As we age, we all become more susceptible to general body discomfort or experience challenges when getting in or out of bed.
If you or a loved one is wanting to improve comfort one great home modification that can help is an adjustable bed. By switching out the current bed for an adjustable bed, you can significantly improve safety, independence and even reduce the risk of falling. And while many may think that adjustable beds are only for people who are sick or have a disability this is far from the truth.
Are Adjustable Beds Worth It?
When it comes to safely aging at home, adjustable beds are worth it. Here are seven top benefits of adjustable beds:
- Improves ability to stand
- Improves balance
- Decreases stiffness
- Improves breathing
- Improves sleep quality
- Reduces dizziness
- Improves circulation
Improves ability to stand
An adjustable bed can help improve one’s ability to stand. This is especially important for preventing falls. A higher bed can make it easier to stand up in the mornings. However, if the bed is too high, then one could fall out of the bed or not be able to get in. That is why an adjustable height bed can increase overall accessibility and independence in the bedroom.
Improves balance
An adjustable bed can also help improve balance. These beds not only raise up and down but often have bed rails that can be used to increase support and improve balance. So whether you or a loved one sits up and gets dizzy or stands and loses footing, these added bed rails can help avoid a fall.
Decreases stiffness
Many older adults suffer from stiffness and joint pain, especially in the morning. Adjustable beds can help reduce this pain by allowing the user to adjust the bed to any position they find comfortable. This helps to take pressure off of the joints. And for back pain, the head of the bed can be elevated to take pressure off of the spine, while elevating the feet can help reduce swelling in the legs.
Improves breathing
If you or a loved one suffers from conditions like sleep apnea, an adjustable bed can help alleviate symptoms by elevating the trunk. By providing elevation, this can help keep airways open throughout the night.
In addition, by elevating the head, it can also take pressure off of lungs and improve overall inhaling and exhaling. This can be very helpful for those with respiratory conditions such as asthma or congestive heart failure.
Interested to learn more about bedroom safety? Click this link to schedule a complimentary home safety checkup with a licensed health expert.
Improves sleep quality
For anyone struggling to get a good night’s sleep, an adjustable bed might be the answer. By being able to adjust the head and foot of the bed, it’s easy to find the perfect sleeping position that will help one fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Reduces dizziness
Dizziness is a common problem among older adults, and can often lead to falls. Adjustable beds can help reduce the risk of falls by allowing people to sleep in a more upright position or to raise their heads up slowly. This can also help relieve pressure on the inner ear and improve blood circulation.
Improves circulation
Waking up with swelling in the legs or experiencing poor circulation, it is never a good thing. An adjustable bed can help. By elevating the legs above the heart, one can improve overall body circulation and reduce swelling.
Types of Adjustable Beds
There are many different types of adjustable beds available. Some common features include:
- Electric motors that allow for easy adjustability of the bed's position
- Side rails for assistance with rolling and getting out of bed
- Remote control that makes it easy to adjust the bed without getting up
- Massage functions that can help with relaxation and pain relief
- Heat functions that can help with circulation and muscle relaxation
- A split-bed design that allows each person to adjust their side of the bed independently
Adjustable beds come in all sizes. From twin to king-size, you can always find the perfect bed to make needs, style and comfort.
And if you're unsure of what type of adjustable bed to purchase, we highly recommend The Ghost Bed.
The Ghost Bed is a perfect solution for many older adults looks for a more comfortable and accessible bed at home. It's bed base adjusts the bed to multiple pre-set positions, improving bed mobility and safety. And in addition comes with many added features including USB charging ports and under the bed LED lighting.
Key Features:
- Independent head and foot adjustability for maximum customization
- One-touch buttons for zero gravity and anti-snore
- Convenient USB ports on both sides
- Under-bed LED lighting
Regardless, if you’re considering an adjustable bed, be sure to do your research.
Talk to your doctor or an occupational therapist to see if an adjustable bed is right for you. And most importantly if you have any other questions our Client Care Team is always available to help.
