As we age, mobility can bee impaired. This includes the mobility needed to get in and out of a bed. An adjustable bed can help.
The ability to raise and lower the entire bed gives the user the ability to set the bed to the best height for transferring in or out. If a person frequently falls out of bed in the night, a low bed may be a helpful tool to keep them safe. A low bed is just what the name implies. It can go down lower to the floor than a standard bed. There are solutions out there.
A quality home care bed give the user the ability to raise and lower their upper torso, and to raise and lower their legs. Most home care beds articulate at the knees. Some beds also give the option to tilt the entire bed from the head or foot. A user may lie flat, but tilt the bed so that their ankles are below their heart, for example.
Beds can have accessories. Trapeze attachments to help move about. Rails for grabbing or for helping someone not fall. Reading lights can be an option.
Hospital Beds In Senior Living Communities.
Hospital beds can provide several benefits for seniors living in a community setting, including:
- Comfort: Hospital beds often have adjustable features such as head and foot elevation, which can help seniors find a comfortable position for sleeping or resting. This can be particularly important for seniors who have mobility issues or chronic pain.
- Safety: Hospital beds typically have safety features such as side rails that can be raised to prevent seniors from falling out of bed. This can be especially important for seniors who are at risk of falling or who have cognitive impairments that make them prone to wandering.
- Medical Care: Hospital beds can make it easier for medical professionals to provide care to seniors in the community setting. For example, the bed can be adjusted to make it easier to change dressings or administer medications.
- Mobility: Hospital beds can be equipped with features such as wheels, making it easier for seniors to move around their room or to be transported to other areas of the community.
- Better sleep: Hospital beds are designed to promote better sleep. The ability to adjust the position of the bed can help seniors find a comfortable position that reduces pain and discomfort, leading to a more restful sleep.
Overall, hospital beds can improve the quality of life for seniors in a community setting by providing comfort, safety, and medical care.
Don’t Forget The Surface
Surface = mattress or mattress replacement. It can be easy to only think of the hardware of the bed. But what’s on top of the bed is just as important. Maybe an air mattress is needed to provide alternating pressure to help prevent bed sores. Soft or firm? Mattresses come in many different configurations. You may want to consider a topper to go with your mattress.
Check out SpanAmerica for some information on beds and surfaces.
Note: standard home-use mattresses are not appropriate for home care/hospital beds. They will not move with the bed as it adjusts.
You may consider a waterproof cover. Sheets are important. We recommend not using fitted sheets. Flat sheets can articulate with the bed.
To Rent Or Own?
How long will the user need the bed? That’s really the determining factor for whether one should rent or purchase. Do you need the bed for post-surgery recovery? Is it more of a permanent need?
Colorado Mobility rents only all-electric beds with standard, 6-inch foam mattress options. If you need a more-complex surface, then you may need to consider purchasing.