The old age comes with its perks like retirement and not having to work exceedingly anymore. However, it also comes with some bad sides that feel inconvenient and sometimes even embarrassing. One of those embarrassing inconveniences is visiting the toilet while suffering from some chronic condition or after recently having a heart attack or a stroke, or a certain injury that disabled them.
To help you use the toilet conveniently and comfortably, without worrying about having to walk too much to the bathroom, many companies started designing portable toilets that can be used for multiple purposes. Some of those mobile toilets are used for vans, traveling, and outdoor in general. Still, the elderly can benefit from them too, as they won’t have to go all the way to the bathroom to meet their needs.
In this article, we featured reviews of the best portable toilet for the elderly. You’ll find all the best products compiled which can significantly simplify the process of shopping for the best portable toilet. We focused on the best features you can find, while also being cautious about things like fit and comfort.
These portable toilets can be used easily. They are reliable and comfortable so your parent or relative won’t have to worry about falling or experiencing any inconvenience during the process.
Product Summary
- Best Overall: MedPro Homecare 3 in 1 Commode Chair: This is a top choice because it’s adjustable, comfortable, and works in multiple profiles to give the best performance.
- Runner Up: Medline – MDS89664KDMBG Steel 3-in-1 Bedside Commode: It is equipped with the vast majority of features like the aforementioned option but it also comes with a Micro Ban technology.
- Best Budget: Drive Medical 11148-1 Steel Folding Bedside Commode: If you don’t want to spend too much money on a portable toilet without sacrificing the quality, this is the best option to consider for your spouse or older parent.
We also considered some tall portable toilets for older people who have difficulties bending and going to the toilet easily so different adjustable heights will allow you to customize according to your needs.
All in all, portable toilets are supposed to provide impeccable security and convenience where older people don’t have to rush towards the toilet in the bathroom were having an emergency. Older people are more susceptible to injuries, which often happen in the bathroom, on slippery surfaces.
Things to Consider When Shopping For A Portable Toilet
The sole purpose of this article is to provide honest and detailed reviews of the best portable toilet for the elderly. However, the resonation and satisfaction of our readers are of utmost importance to us, so we’ll get you through the details of shopping for the best portable toilet.
We will consider different features to consider when shopping for the best portable toilet, which will essentially help you understand what exactly you need from the portable toilet you’re shopping for.
Remember that the older people usually have side chronic conditions that make their reasoning and movement difficult. That’s why we need options that will conform to their users and make their every day life much easier than it’d be if they didn’t have portable toilet.
Adjustability
Many people likely aren’t aware that portable toilets can be adjustable to meet the needs of older adults. Some toilets may have a simple design, while some will also come as 2-in-1 and 3-in-1 designed toilet seats.
Many portable seats can be used as a bedside commode where users can do their physiological business besides the bed without an urged trip to the bathroom. Additionally, the toilet seats can also be used as toilet safety frames in case you need armrests and extra support on your actual bathroom toilet.
Lastly, the portable toilet can also be used as a raised toilet seat in case you have difficulties sitting on your regular commode because of a back or hip injury, or arthritis in the process.
Do: Get the best option that will allow you to adjust it towards your needs.
Avoid: Don’t get an option that you can’t use to its full potential. Read the label carefully.
Weight Limit
There is only so much weight that the certain adjustable toilet seat will accommodate its users. Those limits can range from 250 lbs to 450 lbs depending on the weight a person needs to apply on the seat. Usually, the toilet seats can accommodate users heavier than the recommended weight intended to be used on the seat. Still, it’s better to be safe than sorry because using a toilet like that for an extended time may shorten its lifespan.
Do: Account for your, your spouse’s or your parents’ weight before getting toilet seat that is either too thin for them or their weight exceeds the maximal permitted weight.
Avoid: Don’t buy the toilet that doesn’t have the mechanism to take enough weight. Even if it can, its lifespan will be shorter.
Materials
Portable toilets can either be made out of one material or multiple materials blended into one construction. Usually, the legs of the toilet as well as the armrests if it has one can be made out of aluminum, stainless steel, or some other not-rusting material to ensure sturdiness and durability.
The seat is made out of plastic in most cases. Some more premium options may boast an all-ceramic or aluminum build for more durability and stabler design.
