When are portable commodes are used?

A portable commode is often used when a patient is sleeping downstairs, and can not get to the upstairs toilet (which may be the only toilet in the home). Usually, the commode is designed to look like a piece of furniture. If the patient recovers and can use the upstairs toilet once more, the commode can be put away. Being portable, the commode's bowl can be carried upstairs and the contents disposed of down the toilet and into the sewerage system. Portable commodes, chemical toilets, and such like, are often used when camping, or caravanning, or if the house is not connected to the sewerage system.