If you’re a senior or caregiver to an elderly person, you’d agree that rising from the bed or chair and walking all the way to the toilet can be very tiring for old people, especially those with walking disabilities and those whose bones have become very weak due to old age.
For these categories of people, a portable toilet placed close by can make life much easier as it obviates the need for frequent walks (or moves in whatever manner) to the toilet.
Although people have different meanings for the word “portable toilet”, what we’re referring to here is the small bedside potty-like toilet that can easily be carried by hand, not the big mobile toilets used at outdoor events.
OUR TOP PICK
No products found.Thetford 92360 Porta Potti 550E Curve Portable Toilet
EDITORS CHOICE
No products found.BEST VALUE
No products found.Why are portable toilets good for seniors?
As stated earlier, portable toilets save elderly people from the stress of moving themselves down to the toilet each time they need to ease themselves. These portable conveniences look so much like the traditional ones that everyone is used to, so the user won’t feel much difference in terms of comfort.
And if you’re a stickler for near-perfect hygiene, you won’t be disappointed because most portable toilets come with a water flush system that allows you to flush down wastes after each use. Some also come with a toilet paper holder.
Portable toilets vs. portable commodes
Although they both serve the same purpose, portable toilets and commode toilets differ slightly. While a portable commode can double as a chair, a portable toilet cannot.
And while a portable toilet usually comes with a water flushing system, a portable commode does not. Each has other pros and cons that we won’t bother mentioning here. But both are good for seniors.
Best portable toilets for elderly seniors (our top picks)
As with most other products, portable toilets of various types and quality levels abound in the market. And this can make it very difficult to make a choice from the huge pack. But we’ve made things easier for you by comparing a good number of them and assessing them based on real buyer opinions, suitability for seniors, pricing, and other important factors. And here are the three options we strongly recommend.
OUR TOP PICK
Thetford 92360 Porta Potti 550E Curve Portable Toilet
No products found.The Thetford 92360 Porta Potti 550E Curve Portable Toilet is a two-part portable toilet that features a larger toilet bowl size, comfortable seat height, battery-powered freshwater flush system and a toilet paper holder. The two-piece design makes it easy to separate the toilet’s two compartments — a top half that stores fresh water used for washing down the bowl (flushing) after each use and a bottom half that holds waste until it’s time for emptying into the toilet.
The Thetford 92360 Porta Potti 550E Curve Portable Toilet is sanitary, odorless, leak proof, easy to use, durable, and rugged. Emptying wastes is very easy with the pivoting pour-out spout, which has a cap for keeping it closed.
The portable toilet has a height of 44.8 cm, a width of 38.8 cm, and a depth of 45 cm. The top tank can hold 4 gallons of fresh water, while the bottom tank can hold 5.5 gallons of waste water.
What we like
- Good height that makes it convenient for seniors
- Battery powered water flush system (can be done manually, too)
- Toilet paper holder included
- Suitable for ligthweight and heavy users
What we dislike
- The lid can’t double as a chair (too thin)
EDITORS CHOICE
Camco 41541 Portable Toilet
No products found.The Camco 41541 Portable Toilet is another cool-looking portable toilet that is very much suitable for seniors due to its comfortable height, light weight (11.5 lbs.) and ease of use. It features a sealing slide valve that blocks out all odors. Its light weight notwithstanding, the portable toilet can support up to 330 lbs. of user weight.
It also comes with a freshwater flush system that uses a bellow-type flush and pull slide valve for easy flushing. Made of durable polyethylene, the Camco 41541 Portable Toilet comprises two compartments. The top half has 2.5-gallon capacity and it stores fresh water, while the bottom half has 5.3-gallon capacity and it holds waste. The toilet measures 16.38″H x 13.75″W x 16.13″D.
What we like
- Lightweight
- Good height that makes it convenient for seniors
- Suitable for heavy users
What we dislike
- The lid isn’t strong enough to serve as a chair
- Flushing system isn’t battery-powered
- No toilet paper holder
BEST VALUE
Camping Toilet by Zimmer
No products found.Another suitable portable toilet for seniors, the Camping Toilet by Zimmer features two compartments: a 3-gallon water holding tank above and a 5-gallon waste-storing tank below. Made of high density polyethylene, the toilet is sturdy and durable, yet lightweight (weighs about 10 lbs.).
The Camping Toilet by Zimmer is easy to use. The bottom can be easily detached from the top whenever it’s time for emptying. After each use, the toilet is “flushed” by sliding the front lever, which the forces some water down to wash off the waste into the second compartment.
The toilet measures 6.5″H x 13.5″W x 12″D.
What we like
- Ease to use
- Lightweight, yet durable
- Odorless
What we dislike
- Too short (some seniors might need to place it on a base support for additional height)
- The lid isn’t strong enough to serve as a chair
Best Portable Commodes for Elderly Seniors (Review)
Although the word commode can be confusing, the most common interpretation especially when it’s used with regards to seniors is “a chair bearing a chamberpot or potty within its seat”.
While one might think that commodes are archaic or are no longer relevant in this time and age, the truth is that they’re still very much relevant. Only caregivers to seniors, disabled people, and invalids would best understand this.
Now, bear in mind that a commode is quite different from a potty or chamberbox. While potties and chamberboxes are stand-alone containers, commodes are shaped like chairs to give the user maximum comfort. So, it’s fair to say a commode equals a chair plus a potty.