Do: Get a commode that comes with sturdy and durable materials that will fix the senior in one position.
Avoid: Getting a wobbly option that can compromise your safety.
Does It Have Armrests?
If you’re buying a portable toilet seat for an older adult who is handicapped or disabled or suffers from some condition that makes movements, sitting, and standing up challenging, always consider if the toilet has armrests.
All good toilet seats are equipped with durable and stable armrests, molded so that they are efficient to the users who need help standing up and sitting down. Not only that, molded armrests conform to your needs and will also make sitting more comfortable for you while you’re sitting.
Do: Get armrests that are adjustable and can add to the user’s comfort.
Avoid: Don’t get an option without armrests. Older people sometimes blackout and need extra support when seating and standing up.
Adjustable Height
Older people may have problems with the sciatic nerve, arthritis, or some other chronic condition that affects the work in the joints, hips, or back. With that in mind, many portable toilet manufacturers include settings for adjusting the height.
When the toilet is set at a high height, you can easily sit on it and stand up with ease, without putting strain on your lumbar area, hips, or joints. The best adjusting setting would be somewhere from 15 to 22 inches, but some manufacturers offer more height adjustable settings and preset that you can change effortlessly.
Do: Always consider the toilet with adjustable height.
Avoid: Consider how much the user will need the height to adjust. Older people are usually not efficient when it comes to bending because the muscles in their back and hips significantly weakened. They need an option that will suffice when it comes to height.
Micro Ban Technology
Some more premium medical toilet seats come with a special Micro Ban technology that allows for hypoallergenic and antimicrobial construction that will protect users from microbes, bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can give you a bad immune response.
This is an extremely important feature that is important for people who are immune-compromised due to their undergoing condition or simply weak immunity that’s caused by old age. It’s not always present on portable toilets, but it’s a nice addition and worth considering if the toilet you’re looking at has it.
Do: Try to find this option if it’s available within the budget you dedicated to portable toilets.
Avoid: It’s not mandatory to get this feature, unless the person you care after is immune-compromised.
Ease of Installation
When purchasing a portable toilet for the elderly, it’s important to consider some options that won’t give the elderly too much to work with in terms of assembly and installation. Most of the manufacturers offer toilets that don’t use tools for installation but can easily set the toilet up right out of the box.
Always aim for the portable toilet that won’t take more than minutes to assembly, everything else may require too much work and even require some serious screws and other hardware for installing the toilet to be properly sturdy and durable.
Do: Search for the options that don’t use tools or heavy hardware to install the device.
Avoid: Don’t let the senior assemble it on his or her own if there’s a complex installation process involved.
Portability
Last but not the least important, portability is an important factor to consider. It’s known that the seniors don’t have an easy time picking up heavy objects. That’s why it’s important to ensure that the toilet they get is easy to transport and carry around to always be close to them.
This is also an important feature to consider. Even though most toilets are either used as an aid to the bathroom commodes, many people get the bedside commodes to aid them to go to the toilet. But, if an older adult is not in their room at the moment they need to use the bathroom, it’s important to allow them to easily transport the toilet seat with them.
Do: If the person is on the move often, consider options that are foldable and can be stored away. Older people who live in a smaller apartment and move harder can benefit from having enough space.
Avoid: If the person lives in a small apartment, always consider using a foldable device. It’ll help the senior move seamlessly, and not fall and get injured.
Best Portable Toilet For Elderly
Now that we highlighted some features that you should consider when shopping for a portable toilet.
Best Overall: MedPro Homecare 3 in 1 Commode Chair
- Material: Plastic and steel
- Adjustable height: 15.5-21.5-inches
- Max weight: 300 lbs
- Warranty: NA
MedPro Homecare commode chair offers an all-in-one option for older people who have difficulties visiting the bathroom at all times. It is sustainable and offers different options within its functionality. Given it’s a 3 in 1 option, it will support you as a bedside commode, toilet safety frame, and even raised toilet seat.
You can seamlessly adjust the height, which is highly beneficial for people who suffer from arthritis, sciatica, and other injuries or conditions that are associated with the lumbar area or legs. The height is adjustable through 7-height settings which range from 15.5 to 21.5 inches from floor to seat.
