IF YOU'RE NEW HERE, START WAY DOWN AT THE BOTTOM (Introduction)
The bedside commode is a piece of equipment that you will probably need at some point. There are many, many different kinds, but they all have basic similarities.
Most can be used not just at the bedside but also over the regular toilet, to raise the seat so it’s easier for your impatient to get up and down from. Some can ONLY be used over the toilet. Be sure you know what you’re getting.
The legs may be capped with rubber, or there may be wheels. When making your selection, be sure the one with wheels also has brakes.
Most of them have arms, which may be padded. Most have backs, which may be made of fabric, metal, or plastic.
The legs and frame are usually metal and the seat parts plastic.
The simplest model has a toilet seat and is open underneath.
I don’t recommend the one with a toilet seat that can’t be lifted—hard to clean.
The usual seat configuration has three (or four) parts: there is a toilet seat that can be lifted and maybe a lid that can be closed.
In a frame under the toilet seat there is a removable chute, called an extender, to direct the product into the toilet so it doesn’t spatter.
A container can be hung in the framework under the toilet seat. It’s convenient if this container has a handle, like a bucket, which makes it easier to carry away to empty.
Sometimes there is a loose extra lid that can be put over the bucket when you’re carrying it.
When you put the bedside commode next to your impatient’s bed, be sure to put the bucket in it. Put a couple of inches of water in the bucket to make cleanup easier.
When you put the bedside commode over the regular toilet, DO NOT put the bucket in it—this defeats the purpose. Be sure the extender is in place, however.
(Yes, I have forgotten all of these at one time or another.)
If the commode is used at the bedside, you will have to remove the bucket and empty it.
Take the bucket into the bathroom and put it down on the sink or the floor.
Put on your nitrile gloves.
Lift the toilet seat on the regular toilet and empty the bucket into it.
Rinse the bucket in the basin, emptying the rinse water into the toilet, until the bucket is clean. Flush the toilet.
If you’re wearing gloves, you can run your hand around the inside of the bucket to help with the cleanup.
You could also use paper towels, but you must not throw them in the toilet, and you probably don’t want them in your wastebasket.
Refill the bucket with a couple of inches of water and replace it in the commode.
If the commode is used over the toilet, there will probably be less cleanup. You may need to wipe the toilet seat. You may need to remove the extender and rinse it in the basin. Don’t forget to put on your gloves first.
If we are talking major diarrhea disaster, more extensive cleanup may be required. If possible, put the whole commode into the shower and clean it that way (with gloves!).
It is possible to put the bucket and the extender (and the loose lid, if any) into the dishwasher, if they’ll fit. But before you do, be sure they are not going to be needed for a while.