Portable Toilets for the Elderly

One thing you may not have considered much is the need for a portable toilet for an elderly person. As you see them struggle to get to a bathroom in time or when they become frail and confined to their beds, it may be a good choice to invest in a portable toilet for them.

In this article, we look at some of the best available portable toilets for the elderly that are comfortable to use, easy to clean and maintain, and very safe and sturdy for use by an elderly person.



What is a Portable Toilet and How do You Use It

A portable toilet for elderly persons is a bit different from those you use on construction sites or camping, as you have noticed most likely.

For elderly persons, the portable toilet is also, well, portable, but it is much more than that.

A portable toilet for seniors is designed specifically for persons who have become slightly immobile, have bladder control issues, or are mostly confined to a bed. The toilet can be placed next to their bed for faster and easier access without the help of a caretaker.

The toilet is portable, which makes it easier should the elderly person need to travel or be in the hospital for a while.
The portable toilet for seniors is called a bedside commode, typically a stand with handles and a toilet seat with a container attached to the bottom.

The design is sturdy, comfortable, and easy for seniors to use wherever they are. Some models have a bag or disposable container and can be folded for traveling.

In the video, you will see exactly how to use a Bedside Commode, which is one of the recommended Portable Toilet designs for elderly persons;


Benefits of Using a Portable Toilet for Elderly Persons

So now that I have you thinking, maybe you have a relative, or in fact, are an elderly person that may benefit from a portable toilet or a bedside commode;

  • Quick Access – The Portable potty or bedside commode can be placed anywhere you need it, so no more long trips to the bathroom or unnecessary accidents that need cleaning up. You will have a toilet ready at your bedside or wherever you are.
  • Support – Most portable toilets for seniors have plenty of support and comfort features because they are designed for elderly persons or individuals who struggle with mobility. The toilet will have handlebars and a sturdy frame on which to rest. The seat is comfortable and spacious, and the frame can take a lot of weight when standing and sitting down.
  • No Water – The Portable toilet for seniors does not need water for flushing, only to be rinsed and washed daily.
  • Independence – I find that a portable toilet is much less degrading than a bedpan, which many older adults resort to. It saves you your last bit of independence and dignity on this personal matter.
  • Safe – Going to the bathroom may be risky for some older persons, as they may slip and fall. Having a portable toilet nearby eliminates this risk.

Features of a Good Portable Toilet for the Elderly

NOVA Medical

  • The Right Style – You must find a portable toilet design that will work well for you. A less exaggerated design is needed for older persons who still have significant mobility. You must look for a design with proper handlebars, armrests, and a more supportive frame for those with limited mobility. You do get fixed arm and drop arm designs and armless designs.
  • Features – Look for features such as an adjustable height setting for the seat and the frame. As we have mentioned for drop armrests. Some have a removable back and wheels for portability. You also get foldable models and those with disposable containers or bags.
  • Weight Capacity – Vital is the actual weight capacity that the portable toilet can hold. It will not help to get a lightweight and flimsy design for an elderly person on the heavier side. You must check the specific weight the portable toilet model can hold. Bariatric Commodes are designed specifically for seniors who are heavier in weight. The regular portable toilet usually holds between 220 and 300 lbs in weight.

Reviews: The Best Portable Toilets for the Elderly

These are some of the best available toilet designs that are portable and comfortable to use by seniors;


1
Reviewed by: Eliza Ward Score: 98.3

  • The Nova Portable toilet is a folding medical-grade commode design for seniors.
  • The toilet is versatile and can be used as a stand-alone commode or placed over an existing toilet for easier access.
  • It has a durable steel frame and handles bras.
  • The assembly is rapid and easy.
  • It is also fully portable.


2

  • Drive Medical is a top brand that makes excellent portable toilets for the elderly.
  • This specific toilet model is a heavy-duty Bariatric design for heavier-weight seniors.
  • The frame is extremely sturdy, and the seat and lid are durable plastic.
  • The lid has an easy snap design.
  • It can easily fold and open for storage and for traveling.
  • The seat can hold up to 650 lbs in weight.