The build uses sturdy, good-quality plastic as well as sturdy steel armrests and legs to ensure durability and a long lifespan. There are also molded armrests which will ensure that you’ll be guided for extra support, without a worry that you’ll slip down and fall while using the seat.
Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that this option comes with a tool-free assembly, meaning that there’s no extra hardware that needs to be drilled or screwed. Your chair will be ready in less than 15 minutes at most.
Editor’s notes: Unfortunately, this seat doesn’t come with any warranty information, which is its main flaw. The second flaw we noticed is that it has a small seat that is not suitable for everyone to sit on.
Runner Up: Medline – MDS89664KDMBG Steel 3-in-1 Bedside Commode
- Material: Plastic and steel
- Adjustable height: 16.5-22.5-inches
- Max weight: 350 lbs
- Warranty: NA
If the aforementioned option is out of stock for you, or you don’t prefer the drawback of having a too-small seat, you should consider Medline’s 3-in-1 bedside commode that can be used similarly as the aforementioned option. If you don’t want to use it as a bedside commode and you feel confident to use the toilet again, you can adjust it to look like a raised seat over the toilet.
Finally, you can also use only the safety rails around the toilet, as a help sitting down and standing up. It’s all up to you, but what you must know is that Medline’s seat is rich in a myriad of different features.
It has a weight limit of 350lbs, which is also seen with a wider seat than with the aforementioned option. Moreover, it’s quite easy to be assembled, we can promise you that if you’re experienced with assembling different objects, you’ll unbox and set the seat within 10 minutes.
We also like some additional features like the splash guard, if you use it for over-the-toilet, rather than the bedside commode. Also, some clips guard the seat. You can remove them to get the best out of your seat and clean them when needed.
The armrests are also ergonomic, in a way that will help you to be seated comfortably and securely, without worrying about losing balance and falling in case of a handicap. Additionally, if you’re prone to infections, rest assured that the micro ban technology on the seat will protect you from the unwanted effects of bacteria, microbes, and mildew. With a good cleaning mechanism, you don’t have to worry about compromised immune.
Finally, the seat height range varies from 16.5 to 22.5-inches which is great for people with limited capability to seat deeply into the seat.
Editor’s notes: Like the aforementioned option, it also doesn’t come with a good warranty and isn’t returnable. In addition to that, you may sometimes hear creaking and squeaking noises, which may be annoying.
Best Budget: Drive Medical 11148-1 Steel Folding Bedside Commode
- Material: Plastic and powder-coated steel
- Adjustable height: 16.5-22.5-inches
- Max weight: 350 lbs
- Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty
Whether you’re restricted on budget, or simply think that spending too much on a portable toilet is not worth it, Drive Medical portable bedside commode is just the right product for you. Not only it has an approachable budget, but it is also portable. It comes with an elastic cord that allows you to easily fold it and store it away. What’s more, this easy portability also allows you to take it on your trips and traveling too.
It is also equipped with a durable plastic snap-on seat and a lid that you can easily install. It’s 18-inches wide and supports up to 350lbs of the weight limit. This is ideal for heavier users, as both plastic and metal are durable and will serve you for many years.
The commode bucket also boasts an easy carry handle that you can cover, and use the splash shield to easily clean and wash it away. The adjustable height is from 16.5 to 22.5-inches which makes it ideal for those who have problems with arthritis and can’t sit easily and adjust themselves in the chair. It is also available in two colors grey and white.
Editor’s notes: It’s important to be careful about the warranty. The product warranty is a limited lifetime warranty, but many customers got misled that there’s no warranty at all and didn’t call to check, in case if something is wrong with the product.
NOVA Medical Products Folding Commode
- Material: Plastic and steel
- Adjustable height: 16-21.75-inches
- Max weight: 300 lbs
- Warranty: NA
If none of the aforementioned options didn’t catch your attention and interest, here’s NOVA medical commode, which is also one of the best portable toilets for the elderly, thanks to its sturdy and futureproofed design and versatility that it comes with. You can use it as a standalone toilet but also use the splash guard, handled bucket, and lid if you want to use it as a chair in your toilet.
It’s also surprisingly easy to assemble. It shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to prepare it for work, and it doesn’t require any extra tools to support the process of you assembling it. It also comes with a fixed arm style. Additionally, you can fold it and store it away once you no longer need it, which also makes it helpful for trips when you travel.
