Bed to Chair Transfer Equipment

Filed under Handicap Bedroom

A bed to chair transfer can be achieved with many different types of equipment. There are Hoyer lifts, bed rails, patient lifts, transfer boards, and trapeze bars that all do this task. The user’s strength and ability determines the type of equipment they require.

A bed to chair transfer can be easily maneuvered with the assistance of a lift. Many users of Hoyer lifts are not completely bed ridden, but may have a debilitating illness that causes extreme weakness. They may also suffer from being paralyzed, thus making it very difficult for them to transfer from their bed to a chair or wheelchair.

The most common type of bed to chair transfer lift is rather large, on wheels for easy moving, and runs by hydraulics. The lift has straps that attach to a washable, sturdy canvas pad that the patient sits or lays on while being transferred. There are older types of lifts available that do not use hydraulics and are cranked by hand. They are basically the same as the newer models, although somewhat harder to use because of the physical exertion of the hand crank method.

For someone with upper body strength, they can use transfer boards, trapeze bars and bed rails for independent transferring. The transfer boards allow the user to slide slowly into a wheelchair. The trapeze bars and bed rails for elderly act as stability bars to lift themselves off the bed and move at their own rate of transfer.

Bed Transfer Tips

• Let the patient move with their own strength if they are capable. Doing this will allow the patient to move at their own speed and reduce the amount of physical stress on your back.
• Make sure you are wearing nonslip shoes or slippers.
• Put on the wheelchair brakes. Set aside the wheelchair footrests so it does not interfere with the bed transfer.
• Lower the handicap bed height and clear the area of any obstructions.
• Place your arm under their shoulder and use your other arm to swing their legs to the side of the bed. Put your arms around their torso and tell them to push off the bed, moving towards the wheelchair. Tell them to use the bed edge and the armrests on the chair for stability as they move. These transfer techniques apply for someone without bed lifts or other assisting devices.

When you are trying to get out of bed and require assistance, the best solution would be a handicapped style hair that gets you out of bed by lifting your body up. Fortunately, there are adjustable beds and bed lifting devices such as the mattress genie that can lower and raise your bed mattress according to your height and angle preference.

Transfer Equipment Costs

Bed to chair transfer equipment is often times paid for by the person’s insurance company. If the physician deems it necessary for the patient to have this type of bed to chair transfer equipment installed in their home it is usually covered by most health insurance plans. If the person does not have any medical coverage or only a very small amount, the affordable options are the transfer boards and transfer bed rails which can be priced under $50 to $100. Trapeze bars and base are the next highest in price ranging from $150 to $200. The Hoyer lifts are the most expensive items for transfer equipment and can cost upwards of $1500 and more. As you go up in price, the weight limits also move up.

Those that benefit from the different types of bed to chair transfer equipment machines are those who cannot get out of bed easily on their own, and have no family member or friends that are available when needed to do the transfer.

Tags: Electric Hoyer Lifts, Patient Lifts, Wheelchair Techniques

Handicap Beds

Filed under Handicap Bedroom

Individuals who suffer with handicaps are at a disadvantage when finding comfortable sleep options. Lack of general mobility and freedom of movement can prove difficult for those who suffer with bodily handicaps due to injury or illness. Finding healthful sleep positions is a vital part of the recovery process and comfort for those who suffer with handicaps.

Since handicap beds are used to assist handicapped individuals with their movement and placement of their bodies before, during and after sleep, various types of quality handicap beds should be considered before deciding upon just one.

Some needs which should be considered are:

• General mobility of the individual
• Specific type of handicap
• Bodily functions
• Required medical equipment (handicapped equipment)
• Size and weight of individual

Many handicap beds are adjustable, which offers the user various options, to assist with independent movement. These beds which raise, lower and define specific positions due to user control are ideal for those who wish a more independent life as free from nursing assistance as possible. If the user has upper body mobility, an adjustable bed for handicap use which is controlled with a hand held remote should be considered. Additionally, by having a Hoyer bed lift nearby, the individuals can get in and out of bed easier.

Adjustable Handicap Beds

Some adjustable beds for handicap users are also ideal for those who have full mobility but suffer from certain sleep disorders or more minor physical ailments. Problems such as joint diseases, back aches, chronic breathing difficulty such as sleep apnea and COPD have been helped by the use of a handicap bed. Adjustable beds also offer height adjustment preferences. Lower the bed to get off the bed easier and raise it to reach the heights of handicap walkers, wheelchairs, or other mobility vehicles.

Bed Rails

For those who suffer from restless sleep disorders such as night terrors or sleepwalking, a handicap bed complete with rail system can prove beneficial in preventing falls and tumbles from bed while still asleep. Think of these bed rails as grab bars supports for your bed.

Bathing in Bed

There are bed bathing aids that help those who are immobile in bed and are unable to bath themselves. There are hair washing basins that can be placed under the person’s head, while a caregiver applies shampoo and water, and will keep the bed free from water. There are also inflatable plastic bathtubs that can be placed on a bed. The person rolls onto to the deflated tubs, air is pumped into the tub and then water is placed inside.

Some insurance benefits may cover the cost, entirely or partially, depending upon the physical need and financial assessment of the handicapped individual. These beds and bed bathing aids can assist the user to have a more independent life and more comfortable and restful sleep.

Tags: Adjustable Beds, Bathing in Bed