Are the bedside commodes really helpful?

Yes, they're wonderful! My Mom used one for years & loved it. You can also place them over a toilet for those with bad knees. (Just take the bucket out & center the commode over the existing toilet.)

They're great if there's a flood & you can't flush, they're amazing after a Hurricane and the water's off for a few days.
They're also great for right after surgery when it's too hard to walk far.

I have the highest regards for a bedside commode.

Yes, I have one for my dad so he doesn't fall during the night. The doctor told me the #1 cause of injury for elderly are in the bathroom. I place a mat under so it doesn't slip.

Depends if he has control to get to a bathroom in time. They are very good for urge incontinence and sometimes for people who seem to refuse to use a bathroom for mental reasons.

If you do go the commode route, use a garbage bag as a liner, (over the frame, open under the seat, and use CAT LITTER in the liner bag.

MUCH easier to manage clean up, and less trouble with odor management.

The “water” in the vessel was WATER TORTURE for me.

Aww...YEAH!!! They make life easier for all involved. After he's had one for a while, you will say to yourself, why did we wait so long to get him one?
I had one for my husband for the last 22 months of his life. I just put about 6 inches of water in it and sprayed some Poo-Pourri in it(as he only used it to poop in, as he had a permanent catheter)and then flushed it down the toilet and cleaned it out real good until next time.

Yes, its a lot easier when its next to the bed rather than going all the way to the bathroom.

My mom used one at night. She was on fluid pills due to CHF. Prevented her from having to make trips to her bathroom during the night and helped her not miss as much sleep. Reduced opportunities for falls.
Of course they must be emptied and cleaned.
Medicare provided hers.

It can help you sleep through the night. The bedside commode works for my 94 year old
mother. And now I'm getting my much-needed beauty rest.