If you've been watching your parent or loved one struggle with basic everyday activities for a while, you know: getting in and out of bed—and feeling comfortable while you're sleeping—can present a real challenge. "Small changes like needing both arms to push or pull themselves out of bed or rocking forward before standing can signal declining strength and balance," says Vicki Huber, the chief nursing officer at Atlas Mobility, a San Ramon, CA-based company that advises patients and hospitals on mobility services.
One solution: Switching to an adjustable bed with features that support easier movement. But how do you know which one is best? "Look for features that support safe positioning and transfers, including height adjustment so the person can place their feet securely on the floor, a stable transfer surface, and controls that are easy to see and operate," says Huber.
Here are five key features to look for when purchasing an adjustable bed for seniors.
In This Article:
Proper Bed Height
If your parent is having trouble lowering themselves into a seated position, it's logical to think that a higher bed is better—but that's not necessarily true, says Lorena Salas, an occupational therapist at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in Marlton, NJ. "I've worked with patients at the clinic who had to get on step stool in order to climb into bed," says Salas. "For someone with impaired balance, that is a fall risk. You want a bed height where your feet touch the floor or come very close when you are sitting on the edge of the mattress."
Obviously, the right bed height is relative to the person. Someone who is 6'2" needs a different bed height than someone who is 5'3". Check the manufacturer's specifications and consider using blocks to raise the bed if needed.
Mattress Quality
Many adjustable beds come with their own mattress designed to stay in place as you raise or lower the head or legs. But not all mattresses are the same quality. Moreover, plusher isn't always better. "You want some sort of happy medium with comfort and mobility," says Salas. "Even with our patients who have severely impaired skin and require special mattresses, we still try to find medium setting so it's not super squishy but also not too firm." A mattress that is too soft will make it even more challenging to roll over and sit up if you have mobility issues, she notes.
One way to improve the quality of your mattress? Buy a topper or overlay, suggests Salas. "Gel overlays are about 2-3 inches thick and work by evening out the pressure the mattress puts on the body," she says. For bigger mattresses, she recommends inquiring with the company if they sell mattress toppers.
Bed Rails for Support
"Beyond mattress comfort, I would look for features that support safe positioning and transfers," says Huber. "Depending on the individual, assist rails or other positioning supports may also be appropriate." If an adjustable bed doesn't come with bed rails, there are add-on rails you can purchase at Amazon that attach to the frame beneath the mattress. Ask the manufacturer if the bed will accommodate bed rails.
"Sometimes you can add bed rails without too much trouble," says Salas. "They are useful for mobility purposes because they can assist someone in rolling side to side, or in repositioning themselves during the night. Bed rails help with both rolling over and sitting up."
Full-Lift Beds
In Salas' research comparing traditional hospital beds to adjustable beds, she came across very few brands that made full-lift options. Lift beds, she says, can be gamechangers for seniors with limited mobility. "An actual frame that can go up and down is a rare feature," Salas says. "For seniors, it can be particularly beneficial because they have difficulty rising up from lower surfaces. Having a bed that can raise someone all the way up to standing can make a huge difference in independence and burden of care."
To operate a lift bed, you select the up or down button on the hand control, then press and hold to be lifted or lowered to a desired height. To that end, "you want controls that are easy to see and operate," says Huber. Look for backlit buttons you can see in the dark, raised surfaces so you know where to push, and clearly marked actions so you know which button does what.
Personal Comfort
No two people sleep the same, so the ability to adjust the bed to your parent's personal preferences is important. "There is no single ideal sleeping position for everyone," notes Huber. "I recommend focusing on comfortable alignment of the head, neck, spine, and hips while allowing the person to get deep, uninterrupted sleep."
Adjustable beds make it easier to elevate the head and/or legs into a position that feels good, but even then, you may need to help your parent make adjustments with a pillow, adds Salas. "If someone is a back sleeper, placing a pillow under the knees will help relieve pressure going through the back," she says. "If they are a side sleeper, place a pillow between their knees so the hips are aligned with each other—this helps with back pain."
Also, be selective about how often the adjustable bed is set to sleep with the head of the bed elevated. "Over time, this may contribute to kyphosis, where the back becomes curved," says Salas. "In my older patients, I can clearly see the effects of this; their posture is rounded and leads to further back issues."
Making the Right Choice for Your Parent
When you're choosing a mobility support aid for your parent, whether it's for walking, sleeping, or other daily activities, it's good to think both immediate and long-term. "Consider what the person's current mobility needs are and what their expected mobility is in the future," says Salas. In choosing an adjustable bed, you want one that supports them now and tomorrow.
Difficulty moving from sitting to lying and back to sitting may be today's challenge, but if you foresee that evolving into difficulties going from sitting to standing, too, choose the bed that provides the maximum support so this isn't a purchase you have to revisit in a few years' time.
Learn More About Lift Beds
Talk with our customer service about Journey's adjustable lift bed at 888-404-1724.
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