We talk to a lot of people who are looking at purchasing a bed for their home. Often it is for an elderly parent, or a loved one returning home from hospital. Generally, the people making these decisions are feeling overwhelmed by all the information they have been hearing from Doctors, Nurses, Specialists, Social Workers, OT's and family and friends.
While we can't tell you what type of bed is best for you, we can share some information which might make choosing the right bed a little bit easier.
There are 3 main types of beds: Adjustable Beds, Hi-Lo Beds, Lo-Lo Beds
Adjustable Beds
These beds are primarily for comfort and / or minor health conditions, where the person may benefit from sitting up in bed, or having raised head and feet. These beds do not move up and down completely.
The primary features of these beds is the back rest and leg lift, which can offer greater comfort as well as relief from some medical conditions. Some people find that they provide relief for back pain, by having their legs slightly elevated as this position reduces pressure on their back.
Some adjustable beds feature a 'zero gravity position'. This is where the legs and head are elevated slightly above the heart and stomach. It has been described as saving your body from the pressure of its own weight. This can reduce some back pain, as pressure is distributed evenly between the individual vertebrae and spinal muscles. Other benefits may include reduced snoring and improved breathing; improved circulation; improved digestion; reduced swelling; general comfort.
They are usually available from King Single to King Size. Queen and King usually have the option of being 'split' which means each person can individually control their back and leg lifts.
Many people choose these for the comfort of sleeping with raised head / feet, or the comfort of watching TV or reading a book.
For more information on Adjustable base beds, click here.
Hi-Lo Beds
Often referred to as a Hospital bed.
Hi-Lo beds raise and lower. This allows the bed to be positioned higher or lower for the person to easily move in and out as required. It also means the bed can be raised so that if they are receiving care, the bed can be at a suitable height for carers or nursing staff.
Most Hi-Lo beds will also have a back rest and knee lift, so the bed can be positioned for both comfort and medical conditions. These are activated by a handset which is usually connected to the bed. Some beds in aged care or hospital environments have this on the foot panel as well.
Some beds have a feature called Trendelenburg and reverse Trendelenburg, where the whole bed tips forward or backwards. These positions will help with blood flow, and may be recommended by your health professional.
Trendelenburg is widely used for patients with respiratory issues as raised legs help improve blood flow.
Trendelenburg position (above) and Reverse Trendeleburg (below)
Where the bed can tip forward, it allows the bed to be positioned in a seating position, which can be both comfortable and practical.
Queen and King beds are called Companion beds, as they can accommodate a couple, and they can continue to share a bed.
For more information on Hi-Lo and Lo-Lo beds, click here.
Lo-Lo Beds
Often referred to as a Floor Bed, or Floorline bed.
These are generally the same as a Hi-Lo bed, but in their lowest position, they are closer to the floor.
The reason for this is that if a person is at risk of falling out of bed, they are less likely to sustain an injury than if they fall from a higher position. Generally, people with dementia or are significantly agitated may benefit from a Lo-Lo bed.
Lo-lo beds or floorline beds will usually have the same functions and features such as a back rest and knee lift, and some will have the option of Trendelenburg and reverse Trendelenburg.
Sizes: These are are generally available in a Single, King Single. (Limited suppliers offer a Double, Queen and King)
For more information on Hi-Lo and Lo-Lo beds, click here.
Considerations
What size bed is best?
Many people moving into one of these beds are moving from a double, queen or king bed, of which they have spent most of their adult life. Moving into a single bed can be confronting and uncomfortable, and can result in falls out of bed as the person is not used to such a small bed. Similarly, a lot of people moving down to a single bed, really just don't like it. If you have the space and the budget, consider a king single or larger.
Another consideration with bed size, is whether you will be receiving nursing care from an industry professional (ie nursing staff visiting you at home or in aged care). Often nursing staff are unable to provide nursing care if the patient is in a queen bed. It might be an idea to check with your service provider before purchasing.
Safety rails
Safety rails are available. There has been a lot of conversation about the safety and suitability of these. Traditionally they were used to keep people safe and prevent them from rolling out of bed, however in some instances people would climb over them resulting in injury as they fell from a greater height. They are also seen as a 'restraint', so are not used in many places.
This is a decision that should be discussed with your health professional and / or amongst the family / caregivers to identify the risks vs benefits.
More information can be found at the links below:
If you would like more information or to discuss your individual needs, please call our team on 03 9408 9710 or email info@wentworthcare.com.au.
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