Commode Chair vs Shower Stool: Which Do You Need?

A shower stool is for washing while seated; a commode chair provides a toileting option, either positioned over an existing toilet, beside the bed, or wheeled between rooms. They're not interchangeable, though some models combine both functions.

Shower stools: simple, stable seating for washing

A shower stool is a straightforward seat, usually with adjustable height and non-slip rubber feet, placed inside the shower recess or over the bath edge. It solves one problem: standing on a wet, slippery surface while washing, which is one of the highest-risk moments in the whole home.

Look for: a weight rating matched to the user, height adjustment to suit the specific shower or bath, and drainage holes in the seat so water doesn't pool.

Commode chairs: three configurations, three different jobs

Over-toilet commode - straddles the existing toilet, essentially functioning as a raised, more supportive toilet seat with armrests. Good when the main issue is getting on and off the toilet safely, not needing a toilet elsewhere.
Bedside commode - a freestanding chair with a removable pan, placed beside the bed for night-time use or when reaching the bathroom is difficult or unsafe. Removes the need for a longer walk to the bathroom, particularly relevant at night when fall risk is highest.
Wheeled shower commode - combines both functions in one chair that can be wheeled over the toilet AND into the shower, useful for someone who needs assistance with both tasks and where transferring between multiple pieces of equipment is itself a fall risk.

Do you need one, or both?

Many households end up needing a shower stool for washing and a separate commode option for toileting, since these happen in different locations and often at different times (a 2am bathroom trip has different risk factors to a daytime shower). A wheeled shower commode is worth considering specifically when transfers between separate pieces of equipment have become difficult or risky in themselves.

Hygiene and cleaning matter more than most buyers expect

Commode pans need regular emptying and cleaning; some models have a better-sealed pan design or easier-to-remove bucket than others. If a family member or carer will be managing this daily, factor ease of cleaning into the decision, not just the chair's stability specs.

Funding

Commode chairs and shower stools are commonly funded through NDIS Assistive Technology funding or a Home Care Package. See our funding guide for how to request a quote.

This is general guidance. An occupational therapist can assess a specific bathroom and bedroom layout and recommend the right combination of equipment for actual transfer ability and toileting needs.

Commode Chairs and Shower Stools: Which Bathroom Seat Do You Need?