By Daylan Kempster, Assistive Technology Specialist and Director of Mobility Co
In short: A commode is a chair with a discreet, removable pan that lets someone use the toilet without walking to the bathroom, which is safer at night or during recovery. Mobility Co supplies bedside commodes, mobile shower commodes and tilt in space commodes across Melbourne. See and try them at our Cheltenham showroom at 2/136 Keys Road, or call 1300 225 203. We work with NDIS, Home Care Package, Support at Home and private customers.
When getting to the bathroom becomes hard work, whether it is a long hallway, a night time trip, or the first weeks after an operation, a commode brings the toilet closer and takes the risk out of the journey. It is one of the simplest changes you can make, and it often means the difference between a safe night and a fall in the dark. This page explains the main types and how to choose the right one.
At Mobility Co you can see the options side by side at our Cheltenham showroom rather than guessing from a photo online. We help families and occupational therapists across Melbourne match the commode to the person, the room and the way it will be used.
Bedside commode
A bedside commode is a sturdy chair with armrests and a removable pan that sits beside the bed, ready for night time or whenever the walk to the bathroom is too far. Our Aspire Deluxe bedside commode is height adjustable with a padded seat and a lid, so it looks like a normal chair when it is not in use. It is the most popular choice for recovery and for anyone unsteady on their feet after dark.
Mobile shower commode
A mobile shower commode is a wheeled chair you can roll into the shower and also position over the toilet, so a single item quietly covers two jobs. It suits homes where getting to and from the bathroom is difficult, or where a carer needs to move someone safely between the bed, the shower and the toilet.
Tilt in Space Bathroom Commode
A tilt in space commode is built for higher support needs, where sitting upright and staying steady has become hard. The whole seat tilts back as one, which shifts pressure off the base of the spine, holds posture comfortably and makes a carer’s job safer. It wheels over the toilet and rolls straight into the shower, so toileting and showering happen in the one supported seat rather than several risky transfers. With a padded seat, adjustable height and footrests, it suits people who need to be reclined or held in position, and it is a common choice on NDIS and aged care funding. Tell us about the person and the bathroom and we will make sure it fits.
How to choose a commode
Start with where it will be used and by whom. A bedside commode suits night time safety in the bedroom. A mobile shower commode earns its place where the shower and toilet are both hard to reach. Weight capacity matters, so tell us the size and weight of the person and we will point you to a standard or a bariatric model. If a carer is helping, armrest height and how easily the pan removes make a real difference. When in doubt, come in and sit in a few, or ask your occupational therapist and we will work alongside them.
Why choose your commode with us in Cheltenham
Commodes are a sensitive purchase, and buying one you have only seen in a thumbnail often ends in a return. We keep the range on the floor so you can check the seat, the stability and the look before you decide, and we keep it calm and homely rather than clinical. If funding is part of the picture we can help you understand your options through NDIS, a Home Care Package or Support at Home, and we support DVA clients too. If you only need one for a short recovery, ask about hire.
Frequently asked questions
What is a commode? A commode is a chair with a discreet, removable pan underneath, used as a toilet where walking to the bathroom is difficult or unsafe. Some sit by the bed, some are wheeled for use over the toilet and in the shower, and some are simple standing chairs with a pan.
Where can I buy a commode chair in Melbourne? You can see and try commode chairs at our Cheltenham showroom at 2/136 Keys Road, a short drive from across Bayside and the south east. Call 1300 225 203 to check a particular model is on the floor before you visit.
What is the difference between a bedside commode and a shower commode? A bedside commode is a static chair with a pan, made for night time use beside the bed. A mobile shower commode is on wheels, so it can be rolled into the shower and positioned over the toilet, covering two needs with one chair.
Is a commode covered by NDIS or a Home Care Package? Often, yes. Commodes are frequently claimable through a Home Care Package or Support at Home, and younger people may be funded through the NDIS. We provide the quotes and paperwork your plan manager or coordinator needs, and we support DVA clients too.
