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On 9 Nov 2000, at 21:27, Fran Landes wrote: > Dear Listmembers, > > Does anyone have any knowledge about electric beds? I am not sleeping, am > very uncomfortable and dread going to sleep. I am having difficulty moving > or even changing my position. I am also having trouble getting into and out > of bed. > > Someone suggested that I look into automatic beds. Any information about > this including brands, do they make a difference, etc., will be appreciated. > > Thank you. > > Fran Landes > 46/45/43 Hi Fran, I know nada about 'lectric beds... so I looked on the wwweb... Network Magazine - Vol. 3 No. 14 June 1999 A Communications Forum for People with Multiple Sclerosis and Allied Neurological Disorders in South Australia ~10 ELECTRIC ADJUSTABLE BEDS Many Members ask me about electric beds and the pros and cons of buying one or getting on the ILEP list to obtain one. This print-out from the Independent Living Centre may clarify the situation and help with any decisions. * What are the main features of electric beds? * Why choose an electric bed? Several models of electrically adjustable beds are available. The. electric controls plug into the mains power, and are operated by a remote control. The user may operate the control him/herself, or this may be performed by the carer if necessary. The physical effort involved in adjusting the bed is minimal, and may increase the independence of a person with limited mobility, or reduce the physical effort needed by the carer to position the person comfortably in bed. There are many options and adjustments available in the range of electric beds. Some of these include raising and lowering the backrest, raising or lowering the height of the bed, providing a knee break position (leg elevation), and tilting of the whole bed. Therefore careful consideration of the different features available in electric beds needs to be considered. HINTS FOR SELECTING APPROPRIATE FEATURES ELECTRIC BACKREST ADJUSTMENT Elevating the backrest may allow the user to sit up in bed independently, may allow the user to change position to improve comfort, may assist with transfers in and out of bed and may provide relief from some medical conditions. (eg. Hiatus hernia, asthma, emphysema). ELECTRIC LEG ELEVATION AND/OR KNEE BREAK ADJUSTMENT Elevating the leg section may provide comfort for some people. Elevating the leg section with a knee break may prevent the user sliding down the bed whilst in a sitting position. HEIGHT OF THE BED The bed may be a set height, which is suitable for the individual, or an electric hi-lo option, which allows the bed height to be adjusted, With the hi-lo operation, the bed height may be raised or lowered depending on the needs at the time. (ie. For carers undertaking personal care the bed height may be higher, and for client transfers the bed height may be lower). There are some electric beds where the bed height adjustment will almost lower to the floor. This may be useful if there is concern that the person may fall out of bed. TILTING OF THE BED (this may be called Trendelenberg) This may be an option for specific needs. (eg. Postural Drainage) SIZE OF THE BED Is a single bed required, or a double, queen or king size? Sonic electric beds are available only in single bed sizes, where others are available in a range of sizes, and many may be customised. Sonic beds are available as dual beds, allowing a user to share a double bed with a partner. (who may or may not require the electric options.) STYLE OF THE BED Electric beds are mainly designed for hospital or home use. Variations are available in the home use beds such as timber framed or ensemble beds. A choice of mattress may also be an option. The mattress needs to be able to bend with the differing adjustments of the bed. Clearance under the bed may be an important factor for people who use mobile hoists to transfer in and out of bed. Castors on the bed are useful for moving the bed. It is advisable that the castors have brakes as a safety feature. The brakes should be easy to operate. If accessories are needed, ensure they can be easily added. (eg. bed rails). THE REMOTE CONTROL Ensure the remote control is conveniently located and easy to operate. COST OF THE BED Depending on the style and the options required, electric bed prices may vary greatly. Decide carefully which options are important. Please contact The Independent Living Centre, or the MS Society, if you would like further information on electrically adjustable beds. 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