Beds for the Elderly - Complete Guide

Getting quality sleep is important at any age but becomes increasingly crucial as we grow older. Changes in health, mobility, and sleep patterns can make resting comfortably more challenging. For elderly individuals, sleeping in the wrong bed can lead to poor sleep quality, discomfort, and even exacerbate health conditions.

Adjustable beds offer an ideal solution for elderly people experiencing these challenges. Unlike traditional beds, adjustable beds provide customised comfort, helping alleviate age-related issues such as joint pain, swelling, and reduced independence. Profiling beds, can also be a suitable option for older people. These beds have height adjustment which makes it easier to get in and out of bed.

If you're considering a bed for yourself or a loved one, our friendly team at Opera Beds can guide you to the best solution.

What Are the Benefits of Adjustable Beds for Old People?

Adjustable beds offer a range of benefits tailored to the needs of elderly users. Let’s explore how these beds can transform sleep and daily life for older individuals:

1. Enhanced Comfort and Support

Age-related conditions like arthritis or back pain can make lying flat uncomfortable. Adjustable beds allow you to modify the back and leg rests for a more supportive and pressure-free sleeping position.

Key Benefits:

• Relieve pressure on the spine.
• Alleviate joint pain caused by conditions like arthritis.
• Improve posture for elderly users who spend long periods in bed.

2. Improved Circulation

Swelling in the legs and feet is common among elderly individuals due to poor circulation. Adjustable beds feature elevating leg rests that can help:

• Reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Prevent conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• Enhance overall blood flow.

3. Promote Independence

Everyday tasks, like getting in and out of bed, can become increasingly difficult with age. Adjustable beds empower elderly users to change their position or sit upright with the touch of a button, reducing the need for assistance.

4. Reduced Night-Time Disruptions

Adjustable beds support the body as it should, which can help reduce night-time waking caused by urinary incontinence or snoring. Features like anti-snore mode gently elevate the head to open the airways, helping reduce snoring and improve sleep for both the user and their partner.

5. Ideal for Couples

Dual adjustable beds allow each partner to customise their side independently, offering tailored comfort without disturbing one another.

How Adjustable Beds Help Maintain Independence

Independence is vital to overall well-being, especially for elderly individuals. Adjustable beds provide practical features that make it easier to manage daily routines:

• Back and Leg Adjustments: Sit up comfortably without external help.
• Anti-Snore Mode: Reduce reliance on medications or interventions for snoring.
• Memory Settings: Save your preferred position for added convenience.

How to get an adjustable bed for the elderly at home

At Opera, we have a wide selection of adjustable beds in a variety of styles and sizes. Our dedicated team offers a complimentary consultation to find out your needs and preferences to guide you to the perfect bed.

Choosing a bed for yourself or a relative can be a difficult decision to make. Our thorough consultation call includes asking you a series of questions about your or your loved one’s needs to best understand which bed is suitable. If you would prefer to see products for yourself we offer a virtual showroom visit. Your video call will be with a dedicated advisor who can answer questions and demonstrate any bed.

Profiling Beds for Elderly Users

While adjustable beds offer flexibility and comfort, profiling beds cater to elderly users with more specific mobility or care needs.

Key Features of Profiling Beds

• Height Adjustability: Makes it easier to get in and out of bed safely.
• Postural Support: Elevating the backrest and leg rest helps users sit upright comfortably.
• Trendelenburg Tilt: Ideal for improving circulation or respiratory issues.

What Are Profiling Beds?

A profiling bed is an electrically adjustable bed that allows for the independent adjustment of the backrest, leg rest, and height of the entire bed. These adjustments are invaluable for elderly users who struggle with mobility or require a safer and more supportive sleeping environment.

Unlike adjustable beds, profiling beds cater to users who need additional care support, offering a combination of comfort, safety, and functionality.

The Benefits of Profiling Beds for Elderly People

1. Easier Access and Transfers

Profiling beds can be raised or lowered to an optimal height, making it easier for users to get in and out of bed. For wheelchair users or those with mobility aids, this feature ensures smoother and safer transfers.

• Low Height for Accessibility: Beds that lower near the floor reduce the risk of falls when getting in or out of bed.
• Raised Height for Caregivers: Carers can adjust the bed to waist height, minimising strain during on-bed care tasks.

At Opera Beds, our collection of profiling beds has varying height ranges. Our Signature profiling beds have an ‘all-in-one’ height range which allows the beds to raise up to 73.5cm/ waist level and lower down near the floor to 24.5cm. Browse our full range of height-adjustable beds for more information.

2. Enhanced Comfort and Postural Support

Elderly individuals often face challenges like back pain, respiratory issues, or circulation problems. Profiling beds allow for precise adjustments to relieve discomfort and promote better posture.

• Customisable Positions: Elevating the backrest supports the upper body, making it easier to sit up for reading, eating, or breathing comfortably.
• Leg Elevation: Raising the legs can reduce swelling, improve circulation, and relieve pressure on joints.
• Pressure Reduction: By evenly distributing body weight, profiling beds help prevent pressure sores, particularly for users who spend prolonged periods in bed.

3. Improved Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for elderly users, especially those with conditions that increase their risk of falls or injury.

• Side Rails: Profiling beds come with optional full-length or split side rails to prevent users from rolling out of bed.
• Locking Mechanisms: Caregivers can disable specific functions to ensure the bed is used safely.
• Floor Beds: Ultra-low floor beds are available for users at high risk of falls, reducing the height from which a fall can occur.

Example: The Opera Solo Profiling Bed offers an ultra-low height of just 11cm, making it one of the safest options for vulnerable users.

4. Support for Medical Needs

Profiling beds can be adjusted to meet specific medical needs, improving overall comfort and health outcomes.

• Trendelenburg and Anti-Trendelenburg Tilt: These features allow the bed to tilt forward or backward, helping with conditions like poor circulation or respiratory distress.
• Ease of Breathing: Adjusting the backrest can alleviate symptoms of respiratory conditions by positioning the user in an upright position.
• Post-Surgery Support: For elderly individuals recovering from surgery, profiling beds provide the stability and flexibility needed for a smooth recovery.

5. Carer-Friendly Features

Profiling beds are designed to support both users and caregivers, making care tasks safer and less physically demanding.

• Height Adjustment for Caregiving: Raising the bed reduces the strain on carers’ backs during tasks like dressing wounds or assisting with mobility.
• Remote-Controlled Features: Caregivers can easily adjust the bed’s settings with a user-friendly handset, ensuring the user’s comfort at all times.

Choosing the Right Profiling Bed for Your Needs

When selecting a profiling bed for yourself or a loved one, consider the following factors:

1. Height Range: Beds with ultra-low heights are ideal for users at risk of falls, while those with a higher range can accommodate carers more effectively.
2. Size: From single to super king, choose a bed size that suits the user’s comfort and room layout.
3. Safety Features: Side rails, locking mechanisms, and anti-slip surfaces are essential for users with mobility or cognitive challenges.
4. Customisation Options: Some profiling beds come with aesthetic customisation options to better fit into a home environment.