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On 15 Feb 2001, at 14:31, Edith S. Love wrote:

Date sent:              Thu, 15 Feb 2001 14:31:49 -0800
Send reply to:          Parkinson's Information Exchange Network <[log in to unmask]>
From:                   "Edith S. Love" <[log in to unmask]>
Subject:                Adjustable Beds
To:                     [log in to unmask]

> Hi, Everyone,
>
> I'm in need of your expertise re adjustable beds.  I may be looking for
> the impossible.  Is there such a product as a non-hospital adjustable
> bed that raises in the middle as well as at the head and foot levels?
>
> I've searched the archives and been on the web .  Every time I get into
> the search mode, I wish I had Murray's magic fingers as well as his
> determination and acumen!
>
> Here's hoping!  TY
> E of the headdress

Hi Edith,
This was a post on electric beds from a coupla months ago....  murray

Subject:                Re: electric beds
Date sent:              Thu, 9 Nov 2000 19:44:29 -0800

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. I hope
this has helped Libby Morris Occupational Therapist

**********************

Electric bed available for someone in need
INTERESTED IN one of those luxury-type electric beds that you see
advertised on TV? Lynn and Bill Knaus are donating their bed to anyone
needing this item. Call 925-634-7561 if you are interested.
http://www.contracostatimes.com/community/columnists/dee/stories/xhl
phnd
_20000920.htm

**********************

Gammie Home Care

FULL ELECTRIC BED
http://www.gammie.com/3030.htm

**********************

SunTec Shaft Drive Semi-Electric Bed
http://www.accessibilityproducts.com/hospital/290-494.htm

**********************

Our most advanced Adjustable bed
http://www.qualitysleepsystems.com/ink/electric_beds.htm

**********************

The InvacareŽ Home Care bed is clearly the best in the market.
http://catalog.invacare.com/pcatalog/gss.nsf/ce1a4f0b73c904a485256434
005
c1839/f73bc3db0563f8b58 5256838004ec115?OpenDocument

http://catalog.invacare.com/pcatalog/pb.nsf/BEDS02?OpenView

**********************

NOA Medical presents its new advanced Electric bed . . .
http://www.noamedical.com/electric.htm

**********************

Full Electric Bed 
Call Today For Our Low Prices!
Delivery Available to Local Locations.
1-888-873-0438
http://www.smithsdrugs.com/fullelectricbed.html

**********************

 To attempt qualification for payment you need a written
order from your pysician for this piece of equipment. Your
medicaid/medicare policy numbers should be submited on their original
document as well. We also will need the information listed in this
document. http://www.smithsdrugs.com/fullelectricm.html

**********************

I hope this is of some assistance..... murray
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