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Bedside Commode

Bedroom
Bedside Commode

Bedside Commode

A bedside commode should be fitted to the person and positioned to support a safe transfer. It requires a clear cleaning, emptying and infection-control plan.

Overview

Bedside commode
Image credit: shop.aidacare.com.au

A bedside commode is a static toilet chair with:

  • Toilet seat
  • Removable bowl
  • Lid
  • Armrests
  • Height-adjustable legs
  • Removable or fold-away padded seat on some models

It is positioned near the bed for people who cannot safely or comfortably access the bathroom.

Purpose

  • Reduce night-time walking
  • Reduce falls risk
  • Support toileting during illness or recovery
  • Support palliative care
  • Reduce urgency-related accidents
  • Reduce carer assistance over long distances
  • Provide temporary toileting where the bathroom is inaccessible

Who May Benefit

  • Reduced mobility
  • Reduced endurance
  • Urgency
  • Night-time falls
  • Difficulty reaching the toilet
  • Temporary post-operative limitation
  • Bedroom located far from bathroom
  • Palliative or end-of-life care
  • Unsafe bathroom access

When It May Not Be Suitable

  • Person cannot transfer safely
  • Person requires a hoist but the space is inadequate
  • Severe sitting instability
  • Person repeatedly forgets the commode location
  • Cleaning cannot be managed
  • Bedroom privacy is inadequate
  • Odour or infection-control concerns cannot be addressed
  • Commode obstructs emergency access
  • Person is likely to mistake it for another chair

How to Choose

Seat Height

Set the height so that:

  • Feet are supported
  • Hips and knees are positioned appropriately
  • The person can sit and stand safely
  • The bed-to-commode transfer is manageable
  • The user does not perch

Example Aspire ranges include:

  • Classic bedside commode: toilet seat height about 475–600 mm
  • Deluxe bedside commode: toilet seat height about 435–585 mm

Check the exact product.

Seat Width

Check:

  • Hip clearance
  • Armrest access
  • Clothing
  • Carer access
  • Safe working load

Armrests

Armrests should:

  • Support controlled lowering
  • Assist standing
  • Be reachable
  • Avoid shoulder elevation
  • Remain stable

Bowl

Check:

  • Capacity
  • Lid
  • Carry handle
  • Ease of removal
  • Splash risk
  • Cleaning method
  • Compatibility with disposable liners if used

Frame

Choose:

  • Stable frame
  • Non-slip rubber tips
  • Height-adjustable legs
  • Easy-clean surfaces
  • Adequate safe working load
  • Bariatric model when required

Positioning Beside the Bed

Place the commode:

  • On the person’s preferred transfer side
  • Close enough to reduce steps
  • Far enough to allow safe turning
  • Clear of the bed mechanism
  • Clear of cords and rugs
  • With adequate carer space
  • With a light available
  • With toilet paper and hygiene supplies within reach

Do not place it where it blocks:

  • Bedroom exit
  • Walking path
  • Hoist access
  • Emergency access
  • Bed adjustment

Transfers

Assess:

  • Standing transfer
  • Pivot transfer
  • Slide-board transfer
  • Hoist transfer
  • Bed height
  • Commode height
  • Walking-aid placement
  • Clothing management
  • Night-time cognition
  • Orthostatic symptoms

How to Use

Before Use

  • Check stability.
  • Confirm all rubber tips are secure.
  • Insert the bowl correctly.
  • Place the lid and padded seat as required.
  • Keep the floor dry and clear.
  • Arrange lighting.

Transfer

  1. Approach using the prescribed method.
  2. Turn until the legs touch the seat.
  3. Reach for the armrests.
  4. Lower slowly.
  5. Keep feet supported.
  6. Complete clothing management safely.

After Use

  • Replace the lid.
  • Empty the bowl promptly.
  • Clean and dry the bowl.
  • Clean the seat and armrests.
  • Wash hands.
  • Return the commode to the prescribed position.

Risks and Considerations

  • Commode movement
  • Incorrect height
  • Missing rubber tips
  • Falls during night transfers
  • Poor lighting
  • Urine or faecal spillage
  • Infection
  • Odour
  • Skin contamination
  • Carer manual handling
  • Bowl not inserted correctly
  • Exceeding safe working load
  • Obstruction of emergency pathways
  • Confusion with standard seating

Continence and Skin Care

Consider:

  • Toileting schedule
  • Clothing access
  • Wipes
  • Hand hygiene
  • Barrier cream
  • Continence products
  • Skin inspection
  • Cleaning frequency
  • Odour management

Cleaning

  • Wear appropriate gloves.
  • Empty contents into the toilet.
  • Follow local infection-control procedures.
  • Use manufacturer-approved cleaning products.
  • Clean the underside of the seat.
  • Dry all components.
  • Avoid mixing cleaning chemicals.

Trial Checklist

  • [ ] Correct height
  • [ ] Correct width
  • [ ] Armrests reachable
  • [ ] Feet supported
  • [ ] Stable on floor
  • [ ] Transfer safe
  • [ ] Bowl easy to remove
  • [ ] Carer can clean safely
  • [ ] Bedroom access remains clear
  • [ ] Night light available
  • [ ] Privacy plan acceptable
  • [ ] Safe working load suitable

Review Triggers

  • Falls or near misses
  • Change in bed height
  • Increased weakness
  • Cognitive change
  • Skin irritation
  • Repeated spills
  • Rubber-tip wear
  • Frame movement
  • Change in transfer method
  • Carer concern

Related Notes

References

  • Aidacare. Bedside Commodes: https://www.aidacare.com.au/products/bedroom/bedside-commodes
  • Aidacare. Aspire Classic Bedside Commode: https://www.aidacare.com.au/products/bedroom/bedside-commodes/aspire-classic-bedside-commode/
  • Aidacare. Aspire Deluxe Bedside Commode: https://www.aidacare.com.au/products/bedroom/bedside-commodes/aspire-deluxe-bedside-commode/
  • Queensland Health. Prescribe, Train and Review Use of Toilet Seating Equipment: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/711721/S-AD05.pdf
  • Relevant manufacturer instructions and organisational procedures