Expert Review - Commode with Automatic Lift Up Assistance

Expert Review – Commode with Automatic Lift Up Assistance

Uplift Commode Assist

	MANUFACTURER
	Uplift Technologies Check the manufacturer’s website for a list of dealers.
	COST
	$200.00
	VENDORS
	Uplift Technologies Check the manufacturer’s website for a list of dealers.
	DISCLAIMER
	The listing of these products is for informational purposes and individuals must use their own caution and judgment when using these resources. Functional levels and changes in judgment and reasoning are highly variable in people with dementia. Interventions must be individualized and continually assessed because those that are effective for some individuals may only work briefly and may not work at all for others.

	DESCRIPTION
	This commode is good for people with weak leg muscles but who have good upper body strength and can follow instructions. This lift up commode features a seat lift, which helps the person lower themselves to (or raise themselves from) a seated position, relieving you, the caregiver, of extra strain. According to the manufacturer, up to 80% of the person’s weight is supported and lifted (but that may be a bit on the high side). This commode can be used at the bedside or over the toilet if there is adequate space in the bathroom (contact the dealer before buying). Set Up Includes: Adjusting the weight (you need to adjust the mechanism depending on the person’s weight) Adjusting the leg height To Sit: Person must sit all the way back on the seat (or the seat doesn’t go down) while holding the armrests to lower themselves. The seat mechanism slowly goes down until it reaches a flat position and clicks into place. To rise, the person must Position their feet properly Release the locking mechanism Lean forward and push off on the armrests (only then does the mechanism provide a boost, helping the person to a semi-standing position). (FYI - The pneumatic lifting action is powered by the energy required to push it down when the person sits down on the seat.)
	PROS
	Provides real assistance for sitting down on or rising from the commode Can help prevent back strain during transfers for you, the caregiver Can be used over the toilet No battery or electricity required
	CONS
	The person with dementia will probably not be able to use the commode by themselves as it requires remembering a specific way of sitting down and getting up for the commode to provide a "boost". Use over a toilet requires removing the backrest and the pail hangers - so you cannot easily alternate use at bedside or toilet The seat is fairly hard - and is not offered padded as an option. The person may be frightened when the seat moves, fearing they will fall. (So give the person step by step instructions before any movement occurs to reduce their fears.) Assembly Required (It took approximately 20 minutes).
	CAUTION
	Assistance from a caregiver is necessary for safe operation of this commode by a person with dementia. The person may be agitated or frightened when the seat moves, fearing they will fall, so make sure to give step by step instruction before any movement.