Devices Offering Great Solutions (DOGS)

Shower Chairs and Commodes

 

Safe seating for hygiene needs.

 

About Shower Chairs and Commodes 

 

Shower chairs help anyone who cannot stand for a long time in the shower. This is a safer option for people who have trouble with balance or fatigue. Being able to sit while you shower helps prevent falls. Shower chairs can be used whether you are bathing yourself or have assistance.

Commodes, at the bedside, are helpful for anyone who can’t walk to the bathroom. They take the place of a toilet. Commodes have a toilet seat and a bucket or collection container to hold waste. You can also remove the bucket and place your commode directly over a toilet. This can be a convenient alterative to installing a raised toilet seat and grab bars for the bathroom.

What kinds of shower chairs and commodes are there?

Shower Chairs and Stools

Shower chairs can be plastic, metal, wooden or any combination that can be placed in the bathtub or shower. They often have adjustable legs so they can be raised or lowered to the right height for you. Shower chairs usually have a back support and may have arms. Shower stools are low-profile and can fit into smaller shower stalls or bathtubs. You can see a variety of styles from companies like Drive Medical.

Transfer Bench

A transfer bench allows you to slide in and out of the shower. This is especially helpful when you’re navigating a bathtub. Bath benches are longer than shower chairs and hang over the edge of the tub.

Drop-Arm Commode

A standard commode is equipped with a collection container and lid. It is made of steel and plastic for extra support. Some commodes also have detachable arms. This helps wheelchair users transfer onto the commode.

Commode Liners

You can line the bucket or collection container with a plastic bag or commode liner for ease of emptying. No muss, no fuss. Some companies make absorbent pads that turn waste into a gel. They reduce odors and eliminate spills and splashes.

Multifunction Toilet / Bathing Chairs

These chairs are on wheels, so that they can be positioned either over the toilet or in the shower. They usually offer more support than a standard shower chair or commode. There may be extra features like tilting or reclining. Multifunction bath chairs are available for adults (see the ShowerBuddy) as well as for children (see the Flamingo or Rifton toileting systems).

  

    How can I find out what’s new?

    Technology changes all the time. To find out about the latest options for these, you can type keywords into a search engine such as Google, Safari, Firefox, or Bing on a computer or tablet. These are the keywords for this type of item:

     

    • bedside commode
    • potty chair
    • shower chair
    • shower stool
    • bath bench

     

    How do I find out more?

    If you live in the US outside of Pennsylvania, you can find your state’s AT program.

    If you live in Pennsylvania:

    • you could contact TechOWL to work with a specialist. We can meet with you and sometimes demonstrate this equipment. We can also help with different ways to get one for your own.
    • you might borrow this equipment to try out.

    Are these in Pennsylvania’s AT Lending Library?

     NO