Commode chairs and toilet aids

1. Describe the difficulty before choosing equipment

Tell the hospital therapist or community occupational therapy service whether the difficulty is reaching the bathroom, sitting down, standing up, managing clothes or cleaning afterwards. Living Made Easy describes occupational therapists as advisers on equipment for practical difficulties. Ask for the actual transfer to be assessed, including any help from a relative. Describe night-time needs separately: the person may use a different room or need someone to be nearby. Before discharge, ask who will arrange delivery, explain use and review the arrangement. Write down the contact for a late delivery or unsuitable item, and ask what toileting arrangement is agreed until the equipment arrives.

2. Compare the main commode types

Static commodes stay in position; wheeled versions can be moved into place, and folding designs offer another option where storage matters. Shower commodes combine functions when designed for that use. For bariatric needs, ask the assessor about equipment suitable for the person’s weight, width and transfer method rather than selecting by appearance. Living Made Easy describes these different styles and advises checking the stated weight limit. No single limit applies to every commode. Ask to see the pan removal method, armrests and adjustment controls. If a chair has wheels, request a demonstration of its brakes and the intended movement routine. Confirm which functions the particular chair is approved to perform.

3. Consider a raised seat or toilet frame

A raised toilet seat changes the sitting height on the existing toilet. A surrounding frame offers handholds either side; some frames incorporate a seat. Ask the therapist whether either could solve the difficulty without a separate commode. The choice still needs to account for reaching the bathroom and managing the whole task. Invite the person to explain whether their feet feel supported, whether handles are comfortable and how they manage clothing. Check the arrangement with everyone who shares the bathroom. Ask the fitter to demonstrate checks and explain whether adjustments are permitted. Lancashire Teaching Hospitals advises adjusting a supplied commode’s height only when the occupational therapist has advised it.

4. Ask about assessed provision and temporary hire

In England, NHS guidance says equipment and small adaptations are free when assessed as needed; start with council social services. Elsewhere, use the nation-specific routes below and ask what the assessed loan includes. Explain if the need is short term and give the planned discharge date. British Red Cross guidance discusses hiring toilet frames and commodes, while Living Made Easy describes local availability as variable. Ask the Red Cross whether it currently supplies a suitable toilet aid for the person’s postcode, rather than assuming a nationwide commode service. Confirm stock, collection or delivery, cleaning, return arrangements and the full hire charge before relying on it. Keep the discharge team informed if nothing suitable is available.

5. Agree emptying, cleaning and privacy

The British Red Cross advises emptying the removable pot by its handle and cleaning it with hot water and detergent after each use. Follow the instructions supplied with the particular chair and ask the nurse about any additional infection-control needs. Lancashire Teaching Hospitals says to rinse and dry the commode properly before reuse. Ask someone to demonstrate the complete routine, including where cleaning takes place and who can carry the pot. Discuss privacy with the person: where they want the chair, how help is requested, and whether a door or screen is preferred. Arrange spare clothing and washing items within their agreed routine. Check that helpers understand the same plan rather than making different assumptions.

6. Check private costs, VAT and follow-up

For a private purchase, request the full price, delivery and fitting arrangements, returns conditions, replacement-part availability and instructions before paying. GOV.UK says both the product and the disability must qualify for VAT relief; age alone or a temporary disability does not establish entitlement. Ask the supplier to explain the relevant declaration, particularly for equipment bought during a short recovery. Seek free independent guidance from Citizens Advice or Age UK if a quote or agreement is unclear. Read consumer rights for mobility and care products before ordering. Agree who to contact if the chair becomes unsuitable, the person’s abilities change or a helper can no longer manage the cleaning. Keep loan paperwork with those contact details.

Common questions