Most people are susceptible to injury in the bathroom and toilet, but the risks are tenfold for the elderly and those with restricted mobility. Having wet or hard surfaces in your bathroom could be dangerous if you slip and fall and suffer an injury. Bathroom commode accessories and medical supplies toilets can prevent these injuries to the elderly or people with mobility issues.
Older adults, invalids, people with mobility issues, and lower body injuries often have difficulty using the bathroom and maintaining personal hygiene independently so commode accessories can be helpful.
What is a commode?
Commode chairs, sometimes referred to as bedside toilets or potty chairs, are non-flushing toilets that are portable anywhere. As it is portable, the user can place it in their bedroom or nearby anywhere, thereby saving time going to the bathroom.
The typical medical supplies commode chair consists of an armrest-less lightweight frame and a bucket-mounted toilet seat. You can take the bucket off to clean it after each use.
Commode vs. toilet
Often, the term "toilet" is interchangeable with "commode." But in this case, they cannot be the same. The toilet is an in-building fixture that is permanently installed in the bathroom. The toilet is filled with water and flushed when it is finished. As opposed to this, you can use a commode chair anywhere since it is not connected to the plumbing. It is essential to clean commodes after each use rather than flush them.
Who should use a commode?
Since commodes can be positioned anywhere, they allow independent restroom usage without having to leave your bed or chair. This is a safer alternative to the bathroom toilet, which is often too far away or too dangerous for people to use.
Factors to consider before purchasing a commode
The next step is determining what type of commode you would benefit from. You can focus on other, more specific factors that maximize the commode's performance for your particular needs.
Commode weight capacity
Make sure the commode you choose will safely support your weight by checking the weight capacity. A standard commode can typically hold 300 pounds. Depending on the model, a bariatric commode can have 300 to 600 pounds, which may be necessary for extra support and stability.
Height adjustable commode
Commodes should be at a height where sitting and standing on them feel comfortable and natural.
To be safe, you shouldn't "plop" down on it or strain yourself too much when you get up. Plopping down can put you in danger of falling. It would be best if you weren't forced to adopt an unnatural position on the commode, nor should your feet dangle over the edges.
For this reason, you should buy a commode with a height adjustment. Adjusting the commode's legs allows you to set the commode to a height that best suits your personal needs.
Oher adjustability
Another option might be to purchase a commode with other adjustable features, such as an adjustable back or armrests that can be adjusted. Added features make this chair more customizable for your unique needs and greater comfort.
Seat design
It is also essential to consider the designs and sizes of toilet seats. You can choose between an oval shape, like a toilet seat, or an elongated, square one. It is often more comfortable and supportive to sit on a long seat if you are a more prominent person.
You could choose a seat with an opening on the front. Wiping is easier on a seat that has a door on the show. Yet, it may not be stable enough for prominent individuals or people with limited leg control.
Additionally, you should measure the seat opening size to ensure it's not too big or too small for you. Some smaller users may find sitting comfortably in a large space difficult. A more extensive user may see a smaller opening as uncomfortable.
Wheeled vs. no wheels bedside commode
Mobility status plays a significant role in the choice. A wheeled commode can be helpful when users have minimal mobility and need caregiver assistance regularly. Some wheeled commodes can even function as transport or shower chairs. They are straightforward to move from one room to another. The commode without wheels is an excellent option for users needing a commode only during the night.
Foldable bedside commode
Many commodes can be folded flat for more compact storage. If you want it to be portable or transportable, a folding commode might be a good choice because they tend to be lighter than standard ones. In addition to being easily folded, Nova folding commodes also take up little space when not used, such as in a closet or a cupboard.
Materials
Consider also the type of material used for the commode frame. Typically, commode frames are made from aluminum or stainless steel. Aluminum offers more excellent lightweight but also more excellent durability. Stainless steel is the preferred choice for bariatric users as it is heavier and more robust and provides better support.
How to keep a commode clean?
Before using the bucket, add water if it does not have a liner. It will be easier to clean.
Every time you use the toilet, empty it. Empty the commode by removing the lid and the bucket from the bathroom and emptying the contents. Alternatively, you may consider using a commode liner, which you can easily remove from the bucket, close it and throw away.
After each use, you should wipe the bucket down with toilet cleaner and water. Also, rinse it entirely before replacing it in the commode. It would help if you washed the bucket with a disinfectant regularly. It is also important to clean the frame and toilet seat of the commode regularly, especially the hinges and the underside.
Final thoughts
It is difficult for those with disabilities or limited mobility to visit the bathroom independently, especially at night. Walking may be too painful, they may be susceptible to falling while walking, or they may have difficulty making it to the bathroom in time.
The bedside medical supplies commode is a safer and more independent alternative that allows them to go to the bathroom without help from a caregiver while still maintaining their dignity and independence. Find out the wide range of toilet medical supplies at Sky Medical Supplies.