TRANSFERS IN AND OUT OF BED
The goal is to get the height of the bed to the correct height for safety. When your loved one sits on the bed, their hips should ideally be slightly higher than their knees; it will be much easier and less physically demanding for a person to come from sitting to stand. It also helps a person sit down and back onto the mattress so that when they move from sitting to side-lying, they do not have to readjust much or are in danger of sliding off. I have some other recommendations based on my experience.
- I would recommend that the bed not be on wheels, and if on wheels, find a way to secure it so that it doesn't move.
- If the bed height is too low, add bed risers.
- If the bed is too high and requires steps to climb into bed, LOWER IT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! Lowering your elderly parents' bed may require removing a box spring to reduce the height or obtaining a new frame for the correct height of the bed.
BED RAILS
There are many helpful aids such as grab bars and rails attached to a bed but knowing the correct one can be tricky without a therapist's input. If a person needs a little help getting from side-lying to come to sit at the edge of the bed and maybe needs a little help come to stand.
Look for stable solid, firmly attached bed rails, which do not move.
The placement of the rail should be closer to the head of the bed. If it is positioned lower, it can create an obstacle when entering or exiting the bed. Bed rails can also be a safety risk. Patients with limited mobility and confusion have accidentally strangled themselves by getting caught up in the railing or the sheets attached to the railing.
I recommend using this rail.
CLICK ON THIS LINK TO ORDER BED RAIL
REPOSITIONING IN BED
If your loved one requires assistance to reposition himself in bed, another option that will save your back is a slider sheet, as pictured below. However, I only recommend using it when the person is repositioned and not be left in the bed as a person can slide out of bed.
CLICK ON THIS LINK TO ORDER SLIDER REPOSITIONING SHEET
