Definition of Bedside Commode

Severe illness or injury may require changes to the way everyday tasks are accomplished. Specialized medical equipment helps in many situations, and physician offices are happy to recommend local carriers that rent these items. If long-term use is expected, purchasing the equipment from the medical supply store may be the most cost-effective option. Bedside commodes are one of the most frequently required pieces of equipment when caring for a person with limited mobility.

Description

• Bedside commodes are chair-like toilets with a container below the toilet seat that slides out for cleaning. Often a commode has a toilet seat lid that can be left down when the commode is not in use.

Function

• Typically, these commodes used when movement is restricted due to illness or injury. Bathrooms are often a distance from the bed, and using a commode will help to lessen the likelihood of falls or injury. A bedside commode can be used as any bathroom toilet, with the convenience of having the commode close by.

Models

• The height of most bedside commodes is adjustable, but there are various options available, depending on the person's needs. Some commodes have side arms that do not move, and others have arms that are adjustable or move out of the way. Bedside commodes are often made to look like a piece of furniture so that visitors are unaware of a commode's presence in the room. These models have no option to adjust the height.

Safety

• Caregivers should always offer assistance to clients when getting on or off the commode. Some models of commodes have wheels, which may cause the commode to move away from the person as he sits down: These wheels should be kept in the locked position when the commode is in use. Keep the commode as close to the bedside as possible, eliminating extra movement and steps. Some commodes have safety belts.

Cleaning

• After each use, the bedside commode must be emptied for sanitary purposes, and the caregiver should always wear disposable gloves. Remove the bucket that slides under the seat, and empty the contents into the bathroom toilet. Use a toilet brush designated for cleaning only the commode, to scrub the commode's bucket. If more than liquid was emptied, there should be a thorough cleaning of the container. Apply a disinfectant cleanser, continue scrubbing and rinse. Many caregivers prefer to clean the commode outside and use an old paint bucket or other container to hold clean water for scrubbing out the commode.