Adjustable Beds for Seniors

An Adjustable Bed for Seniors

The best adjustable bed for a senior is the bed that meets that specific senior’s needs.  There are several features that could benefit seniors, depending on the situation.  Some popular bed functions available on adjustable beds that may apply is the Hi Low feature and the Elevation feature.  When a bed has Hi Low capability, it means the bed level can raise and lower as needed.  This can assist anyone with difficulty entering or exiting the bed.  The Elevation feature tilts the bed to ease GERD symptoms which is a common issue that seniors face.

Features for Seniors

Aging seniors can specifically target issues that impact sleep using a range of features available on adjustable beds.  If bothersome aches and pains are preventing good sleep, sometimes there is a solution that can help.  For instance, there are benefits of sleeping with the legs elevated using adjustable positioning.  Circulation problems can affect the elderly disproportionately.  Dr. Satish Vayuvegula from Vein Clinics of America suggests elevating the legs can help circulation and improve blood flow.  Studies on adjustable positioning also show it is often effective at reducing acid reflux.  Here are some other key features that may benefit the elderly.

• Trendelenburg Position: Trendelenburg and Reverse Trendelenburg beds have a distinct position unavailable on other models.  These allow full body tilt while lying flat which makes them good adjustable beds for side sleepers with GERD.  Elevating the head of the bed like this can be useful to seniors who have acid reflux problems.  One study revealed that 8% of men and 15% of women over the age of 65 experience acid reflux.
• Hi Low Feature: As strength decreases, climbing into bed can become a challenge.  Hi low adjustable beds help because they allow the bed to be lowered for easier transitioning from the standing position.  Once in the bed safely, these beds can be raised back up for cases when a caregiver must assist.  This position is commonly available on hospital-type adjustable beds because it is regularly used for people with special concerns.
• Lift Chair Position: Another beneficial feature for elderly is the lift chair position.  This addresses mobility and strength difficulties as well.  It works similar to the lift chair recliner.  Adjustable beds with this feature can move from a flat bed, into a chair that tilts forward.  This makes it easier for a person to move from laying down into the standing position.
• Zero Gravity Position: The Zero gravity position was made to relieve muscle an joint pain, especially in the lower back. Hence, it is a great position for seniors because 70 percent the elderly have musculoskelatal pain. With the zero gravity position, the upper body and upper legs (thighs) are raised. The legs are still slightly bent at the knees. The body is placed at about an angle of 120 degrees instead of 180 degrees when lying flat. This position helps reduce the pressure on the lower back.
• Massage: Not all adjustable beds for seniors come with a massage feature, but some do. The Flex a bed SL has an option to have a massage. Meanwhile, the Ultimate Flex Assist and the Transfer Master Supernal Hi-Low both come with a massage as a standard. The massage on the adjustable beds can have different intensities. Having a massage feature can be great for seniors. The vibrations can help with circulation and ease muscle and joint pain.