3

  • From Medline Elements, we have a durable bedside commode.
  • The materials are infused with an antibacterial agent for your safety.
  • The elongated seat opens, and an adjustable contoured backrest for comfort.
  • The lid has a flat seal design and discreetly covers the commode when unused.
  • It is also a heavy-duty frame that can hole up to 400 lbs.


4

  • Another excellent addition from Drive Medical.
  • This model has an elastic cord that allows the legs to be folded up and reduces smaller storage.
  • It is fully portable and durable, with a snap-on seat and lid that require no installation or buttons.
  • The frame is grey powder-coated steel, which is very durable.
  • It also comes with a handy carry handle and splash control shield.


5

  • The MedPro portable toilet seat and commode chair are fully adjustable in height.
  • It is a three-in-one design and can be used as a raised toilet seat, bedside commode, or portable toilet.
  • The frame is adjustable in height, sturdy, and very durable.
  • The armrests are padded and molded for your comfort.
  • Assembly is quick and easy, requiring no tools.


6

  • The UltraCommdoe Portable toilet for elderly persons comes in two available colors.
  • It is a fully portable toilet and easy to use as a safe bedside commode.
  • The proper toilet seat size sizz, and the frame is sturdy and durable.
  • It allows for effortless access with an open front.
  • Assembly is also fast and easy.


7

  • The Medline Portable Toiler is a three-in-one design for seniors.
  • It is steel with Microban antimicrobial protection.
  • The Portable toiler has a raised design for seniors.
  • The design is very safe and comfortable to use.


8

  • The Vive Bedside Assist portable toilet is ideal for the elderly.
  • The design is portable or perfect for bedside use.
  • The toilet has a durable and non-slip design.
  • No tools are required for assembly.


9

  • The Carex Three-in-One folding Bedside Commode is portable and lightweight.
  • Ideal for seniors and folds very easily.
  • It is safe and durable to use.
  • The Portable toilet also has multiple functions for seniors.


10

  • The Medline Portable Toilet is a more heavy-duty design.
  • The design is ideal for seniors who travel and use the bedside.
  • It is a three-in-one design and has armrests,
  • The seat is also padded for comfort.


Index Table: Top Rated Portable Toilets for the Elderly

No.ProductImageFeaturesBrandScore
1Nova Medical - Portable Toilet for the Elderly
  • Splash Guard
  • Versatile
  • Durable Frame
Nova98.3
2Drive Medical heavy Duty - Portable Toilet for Seniors
  • Folding
  • Baraitric
  • Tool Free Installation
Drive Medical97.9
3Medline Elements - Portable Toilet for the Elderly
  • Antimicrobial
  • Flat Lid Lid Cover
  • Adjustable Height
Medline97
4Drive Medical 1148 - Steel Base Portable Toilet for the Elderly
  • Steel Base
  • Sturdy Design
  • Handle Bars
Drive Medical97.7
5MedPro Homecare - Portable Toilet for Elderly Person
  • Adjustable Height
  • Molded Armrests
  • Durable
MedPro97.2
6Platinum Health Store UltraCommode - Portable Toilet for the Elderly
  • Soft
  • Warm and Padded
  • Easy to use and Empty
Platinum Health Store96.5
7Medline Steel - Bedside cCommode
  • Portable
  • Antimicrobial
  • Riser
Medline97.5
8Vive Bedside - Portable Toilet for Seniors
  • Bariatric
  • Padded Armerests
  • Steel Seat
Vive97.4
9Carex Three In One - Foldable Toilet for Seniors
  • Portable
  • Lightweight
  • Three In One Design
Carex96.9
10Medline Heavy Duty - Travel Toilet for Seniors
  • Padded
  • Drop In design
  • Heavy duty
Medline97


About the Author

Eliza Ward

Eliza Ward is a health enthusiast, nature lover, and full-time mother for 3 lovely kids in South Africa. She has always had a thing for improving the lives of the elderly and has the best product recommendations for all her friends and family. So she turned what she loved into her full-time job - by testing and recommending the best products for senior citizens. Read her reviews to know how detailed her observations are.