Commodes for heavy duty use
These commodes have a user capacity of at least 190kg and are available in a range of styles including: armchair styled, cane construction, corner, folding, metal, plastic or wooden framed. Commodes in this section may have greater seat width than standard commodes. The seats either resemble a standard toilet seat or are square, with a central aperture.1
Metal framed commodes often have height adjustable legs, a few have two transport wheels to assist with moving them when not in use.
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Help and advice
Commodes are used with a plastic commode pan that must be emptied at regular intervals. The commode pan is removed either by lifting it out from the top or by sliding it out from underneath. We recommend using the pan lid when carrying the pan to reduce the risk of spillage.
If you experience difficulty standing from chairs, toilets etc then it is important that the commode you use has armrests and has a suitable seat height for you. Ideally, users should sit with their feet flat on the floor so that they are stable and with their thighs horizontal (with your knees and hips at the same height). If your knees are higher than your hips when you are sat on your commode then it may be too low for you. Armrests may also help as you can push up from these when standing.
If you sit down heavily on chairs, or transfer from a wheelchair, then a commode may move when you sit on it. Position its back rest against a wall or place the commode in a corner to reduce this movement.
The choice of commode most suited to you will depend on your needs, your personal measurements and environmental factors. For individual assessment and information contact your local social services and ask to arrange an assessment with an occupational therapist.
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