Aids to Help Elderly in Bed

As we get older, our energy and stamina decrease. If we have problems like arthritis, back pain, and joints, the movement can become more difficult. A simple action like getting in and out of bed can cause problems, discomfort, or awkwardness.

Elderly, disabled, and the ones recovering from an accident often find themselves in this situation. So to aid them, there are extensive lists of mobility aids available.

Whether it's helping someone pull themselves out of bed or provide extra support in getting in and out of the room, there are plenty of options to choose from - bed safety rails for movement, bed hoist for the elderly, and more.

The best thing is that they are designed in such a way that they can aid the disabled as well as improve comfort.

Let's see what these aids are.

Aids to Get In and Out of Bed

Physical conditions like back pain, inflexibility, and others can make it difficult to raise oneself from lying on the bed to a sitting position.

One of the simplest pieces of equipment that you can use to raise is a bed rope ladder. It's often known as Jacob ladder. One end of the ladder is tied to the bed's foot, while the user uses the other end to pull themselves upright.

Another piece of equipment is a leg lifter. One end of the loop fits the user's foot. The other end is held in the user's hand. Using it, users can pull themselves up, lifting the foot off the ground and leg along with it.

If you need a balancing point to get in and out of bed, bed safety rails are the apt choice. You can choose from different types of rails depending on your use and fixing method. For instance, you can choose cot sides. They extend down the length of the bed and prevent them from falling off. For a support system, you can go for short and protrude rail types. However, you must keep in mind that rails require upper body strength.

Another bedroom aid that demands upper body strength is a floor-to-ceiling pole. It's a permanent installation and extends from ceiling to floor. Therefore, it's necessary to consider its position before installation.

The pole can be a vertical one or a horizontal one depending on your support needs. However, make sure to hire a tradesperson for installation as they have a better knowledge of the surface and the type of fixing that's best. They would ensure that attachments to the floor, ceilings, and walls are properly done.

If you have a divan bed, you can choose rails that fit below the base and open upwards. Or you can go for rails that slide between bed and mattress. If you're going for a trip, you can pick the travel version aids, one that folds-up.

If you spend most of your time in bed, you might even consider aids for sitting up. Generally, a combination of pillows may do the trick, but you can even consider backrests, foam wedges, etc.

As for backrests, you can have one with an aluminum frame and a canvas section. The simple catch mechanism will then allow you to tilt into your chosen angle.

A bed wedge is a set of three large foam pieces that work similarly to a backrest. And yet, it is softer and provides a solid feeling than a backrest. Also, it is rigid. It doesn't allow adjusting according to the angle of support. So, choose wisely.

What Do We Recommend?
If you need support, go for bed safety rails. You can even select bed hoists for elderly.

However, the great way to start is by discussing it with your GP or occupational therapist. They can give you the right advice about the aids that are appropriate for you or your loved ones.

 Source : https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/647060238496841728/aids-to-help-elderly-in-bed 

Different Types of Body Support Aids

 Pain in the little finger makes it difficult to work. So, think, how can discomfort in other parts of the body make us feel? It would make it difficult to work and even rest. And in the worst case, if they are left untreated, they may lead to severe conditions or even death at times.

 

Previously, it would have been a challenge to curb it. Support aids would be a luxury. However, now, the pain is common. Hence, there are thousands of support aids available in the market. Customers can buy from a wide range of back supports to wrist supports and others.

 

Let us see different kinds of body part-specific pain relief supports available today.

 

1. Ankle & Foot Supports

 

How many times have you experienced a sprained ankle? It happens often. And the solution you implement to heal the sprain or strain is to wrap the sprained ankle overnight with a band, and the next day, you're back to normal.

 

Yes, an ankle sprain is the most common joint injury. If it's a slight strain, you can heal it with the tried and tested formula - RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation). However, there are different aids that can help relieve pain. For example, you can go for ankle braces that provide compression support or restrict mobility. Other than this, you can opt for heel cushions, support wraps, and more.

 

2. Elbow Supports & Shoulder Supports

 

Elbow pain is most common among athletes, especially tennis athletes. That is why it's also known as tennis elbow. The pain is usually associated with the overloading of tendons outside the elbow due to repetitive movements. And these movements then tear the tendons causing elbow pain.

 

Elbow and shoulder pain is also common among the people who do physical labor.

 

So, to maintain joint stability and provide pain relief, different elbow supports and braces are available today.

 

A few include elbow straps, elbow sleeves, shoulder slings, brace, immobilizer, etc.

 

If you don't want to go for this, an alternate option includes cold and hot packs. They will help you soothe sore muscles and tendons.

 

3. Back Supports & Hip Supports

 

Gone are the days where back pains were commonly found in the elderly and disabled. Now, even 25 years old complain about severe back pain. Well, that's all thanks to the sedentary lifestyle, long working hours, improper postures, and whatnot. The back and hip pain are so common that every alternate person experiences it on a daily basis. Thus, the need for back supports and hip supports comes up.

 

Fortunately, you can find a broad range of products to ease your pain. They include different types of braces, belts, mattresses, orthosis, vests, and more.

 

4. Head & Neck Supports

 

Wrong pillows and a sudden jerk often cause pain in the neck. Special kids and others with some post-accident and disabilities can also find it difficult to move the head or even sit due to a neck injury.

 

To provide aid that compliments everyone's needs, businesses have brought in special supports into the market. The head and neck support offer a proper position and improve swallowing, feeding, breathing, and interaction. These supports are soft, mostly made of foam.

 

The common support aids in this section include head supports, cervical collars, neck rolls, and neck pillows.

 

Conclusion

 

From a minor strain to recovering from an accident, body supports can help soothe the pain. They can be the key in the recovery process, but only if you choose the right one.

 

Different equipment has different purposes and qualities. Even if you consider a cervical collar, there are types of it, each suitable for a particular person's need.

 

You won't find aid is not the scenario. Whether you can choose one that's best for you is a challenge.

 

So, identify your pain and requirements, and opt for the best one.

Source : https://essentialaids.tumblr.com/post/645704374895656960/different-types-of-body-support-aids