Domiciliary Equipment Service s1

Domiciliary Equipment Service Fact sheet Mobile shower/commode chair

February 2013

Purpose of the Mobile Shower /Commode chair

There are 3 main reasons to use a mobile shower /commode chair: 1. A person is experiencing difficulty getting to and from the toilet or bathroom safely. 2. A person is unable get on or off the toilet safely & other aids have been used unsuccessfully 3. A person is in need of a secure seat when showering/bathing

The mobile shower/commode chair can assist by:  Providing a safe seat for washing/bathing that can be moved by user or carer.  The chair helps people get to and from the toilet or bathroom safely, with the aid of a carer or independently.  The chair may be used as a mobile commode chair when the toilet is inaccessible due to space or other limitations.

Features  Chrome frame with toilet seat and small (transit) or large (self propelling) wheels.  Removable or swing away armrests, footplates or commode pan (which slides in/out from frame under seat).  Brakes on back and/or front wheels.  Padded vinyl seat with open or closed front. (Open seats are sometimes necessary for comfort & ease of washing)  Specialised frames are available with higher weight limits, tilt functions and hand-made padded seats when required.

Instructions of Use  To sit over toilet: remove pan and push chair backwards over bowl. You may prefer to put toilet seat up first.  If difficulty is experience with wheeling the chair over a small lip, a threshold ramp should be considered.  Armrests should be in place when you are sitting in the chair. They can be moved out of the way for transfer access, positioning a sling, or assisting with washing &/or dressing.  Remove bedpan during showering.  The chair should be dried following use and stored in a dry environment

Check for latest e-version, as photocopies may be out of date: Released 06/02/2013 Phone: 1300 295 786 Fax: 1300 295 839 Email: [email protected] Page 1 of 2 General Care and Maintenance The mobile shower chair / commode comes in constant contact with water and therefore it needs to be monitored carefully and regularly for any signs of wear and tear. We suggest that you check the fitting and condition of the mobile shower/commode chair at least once a month. This includes:  Any rust on the frame, especially around moving parts or welds.  Check and remove hair/dust/powder etc, to keep the wheels moving freely.  Check that the brakes work and can be applied easily. Ensure that the chair does not move when brakes are on.  Swing away arms & footplates should move freely and also easily lock in place.  Check for splits or breakages in the seat and pan.  Regularly wipe chair after use (especially under the seat) as it will prolong the life of the chair.  If a threshold ramp or platform is in use and check that the chair moves easily over this & report to DES any issues noted.

Precautions  Ensure that the mobile shower/commode chair sits firmly on the floor before use.  Do not stand on the mobile shower/commode chair.  When getting in or out of chair do not stand on the footplates and make sure the brakes are on.  The user of the mobile shower/commode chair must be able to support themselves while using this chair, contact your service provider if you feel unsafe when using this equipment.  Ensure feet are supported on the footplates/footboard whenever chair is in motion.  Do not bend to reach your feet or the floor when sitting on the chair as the chair may tip over.  Always lock the brakes before attempting a hoist or standing transfer, or if the chair is stationary.

Weight Tolerance Equipment is weight tested to Australian Standards and has limited weight capacity. If you experience significant weight gain the equipment may become unsafe, please advise DES if you have significantly gained weight.

Your Rights and Responsibilities You should receive a quality service, delivered in a safe and competent manner. Please inform us promptly of any change in your circumstances or if you experience any problems with your equipment or service so that corrective action may be taken at an early stage. Please take care of any equipment provided and let us know when you no longer need it.

General Enquiries If you experience problems with your equipment and it has been hired for you by another agency, please call your service provider to report the problem. Alternatively you may call DOMICILIARY EQUIPMENT SERVICE on: Ph: 1300 295 786 or Fax: 1300 295 839 For Repairs & Maintenance: Ph: 1300 130 302

Check for latest e-version, as photocopies may be out of date: Released 06/02/2013 Phone: 1300 295 786 Fax: 1300 295 839 Email: [email protected] Page 2 of 2