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DISCLAIMER:
Whilst all care is taken to provide accurate information with respect to the item described, the Independent Living Centre (ILC) is not involved in product design or manufacture, and therefore not in a position to guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. Selection of equipment, which is both suitable and appropriate for individual needs remains the responsibility of the person(s) considering requisition, and no responsibility is taken by the ILC for any loss or injury caused through use of the equipment or alleged to have arisen through reliance upon information provided. As information is subject to change any enquiries should be directed to the manufacturer.



Item Details

A Buyers Guide to Static Commodes

ILC Reference NO 11:41:600
Item sourced from ILC ACT database


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Price Guide
Refer to supplier details for pricing.

More Details
Points to Consider When Purchasing a Static Commode

A commode may be useful if:

- A person has difficulty getting to the toilet safely during the night e.g. if they are unsteady on their feet, or can't see the way clearly. Using a commode may prevent a fall on the way to the toilet.
- A person needs the toilet urgently and can't walk there fast enough.
- The location of the toilet make it difficult to get to eg if the toilet is upstairs or a long way down the corridor, is outside or is not accessible.
- A person uses excessive energy getting to the toilet and has little energy left for other tasks.


TRANSFERS
· Armrests which attach to the front and rear of the seat frame offer useful support for pushing up on to stand, and for lowering oneself to sit.
· Commodes with lift-out, swing back or drop down arm-rests allow both sideways and front transfers.
· Commodes may have either fixed height or height adjustable legs. Height- adjustable legs allow the commode to be set at the same height as the wheelchair, bed etc. This could assist with transfers. Height -adjustable legs also allow the commode to be adjusted to a suitable height to make standing from the commode easier.
· Some commodes have attachments to secure them to the bed. This may be beneficial if a person will be transferring between the bed and commode and need it to be very close. It will ensure the commode
remains still while the person transfers onto it.

LOCATION OF USE
The direction in which the pan is removed varies between commodes
· if the pan is lifted straight up and out, the commode can be placed against a wall
· if the pan is removed from behind the commode, the commode would be better placed a distance from the wall.
· if the pan is swung to the side of the commode to be removed, there will need to be a clear space to that side.

COMFORT
· Commode toilet seats may be of the standard toilet seat style or they may consist of a flat seat with a hole cut out. The latter style may also be moulded to allow any necessary drainage into the pan.
· Commode toilet seats may be made of either plastic or wood.
· Commodes may have a back rest which provides extra stability and comfort.
· The commode will be more comfortable if the user's feet rest on the floor during use. This can be achieved by using a commode with height adjustable legs.
· Some commodes have armrests with a flat top - these are more comfortable to rest on than tubular armrests.

EASE OF USE
· The commode seat may be covered with either a hinged toilet seat lid, a cushioned seat which flips up using a hinge mechanism and rests against the commode backrest during use, or a cushioned seat which is lifted off the commode when it is to be used,. The hinged cushion seat may be easier for some people to manage, but others may not like leaning against it as they use the commode, so may prefer a lift-off seat cushion.
· When the cushioned seat is put back in place, the commode can be used as a chair.

PORTABILITY
· Commodes vary in weight depending on the materials they are made from e.g. steel and timber may be heavier than aluminium. Heavy commodes are more stable and can be useful for heavier people, or for people who land heavily on the seat.
· Commodes that fold up are easy to store when not needed, and can be transported to other places where they may be needed. Be careful to check that the commode is unfolded completely and stable before sitting on it.

HYGIENE
· The shape of the commode pan may affect the ease and effectiveness of cleaning. Commode pans may be round, rectangular or bed-pan shaped. Round pans are probably the easiest to clean.
· Many commode pans have lids and handles which make it easier and more pleasant to carry the pan to the toilet for emptying.
· Pans are available in either plastic or stainless steel.
· Most companies sell replacement pans

APPEARANCE
· If the commode is to be used in a room where visitors will see it, it may be more dignified to choose one which has side and front skirts which conceal the pan.The commode then resembles an ordinary chair.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
· Make an appointment at the Independent Living Centre to try a range of commodes.
· Ask at the Independent Living Centre for inrformation on buying or hiring a commode.
· If you have a lot of difficulty with daily tasks, consult an Occupational Therapist for assistance. For details of local occupational therapists, please ask the Independent Living Centre.

The Independent Living Centre ACT is keen to receive your feedback on the information we provide - If information in this sheet is incorrect or could be improved please let us know.









Models
· Auscare commode

· Extendacare commodes - pharmacies especially Amcal Pharmacies

· Faulding commodes - pharmacies, including Macquarie, Red Hill, Canberra Centre and Ainslie

· K-Care commodes- Able Rehabilitation Equipment, SOS, Australian Surgical Aid Centre, Admed

· Lifecare commode - Lifecare Medical and SOS

· Polymedic commode - BPM, Hospital Supplies of Australia, Admed



Supplier Information - click to supplier for contacts details
AIDACARE PTY LTD - WAS LIFEHEALTHCARE,   LAVINGTON (ALBURY), NSW
AUSMEDIC - DISTRIBUTOR,   HORNSBY, NSW
BPM TRADING - POLYMEDIC AGENT,   DEE WHY , NSW
CH2 - CLIFFORD-HALLAM,   ROSELANDS , NSW
COOLEMAN COURT PHARMACY - AUSTRALIAN PHARMACY,   WESTON, ACT
GP MEDICAL,   PHILLIP, ACT
MOBILITY MATTERS - SOS,   FYSHWICK, ACT
PHARMACIES,   PRODUCT.,
THE WHEELCHAIR FACTORY,   FISHER, ACT

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