In The Bedroom
Sleep is something we all rely on to regenerate our energy and so our bed is an extremely important piece of furniture. Techniques to help getting in and out of bed may be demonstrated by a physiotherapist or occupational therapist and for some, equipment may help.
The height of the bed may be raised using bed raisers if the bed base or legs are suitable. Beds are also available that are height-adjustable so that it can be raised or lowered to the required height for the person getting into and out of the bed or for a carer who may need to raise the bed when helping with dressing.
Changing position in bed can help prevent pressure sores which can develop when a person stays in the same position for long periods of time. A profiling bed is one where the head and leg sections can adjust upwards and downwards to different positions, enabling the user to move or be moved easily to different positions in the bed. These adjustments can be operated by switch allowing you to operate it independently from the bed or with someones assistance. Profiling beds are also available as double beds and can be fully adjustable, or with one half as standard and the other half adjustable.
For more information on the equipment described in this section, see Choosing a Bed and Bed Accessories.
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Rails can be positioned on the wall near the bed or to the side of the bed itself to help when getting in and out. Bed rails on the side of the bed should be used with caution as they can cause serious injury. Seek advice on the safe use of bed rails from the Medical and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency UK or see its report Safe Use of Bed Rails (2006).
Consider the use of alternatives if you are concerned about a person moving from the bed at night. For example, there are beds that can be set at a very low height which can be used along with soft cushioning on the floor next to the bed to prevent any injury.
There are other lifting devices available which may assist a person to get from a lying position to a sitting position such as a rope ladder and a lifting pole but check with an occupational therapist or physiotherapist beforehand as pulling on these devices may cause a strain or injury.
Movement activated alarms such as an alarm mat will alert a carer if a person moves or falls out of their bed. A two-way (or one-way) intercom system such as a baby monitor, or a video camera which connects to a TV screen, can allow you to monitor a child or sick person from the distance of another room.
Some people are prone to muscle stiffness or rigidity due to their condition which can become exacerbated by sleeping in one or the same position all night. Sleep positioning systems are available which can assist children and adults who may experience contractures or be in danger of developing contractors. A sleep system consists of a range of positioning cushions fitted to the mattress which guides the persons body into a position that may prevent contractures and provide a more comfortable position, and a more restful night.
Pressure relieving mattresses come in a variety of types and can help prevent or relieve pressure sores. There are a variety of mattresses ranging from low pressure relief to high pressure relief. They are often made of foam of varying densities which has pressure relieving properties, helping to distribute the persons overall weight, or with air circulating through cells in the mattress. The public health nurse or occupational therapist can advise on their use.
A tray on a bed is not very secure and items on it can be knocked over or spilt easily. This could be very dangerous with hot food or drinks. A free-standing table (fixed or on wheels) which fits over the bed may be a useful and safer alternative. With many bed tables, the height and the angle of the table may be adjustable to allow the user do other activities as well such as position a book for reading or draw.
For more information on the equipment described in this section, see Choosing a Bed and Bed Accessories.
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