A bathroom commode is a type of non-flushing, portable toilet.
Unlike a flushing toilet, which is a permanent fixture in a bathroom area, a commode does not feature plumbing and can be picked up and carried to different rooms or even transferred to different homes easily.
Bathroom commodes may be placed in a traditional bathroom area, but they can also be placed in bedrooms, living rooms, hospital rooms, or other areas of a home or hospital setting.
Commodes are often used by individuals who have a difficult time using a traditional toilet, due to a disability, injury or illness, or other medical problem.
A typical commode consists of a four posted box frame which supports a lidded bedpan or chamber pot in the center.
Many commodes have additional features, such as handles, toilet paper racks, and back support.
These additional features are designed to provide added convenience and added comfort to a bathroom commode, which may be considerably less comfortable than a traditional flushing toilet.
Basic commode models often do not include back support, and individuals who desire a more comfortable use or who require back support due to a medical condition can find commodes with back support-padded for comfort or otherwise-that meet their personal needs.
Handles are particularly useful for individuals who need to use commodes due to a medical condition, such as a back injury or illness.
Handles are intended to help a patient sit down and stand up when using a commode, which can be difficult without this added support.
Other features, such as toilet paper racks or magazine racks, are often included to increase the convenience of a bathroom commode.
Commodes are often used in areas outside the bathroom, which means that users do not have easy access to toilet paper.
An attached toilet paper rack makes it simple and easy for users to have access to toilet tissue.
Magazine racks, of course, are purely an entertainment convenience.
The reasons why someone might want or need a commode vary.
Many patients with weakened muscles, either due to an injury or a disease, may find that getting into the bathroom and using a traditional flushing toilet is a difficult task.
Traditional toilets are commonly low to the ground, which can be painful or even impossible for certain patients to perform.
Additionally, people in wheelchairs or who use medical devices such as walkers or crutches may find it harder to maneuver in a smaller bathroom.
A commode placed in a larger room, such as a bedroom or spare room, can make going to the bathroom easier, faster and more comfortable.
People who have limited mobility, such as some elderly or other injured patients, may find a commode in an area of the home which they commonly sit in much more convenient than having to travel to the bathroom every time they need to use it.
Commodes can even be moved from room to room, if necessary.
Commodes have many benefits, including portability and comfortable features, which make going to the bathroom easy and comfortable.