Can I hire a commode instead of buying one? Yes. If you only need one for a short stretch, such as after surgery or a hospital stay, ask us about hire and we will give you a clear price.
Do you have bariatric or heavy duty commodes? Yes. Tell us the weight and size of the person and we will match you to a standard or a bariatric model rated for the right capacity, so it is safe and comfortable to use.
Come and see us in Cheltenham. You are welcome to visit the showroom at 2/136 Keys Road, Cheltenham, try a commode for size and talk through what will work best at home. We are a short drive from across Bayside and the south east, with parking at the door.
RepOcean verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent, highly skillful team who understand the specific needs of the disabled and elderly. The furniture is very well engineered and the team is able to explain how to use their chairs and beds in a way which supports the huge varieties in people's individual needs and body shapes. I cannot recommend them highly enough.
RepOcean verifies that the original source of the review is Google. RepOcean verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Is it always great dealing with Dayan. He is honest reliable and gives great service. Will be very happy to buy of home any time. Thanks Dayan.
RepOcean verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great to deal with and had a big range of equipment. Thanks daylan for helping me chose the right chair while recovering from back surgery
RepOcean verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My grandpa recently bought an electric mobility scooter from Mobility Co in Cheltenham, and he couldn't be happier.
He said the team was incredibly patient, friendly, and took the time to help him find the right mobility scooter for his needs and height. They answered all of his questions and explained the different options and what to look for and never made him feel rushed or pressured.
Seeing the range of scooter options in the showroom made it easy for him and mum to find the right scooter.
If you're looking for a mobility scooter in Melbourne, I'd definitely recommend visiting Mobility Co. The service was genuine, professional, and made the whole process easy for both my grandpa and our family.
RepOcean verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our family bought an adjustable bed and mobility scooter for my grandpa from Mobility Co and the whole experience was fantastic. Great showroom in Cheltenham, genuine advice with no pressure, and delivery and set up were sorted within days. Grandpa loves both, he's more comfortable at night and getting out and about again. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.
RepOcean verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an excellent experience with Mobility Co. Daylan was fantastic in helping my parents choose a mobility scooter, an adjustable bed, and a recliner. Nothing was too much trouble, and he truly went above and beyond to make the process easy for us.
He even offered to bring equipment to us if getting to the showroom was difficult. When we visited the showroom, we were given plenty of time to try everything without feeling rushed, and the team made us feel very welcome by offering refreshments.
The service didn't stop after the purchase. Daylan personally visited before delivery to check there were no access issues, and then came back afterwards to make sure everything was set up properly and to explain how to use the equipment again.
The customer service was outstanding from start to finish. Daylan's kindness, patience, and genuine care made all the difference. We highly recommend Mobility Co to anyone looking for quality mobility equipment and exceptional service.
RepOcean verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you to Daylan of Mobility Co. for his excellent service and kindness to my mum .
If you need any help in the mobility area I would definitely recommend visiting Mobility Co. in Moorabbin .
RepOcean verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had an extremely nice experience today at Mobility Co. Took my 92yo friend to test ride-on scooters. The staff couldn't have been more attentive. Never rushed, which is very important to an older person. My friend and I would highly recommend this company.
RepOcean verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a fantastic experience with Mobility Co. The team was friendly, knowledgeable, and took the time to understand exactly what I needed without any pressure. Their customer service was outstanding, and they made the whole process easy and stress-free. The quality of their products is excellent, and they genuinely care about helping customers find the right solution. I highly recommend Mobility Co. to anyone looking for reliable mobility equipment and exceptional service. Thank you to the team for your professionalism and support!
About the author. Daylan Kempster is an Assistive Technology Specialist and the Director of Mobility Co, a family run mobility equipment showroom in Cheltenham, Melbourne. He works alongside occupational therapists and families every day to match people with equipment that keeps them safe, comfortable and independent at home.
