Bedside commodes are used by thousands of elderly and disabled Americans. They offer easy access and convenience for people who cannot make it to the bathroom for several reasons. They are safe to use, easy to clean, and offer the privacy you or your loved one deserves.
But what do you do when you no longer have use for a bedside commode? Before you pitch it in the trash, consider that there are people in your local community and across the globe that could benefit from a bedside commode but don’t have the means or funds to buy one.
Fortunately, many charitable organizations will accept your medical commode. In this article, we’ll explain where you can donate bedside commodes.
What Are Medical Commodes?
Medical commodes are essentially portable toilets that are commonly used by the elderly or people with disabilities. They resemble a chair with a toilet seat and have a bucket underneath that can be removed for cleaning after each use.
Bedside commodes are easy to move and are typically located next to the bed. They are often used by people who are weak, unstable, or have a higher risk of falling if they have to walk long distances each time they need to use the restroom.
Where to Donate Bedside Commodes
There are dozens of organizations that accept medical equipment donations, including bedside commodes. However, it’s always a good idea to call the organization first to ensure they accept portable commodes. Some of the organizations that may accept medical commodes include:
Goodwill Industries
Goodwill Industries is an excellent place to donate clothes, toys, and even medical equipment that can then be bought at an affordable price for someone in need in your community. Goodwill has thousands of stores across the country. Click here to find a Goodwill store near you. Call or contact your local Goodwill store first to see if they accept medical equipment.
Med Share
Med Share is a non-profit organization that collects medical supplies and equipment, including bedside commodes, from hospitals and medical facilities. They then donate the equipment to hospitals and communities that are in need across the world. Medical manufacturers and distributors also donate a large portion of medical equipment to Med Share. You can make individual medical donations by visiting the Med Share site.
MedWish
Cleveland-based MedWish accepts medical equipment and supplies from corporate donors, as well as individuals. You can also request supplies by visiting MedWish’s website.
Advocates for World Health
Much like Med Share, Advocates for World Health accepts medical equipment donations of all kinds. Most of the medical equipment is shipped to Central America; however, products are also distributed worldwide, including in the U.S.
Hero Healthcare Equipment Recycling Organization
Hero Healthcare Equipment Recycling Organization accepts a wide range of medical equipment, including mobility and motorized items; bathroom safety items, including medical commodes; and wound care and personal hygiene items. Through donations, the organization estimates it has saved more than 2 million pounds of medical supplies from landfills. Click here to donate.
Project Cure
Founded in 1987, Project Cure is one of the largest distributors of donated medical supplies and equipment to communities across the world that are in dire need of medical supplies to treat the world’s most vulnerable populations. To date, the organization has assisted those in need in more than 135 countries.
Salvation Army
Like Goodwill, the Salvation Army is a non-profit organization with thousands of stores across the country. The Salvation Army accepts all types of medical equipment. Contact your local Salvation Army store to find out if they accept bedside commodes.
Local Options to Donate Bedside Commodes
Aside from Goodwill Industries and the Salvation Army, there are other local options to consider donating medical commodes to. Oftentimes, local nursing homes, hospitals, and homeless shelters accept commodes. You can also consider contacting community centers, places of worship, and safe houses in your area to see if they have bedside commodes. This is a way to ensure that you’re helping serve the vulnerable population in your local community.
Many communities across the country also have non-profit organizations that donate medical equipment, including commodes, to people in need across the globe. Consider searching online to see if there is an organization with a drop-off site in your area.
Medical Equipment Loan Closets
A medical equipment loan closet, also referred to as a lending library, accepts medical equipment of all types. Loan closets are just as their name suggests; they loan out medical equipment for short-term, long-term, or indefinite loans to people who are in financial need and can’t afford to pay for a bedside commode or other medical equipment. Research online to see if your area or region has a loan closet.
Tips Before Donating a Bedside Commode
Before donating your unused bedside commode, thoroughly clean it and ensure all of the parts are accounted for and working properly.
When cleaning the commode, fill a bucket up with warm water and squirt some dish soap into the bucket. Dip a clean rag into the bucket and thoroughly clean the commode. Once finished, use a separate rag to dry it off.
Never pay an organization to accept your medical donation, as this is a tell-tale sign that the organization is trying to scam you.
Conclusion
If you have medical supplies or equipment that are no longer needed, think twice before you pitch them into the trash. The organizations we mentioned in this article are committed to helping people in need across the world live healthier lives by delivering medical supplies and equipment, including medical commodes, that are desperately needed.
Related articles…
Does Medicaid Cover Bedside Commodes? Your Complete Guide
Best Bedside Commode (2022): 7 Top Commodes + Expert Buying Guide
Donate Bedside Commode Near Me: Where to Donate + Alternatives
Used Bedside Commode Near Me: Where to Buy & How to Get a Deal
Bedside Commode Near Me: Where to Buy a Bedside Commode In-Store
What is a Commode Chair (2022)? Types of Commode Chairs, Best Brands, Benefits & More