A shower commode chair is simply a commode that can be used in the shower. A commode is a chair that contains a hole in the seat with a detachable chamber pot, allowing it to be used as a toilet. Some chairs can also be pushed over standard toilets.
Getting into the bathroom and on the toilet can be a chore if you have any disabilities. You need to lower yourself, use the toilet, and raise yourself, and this often requires support from another person.
A commode chair is more convenient and can provide some much-needed privacy as the person uses the toilet. If the chair has wheels and is suitable for use in the shower, it makes it much easier to complete all toileting and hygiene needs without requiring lots of trips or a great deal of effort.
Benefits and Uses of a Shower Commode Chair
Most commode chairs have multiple uses. Usually, they contain wheels and can be taken into the shower. These chairs can help to make life easier for caregivers and patients and have their uses in both the short term and the long term.
For instance, someone who breaks their legs or is recovering from surgery can benefit from using a commode chair to help meet their daily needs. The chair will help them for as long as they need and once they recover, it’s no longer required.
At the same time, it can be used long-term by someone with permanent disabilities. A caregiver can use one to help meet daily living needs when their patient is immobile because of physical disabilities or late-stage dementia.
What to Look for in a Short Commode Chair
To find the right chair for you, keep an eye out for the following features:
Movement
Mobility products aren’t much use if they are not mobile. The chair needs to have wheels and it needs to move around with ease. Heavier users and users with thickly carpeted floors may struggle to find a suitable chair, but there are options out there.
Adjustability
How adjustable is the chair? Are you able to change the height and the width and does it suit the user’s size, weight, and needs? There is no one-size-fits-all so you need a chair that can be adapted.
Weight Capacity
All mobility products, from grab bars to mobility scooters and more, have a weight capacity. This can vary considerably, going from 250 lbs. to over 500 lbs. It all depends on the product and the materials used, but it’s something that you should look into if the patient is overweight.
Comfort
Is the chair comfortable to use? Does it have a backrest to support their back and armrests to support their arms? Comfort is incredibly important, as they may be sitting in the chair for long periods of time and if it’s not comfortable, it could cause problems for them.
The Best Shower Commode Chairs
To highlight the best shower commode chairs, we have looked at the materials used, the features provided, and the reliability of the manufacturer. Price has been considered to ensure you get the best value for money, and we’ve also scanned user reviews to see how the product works in a practical setting.
Drive Medical Aluminum Shower Commode Mobile Chair
At nearly $700, this is one of the most expensive chairs on this list, but it’s also one of the sturdiest and, arguably, the best. If you have the extra money in your budget, it’s well worth considering.
It can be rolled over a toilet or a chamber pot can be attached. The backrest is padded, the aluminum frame is solid and lightweight, and there is a footrest bar that swings away as needed.
It’s also rust-resistant and can be taken into the shower when necessary. Most reviews for this chair are very positive and we only encountered a couple of issues. However, as you’re buying from Drive Medical, one of the biggest names in the mobility sector, you’ll be backed by a reputable company, a great returns policy, and a strong warranty.
Faulty products happen and a small number of consumers will have issues, but as long as the company deals with them promptly, all is well.
NOVA Medical Products Drop-Arm Transport Chair Commode
As the name suggests, this NOVA chair features quick-release drop-arms for easy access and transport. It has a weight capacity of 250 lbs. and comes disassembled, but it’s easy to put together. It’s durable, resistant to rust, and features easy access wheel brakes.
More importantly, this NOVA chair is available for a fraction of the price of the Drive Medical one. It’s not comparable in terms of quality, but at just $150 you can’t go wrong.
HomCom Personal Mobility Shower Accessible Chair
At the time of writing, this product has just gone out of stock on Amazon. Regardless, if you can find it in stock somewhere or get a similar product, it’s well worth taking a look. The HomCom chair is available for less than $150. It features a clean white design, uses an aluminum frame, and is 100% waterproof, allowing you to push it into the shower as needed.
Reviews are mostly positive, and it comes with a detachable plastic bucket.
Rolling Shower Chair from Fields Outdoor Supplies
Available for around $300, this chair features a strong and sturdy frame, along with a waterproof and antibacterial mesh covering. It’s not as comfortable as the other options on this list but it’s very effective and durable. It’s made of PVC, as opposed to aluminum, but the description states that it can support users weighing up to 300 lbs.
Based on the material used and some of the comments, it’s not the best option for overweight patients, even if they fall just under that 300 lb. limit. At the same time, it’s a great chair for everyone else.