How do I Use a Shower Commode Chair?

Shower commode chairs are designed to help people who have limited mobility by creating a safe environment in the bathroom. A good shower commode chair is sturdy yet versatile and can serve different purposes. People can use the shower commode chair as a commode in the bedroom. Certain styles of commode chairs can also fit over the toilet for extra support, or people can use them as shower chairs to assist in bathing.

Instructions

With Someone Else On The Chair

• 1

  Assess the situation before you help the other person use the shower chair. If the shower commode chair has wheels, learn how to lock the wheels down to keep the wheels in place. You normally do this by pushing on levers on the wheels. The levers act like brakes. Make sure the shower chair has a seat belt and that everything on the shower chair is secure so that the chair does not move or shake.

• 2

  Check underneath the shower commode chair for a bucket to catch bowel movements and urine, or if the chair needs to be placed over a toilet.

• 3

  Transfer or assist the person into the shower commode chair. Buckle the seat belt to ensure that the person does not fall out of the chair. Let the person use the commode part of the chair if needed. Give her privacy while she uses the commode.

• 4

  Empty the bucket or flush the toilet, and unlock the chair. Wear gloves when assisting in clean up after use of the commode.

• 5

  Move the chair into the shower and lock the wheels again. Shower the person while he is sitting in the chair and let him perform his own shower as much as possible. Stay with him so that he does not fall out of the chair.

For Yourself

• 6

  Lock the wheels of the shower commode chair before you sit down in it. Use the chair as a commode if need be. Empty the bucket when you are done, or flush the toilet if the chair rests above the toilet.

• 7

  Place the shower commode chair in the shower area of your bathroom. Lock the wheels and make sure it is sturdy before you sit down on it.

• 8

  Sit down in the shower chair and shower yourself. The shower chair will help keep you from falling in the shower. Fasten the seat belt so that you feel more secure if you are afraid of slipping.