.
Reduced balance: The risk of falls is significantly higher when getting on and off a low toilet seat, especially for those with balance problems.
Bathroom limitations: Tight bathroom layouts or the presence of obstacles can make accessing a standard toilet difficult.

Commodes can help promote independence and dignity

Commodes are portable toilets that can be placed near your bed or in another convenient location within your home. They offer several advantages for those who require additional support when toileting:

Increased accessibility: Commodes can be positioned close to your bed or chair, eliminating the need to navigate to a distant bathroom. This reduces the risk of falls and improves accessibility.
Adjustable height: Many commodes offer adjustable leg heights, allowing you to find a comfortable and safe sitting position that minimises strain and reduces the risk of falls.
Improved hygiene: Some commode models feature a built-in bidet function for easier personal hygiene.
Enhanced dignity: Commodes empower you to manage your toileting needs independently, promoting a sense of dignity and control.

Types of commodes

There are various types of commodes available to suit your specific needs:

Standard Commodes: Basic commode chairs with a bucket and lid for waste collection.
Over-the-toilet Commodes: These models fit directly over your existing toilet seat, increasing its height for easier transfer and sitting.
Elevated Commodes: These offer a raised toilet seat with a built-in bucket and frame. Many have adjustable leg heights for added comfort and safety.
Commodes with removable arms: These provide additional support during transfers and can be removed when not in use, maximising accessibility.

Choosing the right commode

When selecting a commode, consider the following factors:

Your specific needs: Evaluate your level of mobility, balance, and any limitations you may have.
Bathroom space: Measure your bathroom to ensure there's enough space to safely manoeuvre the commode.
Features: Consider features like adjustable height, removable arms, and a built-in bidet, depending on your needs and preferences.
Weight capacity: Ensure the commode has a weight capacity that exceeds your weight.
Ease of use: Choose a model that is easy to assemble, clean, and operate.

Additional things to consider

Commode liners: Disposable liners make waste disposal more convenient and hygienic.
Toilet safety grab bars: Installing grab bars near the toilet can provide additional support for transfers.
Nightlights: A nightlight in the bathroom can improve visibility and prevent falls in low-light conditions.

Where to buy equipment to help you use the toilet safely

Plymouth City Council, NHS Devon, and Livewell Southwest have jointly commissioned NRS Healthcare to deliver the Safe+Well service, and they have over 2,500 daily living aids that you can purchase by mail order, telephone, or online.

View the Plymouth Safe+Well website

NRS has a dedicated phone line with a trained team of specialists who can answer any questions you might have. Just call 0345 6461860.

Other places to buy equipment from:

Free assessment tool: Select the area of difficulty that is relevant to you. You will then be asked a few questions to guide you towards helpful daily living aids.
Free telephone advice line: Complete the online form, and we will contact you to arrange a convenient time to call.