Why are commodes ideal for elderly seniors?
It’s much easier for a young or middle- aged individual to use a potty for toilet purposes. All they have to do is find the potty, squat on it, start the “action”, and rise up after they’re done. This is quite easy because they have strong bones and muscles.
In the case of elderly people, however, things are not as easy. Due to their weak bones and muscles, most seniors won’t find it easy to squat on a potty or rise from it. But it’s much easier for them to sit on and rise from chairs of appropriate height. This explains why using commodes (which are made like chairs) is far easier for them than using just potties.
Commodes make life easier for caregivers, too. Rather than having to carry or support your senior relative all the way down to the toilet many times a day, you’d simply drag the commode closer, help them onto it (some can even use it themselves), and discard the contents conveniently.
Portable commodes for elderly seniors: Factors to consider when buying
As a caregiver, you’d have understood that commodes make life easier. But in order to get the best out of a commode, you need to make the right choice when buying. Don’t just rush to buy any commode you stumble on.
Before buying a commode, be sure it has met all the following criteria.
- It must be of appropriate height. If it’s too high or too low, the user won’t enjoy using it. To be safe, go for one with adjustable height.
- It must have side rails to provide stability and protect against falls.
- It must be lightweight. You sure don’t want to have to call someone else to assist you whenever you want to carry it.
- It must be strong and durable, or you’d have to go out shopping for a replacement very soon.
- It must support the weight of the intended user. So, if your senior relative weighs about 300 lbs., for example, don’t buy a commode with a maximum weight support of 250 lbs.
- It must be ergonomically designed for maximum comfort. If for any reason the user seats on it for a prolonged period, it shouldn’t hurt in any way.
- It must have a splashguard. You don’t want the user to infect themselves, and you don’t want to get splashes of feces or urine on the floor.
Best portable commodes for elderly seniors: Our top 3 picks
The market is flooded with portable commodes by several different brands and of different shapes and sizes. And this only explains why making the right choice can be quite confusing.
To make thing easier for you, we have scoured the market and compared various brands and models of commodes — with the aim of figuring out the best options available in terms of real buyer opinions, product features, pricing, and other important factors.
And here are our top 3 picks.
OUR TOP PICK
Medline Drop-Arm Commode
No products found.The Medline Drop-Arm Commode isn’t the cheapest commode you’ll find in the market. But in our opinion, it’s the best for seniors (elderly people), and it’s well worth more than its price. What else could be more comfortable for the elderly than a commode that has a well-padded seat and recliner?
Shaped like a regular chair, the Medline Drop-Arm Commode is built for maximum comfort. Aside that it’s well padded, it comes with arm rests that can be swinged out of the way when necessary (this can be done with the push of a button). And the height can be adjusted to suit any user. Adjustable to up to 23 inches tall, this commode is suitable for not just short, but very tall users as well. The included potty is deep enough and comes with a lid and splash guard.
The Medline Drop-Arm Commode is very easy to assemble (you’ll need a large screwdriver, though), and it can be converted into an over-the-toilet safety frame by removing the recliner and potty. It supports up to 350 pounds of user weight.
Downside(s)
- Overall commode isn’t collapsible
EDITORS CHOICE
Medline Elements Bedside Commode
No products found.The Medline Elements Bedside Commode looks very much like a chair. So, if you’re looking for a commode that doesn’t really look like one, then this is your best bet.
The Medline Elements Bedside Commode comes in a sturdy build. The seat and backrest are both made of hard plastic, but that still doesn’t deprive the user of comfort. Note, however, that the seat isn’t padded. The seat adjusts in 0.5-inch increments for a perfect fit, so the commode can work for users of any height. And it’s large enough to perfectly conceal the commode when not in use. It’s a bit elongated to accommodate big users comfortably.
Under the seat lies the potty, which is large enough and comes with a lid and splashguard. The commode also has armrests for added comfort and stability during use. And it comes with a toilet roll holder attachable to the armrest. It’s easy to assemble and lightweight enough to be carried easily. And it supports up to 400 pounds of user weight.
Downside(s)
- Not collapsible
- Seat and backrest not padded
BEST VALUE
NOVA Medical Products 8700-R Folding Commode
No products found.The NOVA Medical Products 8700-R Folding Commode combines both strength and simplicity, and yet goes for an affordable price. As with others on this list, the commode is easy to assemble with no tools required, and it comes with a bucket, lid, and splash guard. The design doesn’t do much to conceal the real use of the product, but that shouldn’t be a problem; everyone understands.
The height of the NOVA Medical Products 8700-R Folding Commode can be adjusted to suit any user. It comes sports both an armrest and a backrest for additional comfort and stability during use.
What makes the NOVA Medical Products 8700-R Folding Commode stand out from others is that you can collapse it completely into a portable frame. This, which you can do and undo within seconds, makes it great for travel and storage. It supports up to 300 pounds of user weight.
Downside(s)
- Seat and backrest not padded
Additional recommendation: Buy commode liners
For easier and more hygienic handling of wastes collected in a commode bucket, it’s highly recommended that you also buy a pack of commode liners with your order. These are nylon bags used to line the bucket for collecting wastes. So, rather than have wastes going directly into the commode bucket, they go into the disposable liners, some of which come with adsorbent pads to suck up liquid waste, thereby preventing messy outcomes.
Last update on 2023-12-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API