Bariatric Commodes
Bariatric commodes provide a toileting option for larger residents with limited mobility and for those who have difficulty reaching the bathroom. It can also be used over an existing toilet, like a raised toilet seat, which raises the seat height and assists the user in standing. Extra wide, heavy duty and bariatric commodes offer additional strength and comfort with a larger seating area. Additional commodes are purposely designed to appear like an arm chair, discreetly hiding the commode feature and helping avoid embarrassment by the user or visitors.
Heavy Duty Bariatric commode can be used with patients from 400 Pounds and more. Bariatric Commode comes with a Large, padded backrest, which provides patient comfort and the back can be removed without tools. Extremely durable, sturdy and easy to maintain and wipe down. These commodes comes with large, durable "snap-on" seat and strong plastic armrests which provides comfort and stability. Commodes with higher weight capacities tend to be a bit deeper and offer seating surfaces that span the width of the commode. Bariatric commodes comes with a 12 quart commode bucket and with options like cover and splash shield.
Types
Frames are constructed of several materials including steel, aluminum, and composite plastic. A few models offer solid wood frames in an attempt to create a more aesthetically pleasing or “furniture-like” commode. Most bariatric commode frames are of the rigid type; however, several commodes feature folding frames that facilitate transport and storage of the commode. Seating surfaces are typically molded plastic or padded, and they can vary in their shape and dimensions depending on their intended use and their weight capacity.
A huge range of different styles is available. Features that you may need to consider are:
- Wood or metal frame
- Fixed or adjustable height
- Freestanding, mobile or bed-attached
- Standard or chemical
- Armrest style
- Style of seat
Mobile commodes make it easier to position the commode close to the user for transfers. They can also be used as a transfer chair and some can be positioned over the toilet with the commode pan removed.
Bed attached commodes can be useful for transferring from bed to the commode. These commodes have adjustable height legs on one side and extension arms on the other side which fit under the mattress to stabilise the commode.
Bariatric 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. An overfull pan can be difficult to remove without spillage. If the commode is to be positioned against a wall it would be wise to choose one that does not have a pan that slides out from the back of the seat. If there is nobody to carry out the emptying task, then a chemical commode might provide a solution because it needs emptying less frequently. The bariatric commode pan is deeper and contains liquid disinfectant to help neutralise odours and kill bacteria. The larger capacity will mean that the pan is heavier and more difficult to manage. An emptying service may be provided by your local health service. Seat height and style is important.
The user should ideally sit with their feet flat on the floor so that they are stable. A larger person might be more comfortable sitting on a seat that is square with a central aperture rather than a toilet-style seat. If sitting balance is poor, a more specialised commode that has a higher backrest and positioning supports may be needed. Some commodes can have armrests that can be removed, dropped down or flipped up to make sideways transfer possible.
Most bariatric commodes feature removable buckets or pails that are used in place of the toilet, allowing the commode to remain close to the resident's bed when necessary. In addition to being used bedside, many commodes can be placed over a toilet for use as a raised toilet seat or toilet safety frame. These commodes are commonly referred to as 3-in-1 or all-in-one commodes and can provide stability and standing/sitting assistance when using the toilet. Many models offer height adjustable legs or seats to accommodate the needs of the resident. In addition, drop-arm commodes feature arms that drop below the seat surface to facilitate lateral transfers to and from the commode.
How Do I Install the bariatric commode?
If the commode is adjustable, adjust the commode to a height appropriate for your size. The bariatric commode should be low enough to ensure that your feet touch the floor when sitting on it, but high enough to enable easier sitting and standing.
To adjust the height of the legs:
How Do I Use the bariatric commode?
Sitting Down
Standing Up
Managing toileting activities is an essential daily living task that should be carried out independently when ever possible to maintain privacy and dignity. There are many issues to consider including access to toilet facilities; transferring on and off the toilet; and tending to oneself.