Can I Use a Bedside Commode to Shower? All You Need to Know!

Updated: 02/22/2023

Depending on their specific design, commodes can be used for multiple purposes by the elderly at home including as a shower chair. But there are few precautions you should take.

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Summary & Highlights

Yes, you can use a bedside commode in the shower, as long as you take the time to do your research to find a sturdy and waterproof commode.

Make sure it is stable enough not to tip over when you get in and out of the shower, and place a non-slip mat underneath it to prevent it from sliding around.

Additionally, a 3-in-1 commode is a great choice for those needing multi-purpose equipment.

See Our Recommended Bedside Commodes Here

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Commodes can be valuable pieces of at-home care equipment for the elderly, and they can serve more than one use depending on the specific design of the commode itself.

While commodes have specific bathroom purposes, they can also be helpful tools in the shower.

Understanding how different bedside commodes work (see my guide to the best bedside commodes here) and what other purposes they can safely serve for elderly individuals at home is crucial not only for health reasons but for quality of life as well.

So Can You Use a Bedside Commode to Shower?

The answer is yes; you can use a bedside commode to shower.

However, keep a few things in mind if you do this.

First, ensure that the commode is level, balanced, and sturdy so that it won’t tip over when you get in and out of the shower.

Some commodes are more stable than others, and ideally, you would want to use a 3-in-1 commode as that has the stability needed to also work as a toilet seat.

Secondly, make sure the commode is waterproof. Aluminum and plastic models are generally waterproof, but others are not.

And finally, you’ll want to put a non-slip mat or something similar under the commode to prevent it from sliding around. After all, safety is always the number one concern!

use bedside commode to shower 3-in-1 — For individuals who prefer or need a piece of multi-purpose equipment, 3-in-1 commodes are a great choice.

Toileting With a Bedside Commode in the Shower

Another reason to use a bedside commode in the shower is for easier clean-up. In some situations, spraying the shower is much easier than emptying a commode bucket.

You can also spray the person’s perineal area off with the handheld shower head, which is easier than repeated wiping after using the bedside commode.

What Is a 3-in-1 Commode?

A 3-in-1 commode has multiple uses: a bedside commode, a toilet safety frame, or a toilet seat riser.

This commode is perfect for people who have difficulty getting up and down from the toilet and can also be used as a shower chair if standing in the shower is difficult.

What Is the Difference Between a 3-in-1 Commode and a Shower Chair?

A commode chair has a built-in toilet seat and bucket that is primarily used as a standalone toilet. But a shower chair has a solid seat, and its main purpose is for someone to sit on it while taking a shower.

Commodes can be used anywhere in the home, while shower chairs are used exclusively in the shower.

There is some crossover between the two, though. You can buy shower chairs with toilet openings on them. And, as we are discussing here, some commodes can be used in the shower.