Just like with the other seats we reviewed, you can easily adjust the height from 16 to 21.75-inches which is extremely portable for people who can’t sit upright and need assistance when sitting. There are also molded armrests that are ergonomic and provide support for arms and elbows. Despite the steel frame, the product is extremely lightweight and reaches only 14 lbs.
Editor’s notes: There are a few things that we consider to be wrong with this chair. The first one is that there’s no sort of warranty or return policy that can help users build customer trust and return the chair if it doesn’t meet their needs. Another thing is that there’s no traction on the chair in case you want to use it for assistance in the shower. That said, you can only use it as a standalone commode or for assistance on the actual toilet seat.
Drive Medical K. D. Deluxe
- Material: Plastic and steel
- Adjustable height: 20-24-inches
- Max weight: 300 lbs
- Warranty: NA
This product has a medical-grade to provide a seamless experience for patients. Primarily, this option comes with a drop-arm mechanism which is beneficial to completely disabled patients because it can allow for easy transfer to the toilet and back.
It comes with a gray powder-coated steel finish, with the whole frame except the armrests being made out of steel for extended durability and a long lifespan. As mentioned above, the armrests are made out of durable plastic, which may be more preferable by some people who’d like a soft touch to rest their arms on while using the seat.
The snap-on plastic seat is easy to assemble. It’s durable and supports the weight of up to 300 lbs, which makes it a suitable option for both lighter and heavier patients. The plastic is made out of a sturdy and robust material and doesn’t feel cheap like some other plastic options. The commode bucket has a 12 qt capacity and comes with a convenient handle with a splash shield which allows you to easily clean it.
Finally, it allows for 20-24-inches height adjusting, which is ideal for those looking for a tall toilet.
Editor’s notes: This portable toilet comes a little more expensive than other options. What’s more, no warranty could support the price tag that it comes with.
DMI Portable Bedside Toilet
- Material: Plastic and steel
- Adjustable height: 19-23-inches
- Max weight: 250 lbs
- Warranty: Amazon Exclusive Limited Warranty.
DMI portable toilet will be your companion no matter where you go, and it’ll also serve you well in the process. It uses slip-resistant rubber tips that ensure that you won’t slip if you use it to sit in the bathroom. It’s easy to use and stable, no matter how you put it.
It’s portable enough to allow you to transfer it from one room to another and even conveniently take it to the trips if you visit any. It has a pull-pin release mechanism which allows the padded support to drop on the arms. The height is adjustable from 19 to 23 inches which is ideal for people looking for a taller toilet seat due to arthritis or other conditions. It also has 1-inch increments which are quite convenient and easy to use.
Editor’s notes: Something that we didn’t like is that the support is only up to 250 lbs which are not the best if you’re a heavier user. Nevertheless, it’s still quite convenient and durable so you won’t have to worry as long as you’re lighter than 250 lbs.
McKesson Folding Commode Chair
- Material: Plastic and steel
- Adjustable height: 16.75-22.5-inches
- Max weight: 350 lbs
- Warranty: NA
The last model we wanted to include is as good as the rest in the list, but we wanted to allow you to pick a reliable model that will serve you for many years, even in the case when other options are unavailable in the market.
This portable toilet features steel-welded construction, covered in the powder coat that adds to its style and makes it more convenient to use. The strong and robust steel frame gives it the stability that is good enough to support older people of up to 350 pounds. That makes it an approachable option to both lighter and heavier patients. Still, it’s recommended for patients below 300lbs to use it to ensure it’ll last many years.
Even though it’s made of metal, the frame is lightweight and foldable, so it’s a good option if you occasionally need to store it away or travel with it on a trip. It’s lightweight enough even for an older person to carry it and put it in the most convenient location.
What’s also good about this option is that it has an adjustable height for people who are heavier, but also need support for their damaged joints, arthritis, and lumbar issues. You can adjust it from 16.75 to 22.5-inches which is just the right ratio. The back bar is also made out of steel and it’s removable thanks to the snap-on lid.
Editor’s notes: Unfortunately, there’s no information about the warranty, so this item doesn’t seem to be returnable and replaceable.
Also Read: 7 Best High Toilets For The Elderly (2023 Updated)