6 Great Reasons to Buy a Profiling Bed
When selecting a bed it is important to consider the specific needs of the individual to ensure that the appropriate profiling bed is chosen.
For some, sitting in a standard bed means that they tend to slide down and can have difficulty readjusting their position without help. Being able to control the bed profile means that the risk of sliding and associated pressure damage is reduced. Profiling beds also enable individuals to reposition themselves independently.
More Than Just a Bed
Individuals with multiple needs or a complex health condition will require a bed that is very supportive and includes specific functions to help manage their condition. Whereas someone with less a complex condition may only require assistance in getting in and out of bed or aid to sit up.
1. Pressure Care Management
The biggest concern for anyone that spends the vast majority of their time in bed is the development of pressure ulcers (bed sores). This is particularly true for anyone who cannot change position on their own. Pressure ulcers can develop in a short period of time when a person is left in one position for too long. Medical guidelines state that a person should be turned every two to four hours.
Pressure ulcers can be extremely painful and if left untreated can become considerably worse. They can even lead to death in the most serious instances. Electric profiling beds make it much easier for patients to be moved, limiting the amount of pressure placed on one area of their body.
2. Aids Circulation
A profiling bed can limit the problems associated with poor circulation. Frequent movement and re-positioning will improve the circulation of blood around the body and increase respiratory functions.
3. Increases Safety
Some profiling beds have integrated side rails to prevent someone from falling out of bed. It is not uncommon for the elderly and those with limited mobility to fall out of bed without the use of safety rails. Falls of this nature could cause fractures or other injuries and complications, which could result in admission to hospital. For the elderly and those with complex health conditions an injury or fracture can be much more serious and the time to rehabilitate is longer.
Bed side rails can also be utilised to assist when repositioning.
4. Aids Rehabilitation
The right bed can enhance the quality of life of those who use them. Poorly designed or inappropriately chosen beds can have a significant detrimental effect. The wrong bed can lead to loss of independence and increased risk of pressure damage.
A profiling bed can also reduce other potential complications of immobility; and have a beneficial effect on major body systems including:
improved lung function
reduced cardiac workload and improved cardiac output
improved urinary drainage and reduced infection risk
improved gut mobility and nutrient absorption
reduced muscle wastage, while maintaining joint flexibility.
5. Supports Care Givers
Caring for a family member at home can put a substantial amount of pressure on the care giver. Installing an electric profiling bed can reduce some of this stress, particularly when moving the patient. The bed can efficiently move the patient into another position, limiting the risk of the care provider injuring themselves in the process.
As stated previously, the guidelines for position change in the prevention of pressure ulcers is 2 to 4 hours. This may not be possible or achievable for some care givers to provide this level of support for a family member at home.
Profiling beds in a domestic setting don’t have to look and feel clinical, uninviting or intimidating. Many profiling beds now come in a range of contemporary designs and finishes that enables them to blend in with most modern decor.
6. Promotes Independence
Enabling users to stay in their own homes and live independently, or at least with visiting carers, is often preferable for many people who need care.
A profiling bed allows many people to remain in their own homes and maintain greater levels of independence. The ability to do various thing for yourself has a big impact on how you feel about yourself. When independence is diminished it is not uncommon for someone to feel like less of an individual.
Being able to get in and out of bed independently helps to keep confidence up by doing everyday activities as normal.