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Features of Adjustable Beds for Elderly

Ashwini Kulkarni Sule
Adjustable beds for elderly is something that makes sure that the old are comfortable. Read on to know more about these beds.
Many age-related illnesses leave people bed ridden. These people are often cared at homes rather than at private nursing homes. Their caregiver is some family member, who may or may not be present with them 24x7.
Elderly people, or anyone who has been bed ridden for long, often loses sleep over time. This is because most beds are not designed to provide comfort 24 hours.
Besides, the peculiar design of usual beds does little to prevent pain due to arthritis, or joint pain due to similar conditions. However, a new type of adjustable bed for elderly people has proved to be a blessing. Let us know more about the features and benefits of such beds.

Features

These are special beds that are designed keeping in mind the comfort of old and ailing people. They are somewhat similar to hospital beds, but come with a firm orthopedic mattress. The mattress inner-springs allow you to adjust it to various positions as per your requirement.
Its positions are controlled with a control panel, which the elderly can operate on their own. The various controls by which you can adjust the bed position include lifting upper body, pillow lifts, knee lifts etc. All these controls can make the elderly and ailing people independent to some extent.
They can watch TV in a sitting position, read, or perform some minor tasks in that position. They experience a great comfort to lower back since the mattress offers support in that area. Similarly, adjusting the position of knees also relieves people of arthritis pain or sciatica.
Additionally, the bed is useful for anyone who experiences breathing difficulties at night. You can keep your head in an elevated position in order to aid circulation. This particular adjustment also helps people with heartburn, which often worsens at night.
Degenerative spondylolisthesis, osteoarthritis, and spinal stenosis are other conditions which can be made less painful with the help of this bed.
The adjustable beds not only provide comfort to old and ailing, but they can also be beneficial to people who are perfectly healthy. The bed aids in digestion and can be used for curing insomnia. The relaxed positions that this bed offers may help you in getting a good night's sleep.

How to Select

Adjustable beds do not come cheap, hence you should choose them with caution. Compare various brands to see their features against your requirements. Reviews available online should help you at this. You may also ask around to check if any of your friends or family has a similar bed. You may consult them regarding the brand, features, and performance.
Currently, Adjustamatic, Dunlopillo, Sleepeezee, Laybrook, Klik Mobility, Mobility1online, and HSL are some of the reputed manufacturers of adjustable beds. Flex-A-Bed, Deluxe, Hi-Low, Wall-Hugger, and Leggett & Platt are also some varieties that are very popular.
In any case, it always pays to do your own research and get the best one out there. These beds can be found from USD 366 onwards. However, if you opt for such beds, you will have to do away with memory foam mattresses, and go for orthopedic mattresses instead.
The benefits of adjustable beds are unending. They can offer limited mobility and self reliance to your bed ridden care receiver, and you, some free time. Thus, they are indeed a good addition to any home that houses an elderly or an ailing patient.