Short answer: The main options are a commode (by the bed or in the living room), a hand-held urinal, a bedpan, a wheeled shower commode chair, or a toilet frame and raised seat if the person can just manage a short distance. In Scotland these are usually assessed for and provided through the local Health and Social Care Partnership. If the problem is long term, adding a downstairs toilet or shower room may be the better answer.
Why the toilet becomes hard to reach
Many things can make the walk to the toilet too far or too risky. It might be a stroke, a fall, arthritis, Parkinson's, heart failure, breathlessness or recovery after an operation. For some people it is a short term problem; for others it is permanent or gets gradually worse. Often the trouble is not the toilet itself but the stairs, the distance from the bed or living room, or the urgency of needing to go.
Whatever the cause, the goal is the same: to let the person go to the toilet safely, quickly and with as much dignity and independence as possible. If someone suddenly finds they cannot walk to the toilet, speak to their GP first, as there may be a medical reason that can be treated.
The main options compared
| Option | What it is | Works well for | Things to consider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bedside commode | A chair with a removable pan, placed beside the bed or in another room | People who can stand and turn, or transfer sideways, but cannot manage the walk | Needs emptying and cleaning; a privacy screen helps if it is in a shared room |
| Hand-held urinal | A bottle shaped container for passing urine, with versions designed for men and women | Night time use, or people who can sit up but not get out of bed easily | Female urinals take practice; spill-proof designs are available |
| Bedpan or slipper pan | A shallow pan placed under the person in bed | People who cannot get out of bed at all | Usually needs a carer; can be uncomfortable, so it is rarely a first choice |
| Wheeled shower commode chair | A waterproof chair on castors with an open seat | People who cannot walk but can be wheeled over the toilet or into the shower | Needs level floors and enough space in the bathroom |
| Toilet frame and raised seat | A frame with arms around the toilet, and a seat that adds height | People who can just reach the toilet but struggle to sit and stand | Only helps if the walk itself is manageable |
| Continence products | Pads and pants, assessed for through NHS continence services | As a back up, or where getting to the toilet is not possible in time | Should not replace going to the toilet if that can be made possible |
Some people also use catheters or other medical options. These are decided by the NHS team caring for the person, not something to arrange independently.
Choosing what suits the person
How they move
Can they stand for a few seconds and turn? A commode or toilet frame may be enough. Can they transfer sideways from a wheelchair? A commode with removable arms or a shower commode chair may suit. Do they need a hoist? Then the equipment must be compatible with the hoist and sling. We explain the methods in our guide on how people who cannot move independently go to the toilet.
Where it will be used
A commode in a bedroom is very different from one in a shared living room. Think about privacy, smells, ventilation and how easily it can be emptied. A commode that looks like an ordinary chair when closed can feel less clinical.
Day and night
Many people manage the toilet during the day but struggle at night, when they are sleepy, the house is dark and stairs are risky. A urinal or bedside commode just for night time, plus good lighting, can prevent falls.
Dignity and preference
Ask the person what they would prefer. Some would rather use a commode than wait for help to reach the toilet; others find a commode upsetting and would rather have a stairlift or a downstairs toilet. Their views should shape the decision.
How to get equipment in Scotland
Equipment such as commodes, shower chairs, toilet frames and raised toilet seats is usually assessed for and provided through the local Health and Social Care Partnership, which brings together council social work and the NHS. It is often supplied on free loan.
- Contact your council's social work department or Health and Social Care Partnership and ask for an occupational therapist (OT) assessment. A GP, district nurse or hospital discharge team can also refer you.
- The OT will look at how the person moves, the layout of the home and what would help most.
- Equipment is then delivered and set up, and the OT may recommend minor adaptations such as grab rails.
- For continence products, ask the GP or district nurse for a referral to the NHS continence service.
Waiting times vary, and lower priority cases may wait longer. If you buy equipment privately in the meantime, check it suits the person before you buy. Our bathroom adaptations service can fit grab rails, raised toilets and other fixtures to the standards OTs expect.
Improving the toilet the person already has
Sometimes the toilet is reachable but hard to use. A higher toilet, rails on both sides, a toilet frame or a wash and dry toilet can make the difference between needing help and managing alone. Our guide to toilets for people with reduced mobility looks at the choices for the home.
When to consider adding a toilet or shower room
Commodes and urinals are good short term solutions. If the problem is long term, a new toilet or shower room closer to where the person spends their day is often better for everyone. Common examples include converting a downstairs cupboard, utility room or part of a large hall into a cloakroom toilet, or turning a spare ground floor room into a full disabled shower room so someone can live on one level.
Typical UK ranges for supply and fit are about £1,500 to £3,500 for a downstairs cloakroom toilet and about £3,500 to £8,000 for an en-suite built from scratch. These are general guides, not quotes; drainage, the size of the space and accessible fittings all affect the final price. Some work, such as changing the way waste water leaves the house or altering a loadbearing wall, needs a building warrant from the council. We explain this in more detail in the cost of putting a small mobility bathroom in a house.
If the new facility is needed so a disabled person can use a toilet or wash, the council's Scheme of Assistance must give a grant of at least 80% of the eligible cost, or 100% for people on certain benefits, following an OT assessment. Building work to provide a bathroom or toilet that a disabled person needs in their own home can also be zero rated for VAT. Please check with your OT, council or HMRC about what applies in your situation.
Need a toilet or shower room closer to hand? Our own team designs and builds accessible shower rooms across Scotland, starting with a free 3D design. Send us a message for a no-obligation quote.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a commode for free in Scotland?
Often, yes. Commodes and similar equipment are usually provided through the Health and Social Care Partnership after an assessment, frequently on free loan. Ask your council's social work department or your GP.
What is the difference between a commode and a shower commode chair?
A standard commode is a static chair with a pan, used where it stands. A shower commode chair has wheels and is waterproof, so it can be pushed over the toilet or into a level access shower.
Is a urinal suitable for women?
Yes. Female urinals have a wider, shaped opening and can be used sitting, standing or lying down. They can take some practice, and an OT or district nurse can advise.
Do I need permission to add a downstairs toilet?
Planning permission is generally not needed for internal work, but some work needs a building warrant, for example altering a loadbearing wall or changing how waste water is discharged. Check with your council's building standards team before you start.
Sources
- Citizens Advice Scotland: Housing grants and loans
- Scottish Government: Funding adaptations to the home, a guide for homeowners
- HMRC: Reliefs from VAT for disabled and older people (VAT Notice 701/7)
- City of Edinburgh Council: Building standards frequently asked questions
- Trade2Base: Bathroom fitting costs UK 2026
