Safety and home
Bedside commode
A bedside commode is a portable chair with a toilet seat and a removable bucket. It lets a person who has trouble reaching the bathroom, especially at night, use the toilet near the bed. Medicare Part B lists commode chairs as covered when you are eligible.
Why it matters for your family
A commode lowers the risk of falls on night trips to the bathroom. It also eases the load on caregivers. Medicare lists commode chairs as covered by Part B, with a share after the deductible. Rules apply, so ask the doctor. Families may leave it in the room and forget about cleaning. Someone must empty and clean it each day, which can be a care task to plan for. A common mistake is to place it where the person must step around other furniture. Make sure it is stable and the person can transfer to it. Some models double as a raised toilet seat over the regular toilet.
Source: medicare.gov
Read more: Personal and advanced care
Related terms
- Raised toilet seatA raised toilet seat is a seat added on top of a toilet to make it higher.
- ToiletingToileting, as an activity of daily living, means getting to and from the toilet, using it, and cleaning up afterward.
- TransferringTransferring, as an activity of daily living, means moving between surfaces, such as bed to chair, chair to standing, or wheelchair to toilet.
- Fall preventionFall prevention is the set of steps that lower the chance an older adult will fall.
- IncontinenceIncontinence is the loss of control over the bladder, bowel, or both, causing leaks or accidents.
- Hospital bedA hospital bed is an adjustable bed used at home for a person who needs help with positioning, rest or transfers.
