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

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.

Aspire Deluxe Bedside Commode — Image credit: shop.aidacare.com.au

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

Consider each of the following areas when selecting a commode.

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

Approach using the prescribed method.
Turn until the legs touch the seat.
Reach for the armrests.
Lower slowly.
Keep feet supported.
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

Funding and Access in Australia

Equipment may be funded or loaned through several pathways, depending on the person's circumstances:

NDIS — for NDIS participants, assistive technology can be funded in the plan when it is reasonable and necessary. Higher-cost or complex items usually need an assessment and quote from an allied health professional such as an OT.
Support at Home and My Aged Care — older Australians can be assessed through My Aged Care. Support at Home includes an Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme for approved equipment.
State and territory equipment schemes — each state runs its own equipment programs with their own eligibility rules (for example, the DHS Equipment Program in South Australia, managed by the Domiciliary Equipment Service).
DVA — eligible veterans may access equipment through the Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP).
Hospital and community loans — short-term loan equipment is often available after a hospital stay or for palliative care.
Private purchase or hire — trial before buying where possible.

An occupational therapist can help confirm the right equipment and which funding pathway applies.

Related Notes

Shower Commode
Toilet Equipment
Electric Bed
Personal Alarms
Falls Prevention

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
NDIS. Assistive technology explained: https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/assistive-technology-explained
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/support-at-home/delivering-services-for-support-at-home/assistive-technology-and-home-modifications-at-hm-scheme
Government of South Australia. DHS Equipment Program (Domiciliary Equipment Service): https://des.sa.gov.au/
Department of Veterans' Affairs. Aids, equipment and modifications through the Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP): https://www.dva.gov.au/what-we-help-with/care-at-home-and-aged-care-services/living-independently/dva-in-home-programs/aids-equipment-and-modifications-through-the-rehabilitation-appliances-program-rap
Aidacare. Aspire Deluxe Bedside Commode: https://shop.aidacare.com.au/products/aspire-deluxe-bedside-commode

Image Credits

Image: Aspire Deluxe Bedside Commode, courtesy of Aidacare, https://shop.aidacare.com.au/products/aspire-deluxe-bedside-commode
Image: Aspire Classic Bedside Commode, courtesy of Aidacare, https://www.aidacare.com.au/products/bedroom/bedside-commodes/aspire-classic-bedside-commode/