Helping someone use a bedside commode is something most carers learn on the go, without formal training. Done well, it protects both of you, the person you are caring for keeps their dignity, and you protect your back and your confidence.
In this article
Setting Up the Space
A few minutes of preparation makes every assisted toileting moment safer and calmer. Before you even think about helping someone onto the commode, the environment needs to support you both.
Choosing the right height and position
Set the commode height so that when the person sits, their feet rest flat on the floor with their knees roughly at hip height or just slightly lower. This position makes standing back up much easier and reduces the risk of a fall.
Place the commode alongside the bed on the person's stronger or more mobile side. Face it so they can reach both armrests as they lower themselves down. Leave enough clearance around all sides so you can move freely to assist, at least 60 cm on the carer's side if possible.
Non-slip mats and lighting
Place a non-slip mat under the commode feet to stop it sliding during transfers. If the commode will be used at night, a small night light that switches on automatically makes a real difference. Poor lighting is one of the most common contributors to falls during nighttime toileting.
Remove any loose rugs, cords, or clutter between the bed and commode. Creating a clear, unobstructed path takes only seconds and can prevent a serious incident.
| Setup item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Correct seat height | Feet flat on floor = easier to sit and stand safely |
| Non-slip mat under commode | Prevents the frame sliding during transfers |
| Clear path (no rugs or cords) | Reduces trip hazard, especially at night |
| Night light | Improves visibility for nighttime use without disturbing sleep |
| Commode on stronger side | Lets the person use their best side to push up and pivot |
Helping Someone Onto and Off the Commode
The transfer, moving someone from the bed to the commode and back, is where most carer injuries and falls happen. Technique matters more than strength here.
Standing pivot transfer (most common)
This is the most common technique for someone who can bear some weight on their legs. Follow these steps:
- Sit the person on the edge of the bed with feet flat on the floor. Give them a moment to steady themselves.
- Position yourself directly in front of them. Place your feet shoulder-width apart with one foot slightly forward for balance.
- Ask them to lean forward slightly (nose over toes), then help them push up to standing. Support at the hips or use a transfer belt around their waist rather than holding under the arms, which can strain their shoulders.
- Once standing, guide them to pivot towards the commode. Keep movements slow and verbal: "We're going to turn slowly to your right now."
- Help them reach back for both commode armrests before they sit. Let them lower themselves rather than dropping them.
- Reverse the steps to help them back to bed.
Keep your own back straight throughout. Bend at the knees, not your waist. Never twist your spine while supporting someone's weight.
Using a slide board or hoist
If the person cannot weight-bear at all, a slide board or ceiling/portable hoist makes the transfer safer for both of you. Slide boards work well for lateral transfers when the commode can be placed very close to the mattress edge. Hoists are the right solution when the person has very limited strength or when you are caring alone and the transfer feels risky.
If you are not sure which option suits the person's needs, an occupational therapist can assess and recommend the right equipment. This is worth arranging sooner rather than later, attempting unsafe manual transfers over time leads to injuries for carers as well as the people they support.
What to do if the person resists
Resistance to using the commode is common, especially early on. It often comes from embarrassment, fear of falling, or simply the discomfort of needing help with something so private.
A few things that help:
- Give plenty of notice rather than acting urgently, rushing increases anxiety.
- Offer choices where possible: "Would you like to try now, or in a few minutes?"
- Be matter-of-fact and calm. Your tone sets the tone.
- If resistance is persistent and linked to distress, speak with their GP or a continence nurse, who can offer specific strategies.
Hygiene, Dignity, and Aftercare
How you assist with hygiene and aftercare matters just as much as the transfer itself. The person using the commode is trusting you with something deeply personal. That trust deserves your full respect every time.
Privacy and emotional comfort
Always knock before entering, even if the door is open. Give a simple verbal cue: "I'm coming in to help now." Pull a curtain or screen across if one is available. If the person can manage any part of the process independently, step back and give them that space. Maintain dignity by keeping them covered with a light towel or sheet while they wait.
Try not to appear rushed or uncomfortable yourself. If you are calm and treat the situation as a normal part of the day, the person is far more likely to feel at ease.
Hygiene assistance steps
- Put on disposable gloves before providing any hygiene assistance.
- Provide moist wipes (these are often easier than toilet paper) or assist with toilet paper as needed. Always wipe front to back.
- Help the person wash their hands once back in position, even a basin of warm water brought to them is fine.
- Remove your gloves and wash your own hands thoroughly before doing anything else.
- Empty the commode bucket into the toilet, rinse it with water, and wash it with a diluted disinfectant solution. Dry or air-dry before replacing. This should happen after every use.
Keep spare gloves, wipes, and a small bag for waste disposal within easy reach of the commode. Having everything at hand means you never need to leave someone alone mid-process.
When to ask an occupational therapist for help
If any of the following apply, it is worth requesting a manual handling assessment from an occupational therapist (OT):
- You are regularly straining your back or feel unsafe during transfers.
- The person you are supporting has recently lost strength, had surgery, or experienced a fall.
- You are caring alone and managing a full transfer without assistance equipment.
- The person is distressed or resistant to the point where care is becoming difficult.
An OT can assess the environment, recommend the right commode type and transfer aids for your specific situation, and show you techniques tailored to the person's condition. Home Care Package and NDIS funding can often cover this assessment as well as any recommended equipment.
Key takeaways
- Position the commode on the person's stronger side, adjust to the right height, and clear the path before every use.
- Use a transfer belt and a standing pivot technique for most assisted transfers. Bend at the knees, not your waist.
- For non-weight-bearing transfers, a slide board or hoist is safer than attempting a manual lift alone.
- Always knock, give notice, and maintain covering during hygiene assistance.
- If transfers feel unsafe or the person is regularly distressed, ask your GP for an OT referral.
Finding the Right Commode for Your Situation
Getting the technique right is one part of the picture. Having the right equipment is the other. A commode that is too narrow, too low, or missing drop-down arms can make safe assisted transfers far harder than they need to be.
We understand how much is riding on getting this right at home. If you are not sure which commode suits the person you are supporting, we are here to help you work it out. Browse our full range of bedside commodes or get in touch and we will point you in the right direction.
Because independence matters.