The doctor has recommended a commode or raised toilet seat for the home. There are so many choices for commodes and raised toilet seats!
Here are a few things to consider when selecting the appropriate commode for each unique situation.
What IS a Commode?
To begin, a commode actually has three functions. It can be used as a raised toilet seat, a toilet safety frame, or as a bedside commode for those that don’t have the strength to navigate to the bathroom and don’t want to use a bedpan or diapers.
There are many reasons to buy a commode. A patient may be aging in place and require bedside toileting, recovering from a fall and temporarily unable to navigate to the bathroom, or unable to lower themself down to or stand up from a conventional toilet. Some commodes are also suitable for use as a shower chair or transfer device, and wheeled commodes may also be suitable for short-distance transport.
Figuring Out the Specific Needs of the Intended User is Key to Choosing the Appropriate Commode
Will a commode need to be transported often or is space an issue?
- Choose a folding commode.
Will a commode need to be moved out of the way often inside a home?
- Choose a light-weight aluminum commode.
Will a commode be used as a toilet safety frame?
- Choose a commode with a removable back bar.
Will the user need to transfer from a wheelchair?
- Choose a drop arm commode.
Will the user be moved while seated on the commode?
- Choose a wheeled commode.
Does the user have sensitive skin?
- Choose a commode with cushioned armrests or a padded seat.
Will the user spend long periods of time sitting on the commode?
- Choose a commode with a wide, comfortable seat or a padded seat.
Is the user large or heavy?
- Choose a commode with a deeper, wider seat and a higher weight capacity.
Are budget and cost an issue?
- Look for a standard steel 3-in-1 commode, it is less expensive than a lighter aluminum commode.
All Lumex commodes come with a commode pail and lid, making them appropriate for bedside use. The removable commode pail can be replaced with the included splashguard, making the commode appropriate over an existing toilet as a raised toilet seat and toilet safety frame.
Lumex commodes include several models ranging from 300 to 650 lb maximum weight capacity.
Never exceed the weight capacity of a commode; this could be dangerous and even fatal.
It is best to discuss the situation with a medical professional to determine which commode best fits the user’s needs. The perfect home commode is likely just a short search away!
Contact us for more ideas and advice.
Amy Boughner is a Technical Writer at Graham-Field.
