A older lady sat upright in a Opera bed with her daughter sat on the edge of the bed holding her hand

Dementia: Facts, Guidance and how our beds can help

Choosing the right bed is essential for those living with dementia. As the condition progresses, individuals may experience restlessness, mobility issues, and an increased risk of falls, making a traditional bed unsuitable. The right dementia-friendly bed can:

  • Improve sleep quality by reducing agitation and discomfort.
  • Enhance safety with features like height adjustability and side rails.
  • Support carers by making assistance and repositioning easier.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best beds for dementia patients, covering key features to look for, the benefits of adjustable and profiling beds, and how to create a safe sleep environment.

Why Dementia Patients Need Specialised Beds

Dementia affects cognitive function, mobility, and behaviour, which can make sleeping in a standard bed challenging. Common sleep-related issues include:

  • Restlessness and frequent waking
  • Difficulty getting in and out of bed
  • Risk of falls due to confusion or night-time wandering
  • Discomfort caused by muscle stiffness or limited mobility

A dementia-friendly bed should address these challenges by providing comfort, accessibility, and safety.

Dementia Profiling Bed

Key Features to Look for in a Bed for Dementia Patients

Buying a bed for someone with dementia can be daunting. You want your loved one to be comfortable and safe while at the same time making it easy for you to help care for them. What's more, the bed should make the person feel at home and at ease with their surroundings. One of the challenges with dementia is reduced thinking, and in some types of dementia, hallucinations, which have an effect on a person's visual capabilities, which can lead to accidents happening in the home.  

When choosing a bed for someone with dementia, consider the following essential features:

1. Adjustable Height for Safer Transfers

A bed with height adjustment makes it easier for individuals to get in and out safely. Lowering the bed reduces the risk of falls, while raising it can assist caregivers with on-bed care tasks.

2. Side Rails for Fall Prevention

Dementia patients may experience confusion or restlessness at night, increasing the risk of rolling out of bed. Full-length or split-side rails offer additional security while still allowing for easy access when needed. Our profiling beds with split rails are a suitable solution for people at risk of Dementia as they keep the user safe but without the feeling of entrapment and confinement. 

3. Electric Back and Leg Adjustments for Comfort

Beds with adjustable features allow users to elevate the backrest and leg rest, helping with posture, circulation, and pressure relief. This is especially beneficial for dementia patients who may struggle to reposition themselves.

4. Ultra-Low Bed Options for Enhanced Safety

For those at high risk of falls, low profiling beds or floor beds provide a safer alternative. These beds lower close to the ground, minimising the chance of injury if a fall occurs. Research suggests, people with dementia fall more often than cognitively healthy older adults. For this reason, a lowering feature on your bed is essential to prevent injuries during the night. 

Safe Dementia Sleeping Floor Height

5. Easy-to-Use Controls

Dementia patients and caregivers benefit from simple, intuitive handset controls to adjust the bed easily. Some profiling beds come with caregiver lock functions to prevent accidental adjustments.

6. A Homely Design

Living with dementia isn't easy. Keeping the surrounding environment as familiar as possible can have a calming effect on the person you're caring for. When choosing a bed for someone with dementia, it's vital to keep this in mind - you want something that feels like it's part of the home and not something that adds to the long list of changes you have little control over.  

At Opera, we offer beds that are not only suited for people who are suffering from dementia but also with features to help family members who are caring for them.

An older lady sleeping in an Opera Solo Comfort Floor Bed

Best Beds for Dementia Patients

At Opera Beds, we offer a range of profiling and adjustable beds designed to support dementia care at home and in care settings.

1. Opera® Solo Profiling Floor Bed

The Solo Floor Bed is ideal for helping with dementia. It has an extensive floor-to-nursing height range

  • Lowers to safe floor height (11cm from ground level)
  • Raises to carer's waist level for nursing care
  • In-bed chair position for comfort
  • Auto-regression back rest (glides back to ease stomach compression)
  • Available in wider widths
  • Stylish design options
  • Lockable handset
View the Solo Profiling Floor Bed Collection

 

2. Opera® Signature Comfort Plus Profiling Bed

A fully upholstered, stylish profiling bed that combines comfort with advanced functionality. 

  • Adjustable height range (24.5cm-73cm) for easy transfers.
  • Back and leg elevation for enhanced comfort.
  • Split-side rails for added security and protection
  • Headboard and fabric options for homely styling

Need some help? Our friendly advisors have a wealth of experience finding the perfect solution for you or a loved one. Get in touch today to get started

3. Opera® Emerald Motion Divan Adjustable Bed

(Ideal for early-stage dementia patients looking for comfort and independence)

Emerald Motion Divan Adjustable Bed – A stylish, adjustable bed with:

  • Smooth back and leg adjustments.
  • Anti-snore mode to improve airflow during sleep.
  • Memory function to save preferred sleeping positions.
  • Choice of fabrics to make it yours
Opera Emerald Motion Divan Adjustable Bed

How to Create a Dementia-Friendly Sleep Environment

Beyond choosing the right bed, making simple adjustments to the bedroom can help dementia patients feel safe and comfortable at night.

  • Use Soft, Breathable Bedding – Opt for comfortable, non-restrictive bedding to reduce agitation.
    Install Night Lights – Soft lighting can help prevent disorientation and wandering.
    Minimise Clutter – Keep pathways clear to reduce trip hazards.
    Secure the Room if Necessary – If wandering is a concern, consider door alarms or motion sensors.

A suitable bed can greatly improve sleep, safety, and independence for dementia patients. Whether you’re looking for a profiling bed with advanced safety features or an adjustable bed for extra comfort, choosing the right option can make daily life much easier.

Browse our full range of dementia-friendly beds or get in touch with our expert team to find the perfect solution

Why Choose Opera Beds?

At Opera Beds, we specialise in providing dementia-friendly beds designed for comfort, safety, and ease of care. Our beds are trusted by care homes, healthcare professionals, and families across the UK.

  • Over 20 years of expertise in care beds
  • Fast and professional delivery & installation
  • Customisable designs to suit home and care environments

Not sure which bed is right for your needs? Speak to one our experts for a free consultation for personalised advice. 

Lisa from Opera Beds showing the wired hand control over a video consultation

Dementia FAQs

Here are three frequently asked questions relating to dementia:

Does dementia get worse at night?

Sundowning is a real symptom which causes some people with dementia to experience worsened symptoms at night.

How long does a person have to live with dementia?

Though the average is 10 years after diagnosis, this can differ based on treatment, type of dementia, and general health.

Why does dementia cause death?

Dementia does not directly cause death but some of the symptoms, such as weakness, can lead to increased chances of infection or other, deadly, illnesses.

Useful organisations

For more information or resources in the UK, please refer to the following websites:

Dementia UK

This site is a comprehensive source of information for all things dementia, including information about all the different causes. Options are offered for whether you’d like to give or receive help. Visit dementiauk.org

Alzheimer's Society

Alzheimer’s Society is a UK charity that campaigns for change, funds research to find a cure and supports people living with dementia today. Visit alzheimers.org.uk.

Dementia Friends

Dementia Friends is an excellent resource for people who want to volunteer working with people who have dementia. Visit dementiafriends.org.uk.

Age UK

Age UK is a great resource for people who want to deeply research the causes, symptoms, and outward effects of dementia. Visit ageuk.org/dementia.

We’ll help you find the perfect bed...

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Find out how Opera could help you with your bed needs.
Contact us, or speak to our experts advisors on 0333 222 85 84.

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