Using assistive devices in the bedroom significantly increases comfort, safety, and independence for seniors and those with mobility issues.
Many bedroom mobility and safety aids provide welcome support for individuals and caregivers, helping to reduce the risk of falls in the bedroom. Other equipment relieves bothersome pain and discomfort. We’ve put together a list of the top bed aids available to the elderly and people with limited mobility.
- Bed Rails
- Hospital Beds
- Bed Ladders
- Bed Pads
- Transfer Poles
- Transfer Boards
- Bed Wedge
- Bed Cradle
- Leg Lifters
- Bed Tables
If you have any questions, give us a call or book a specialist appointment today.
1. Bed Rails
A bed rail (also called a bed assist rail or bed safety rail) is a metal or heavy-duty plastic support device that is securely attached to a bed frame or the floor. These rails provide stability when getting in and out of bed and, like bed bumpers, also form a barrier to prevent falls and rolling while sleeping.
Tips and options: Some bed rails are repositionable and can be tucked away when not in use. Other versions are height adjustable, allowing you to customize the height. Look for rails with anti-slip or padded surfaces for added safety and comfort.
2. Hospital Beds
The best hospital beds are extremely practical bedroom aids for seniors and people with disabilities. Using a hospital-grade adjustable bed with moveable head and foot sections (with side rails) makes sleeping safe and comfortable. Most beds are fully motorized. You can also adjust the height of some hospital beds, a feature that caregivers appreciate when changing linens or helping to transfer an individual in and out of bed.
At Conval-Aid, you can rent or buy a hospital bed in Ottawa that meets your individual needs and preferences.
Tips and options: Many useful accessories must be purchased or rented separately from the hospital bed. Standard/basic mattresses are included in the rental of a hospital bed, however if you are specifically looking for a pressure-relieving surface, pressure-relief mattresses are available for rental and purchase separately from the hospital bed frame.
3. Bed Ladders
A bed ladder assist (also called a bed mobility ladder) is suitable for seniors or any person with a limited range of motion who finds it difficult to go from lying down to a sitting position. This simple and affordable bed aid consists of flexible straps secured to a bed frame, plus ladder “rungs,” which serve as the gripping points used to pull oneself into a desired position.
Tips and options: A bed ladder can also be used on the side of the bed to help a user shift or roll more easily.
4. Bed Pads
Bed pads (also called incontinence pads) allow users to get a dry night’s sleep while providing a waterproof barrier that protects furniture and mattresses. In addition, this protective bedding improves hygiene and makes cleaning up any incontinence-related accidents a breeze.
Tips and options: Bed pads come in different thicknesses and sizes to meet varying absorbency requirements. Reusable and disposable versions are available.
5. Transfer Poles
One of the most useful assistive bed aids is the floor-to-ceiling transfer pole. These transfer poles are often tension-mounted, but some must be secured with screws. Products like the SuperPole allow individuals to sit and stand unassisted.
Tips and options: Look for versions with attachable handles that offer even more stable support to get in and out of bed easily. Using a transfer pole as a bathroom safety and mobility aid is also commonplace.
6. Transfer Boards
Transfer boards (and slide boards) helps someone to smoothly transfer themselves in a seated position from a bed (or another surface) to a chair or wheelchair and back. These boards offer assistance to both the user and the caregiver by reducing the strength and stress needed to move an individual safely.
Tips and options: Transfer boards come in wood, plastic,straight and curved designs. Some also have handles, or sliding disks. The mobility professionals at Conval-Aid can guide you in finding the best option for you.
7. Bed Wedge
Bed wedges (or positioning wedges) can be placed behind a pillow or at the foot or the head of a bed). These relatively inexpensive foam aids have numerous benefits. By simply elevating a user’s upper body (or legs), they can reduce pain, stimulate circulation, relieve respiratory problems, stop snoring and ease the transition from laying down to sitting up.
Tips and options: Many wedge pillows have washable covers, and some are foldable or adjustable.
8. Bed Cradle
Some simple sleeping aids, like bed or blanket cradles, can solve many problems. A bed cradle is essentially a “blanket lifter;” it is a lightweight frame that keeps a sheet, duvet or quilt raised and off of an individual’s legs. As a result, air flows freely, and irritated skin stays dry. It can also help to improve circulation and overheating. Simply slide the base between a mattress and the base of the bed and drape the covers over the device.
Tips and options: Look for a model that can adjust to various heights and is sturdy enough to elevate your bedding adequately.
9. Leg Lifters
Leg lifters help seniors (and anyone with weakness or mobility issues) move their legs. The simple design consists of a strap with a large loop on one end (for the foot) and a handle on the other. Some versions feature several handles evenly spaced along the strap.
Tips and options: These inexpensive devices are very handy for patients recovering from hip surgery. Look for versions with padded, non-slip handles for extra comfort and support.
10. Bed Tables
A bed table (or “overbed” table) is a tabletop mounted to a stand—often on wheels—that allows a user to comfortably read, eat or use a computer while in bed.
Tips and options: Don’t settle for the first bed table you find because some have very useful features. For example, there are bed tables that tilt or have built-in storage. Others are specially designed to work over lift/recliner chairs.
Simple and Effective Bedroom Aids That Make an Immediate Impact
Turn to Conval-Aid for specially designed bed aids that ensure your loved one’s bedroom environment is a safe space that promotes independence.
Our Ottawa showroom has a wide range of senior home care products. So drop by today—we’d be happy to show you around, learn more about your specific needs and answer any questions you have.
