These are essentially chairs on wheels with a hole cut through the centre of the seat. A collecting pan can be attached to the chair and removed for emptying, or the commodes can be placed over a toilet. Ensure the wheels are locked before the person uses the commode.

These are plastic or metal pans that are placed under a person’s bum while the person is in bed. Bedpans come in different sizes. Many people find it difficult to release their bowels or bladder while lying in bed, so give the person who is ill time and privacy. Lifting their head slightly with pillows or inclining the bed may help them feel more comfortable using a bedpan. Ensure they are able to call and be heard when they are finished.

These are small bottles that can be used to collect urine from a penis.

This is a long narrow tube that a healthcare provider can insert into the bladder through the urethra. The tube is attached to a drainage bag, which may be strapped to the person’s leg or hung on the side of the bed. Wash hands before and after handling the catheter and related equipment to help prevent infection. The person’s genital area should be cleaned twice a day, and the catheter itself, which comes out of the body and attaches to the collection bag, should be cleaned at least once a day. The collection bag should be emptied and cleaned every day. Sometimes at home people choose to cover the urine collection bag with material so that others can’t see it.

These can be purchased from a drugstore or health supply store. Briefs should be replaced as soon as they are wet or soiled, then disposed of in a garbage container outside of the home. The person’s genital area should be cleaned using mild, non-fragrant soap and water, working from front to back and rinsing well.