Why is a bedside commode needed? A person may need to use a commode if he needs to stay in bed most of the time. A commode is useful if a person is weak or unsteady. If he is at risk of falling, a commode may be safer than walking to the bathroom.

What is the purpose of a commode?

The primary purpose of a commode is to provide an alternative to using a toilet for people who can't get to a bathroom or can't sit on a toilet.

Why do some people say commode?

In the United States, a "commode" is now a colloquial synonym for a flush toilet. The word commode comes from the French word for "convenient" or "suitable", which in turn comes from the Latin adjective commodus, with similar meanings.