When you were young, you would spring out of bed in the morning, and jump back in at night. But as you got older, things would slow down. As a teenager you would love to spend all morning in bed, as a young parent you would love the joys of your little ones jumping up into your bed in the morning. But, as you reach your latter years, your bed seems to get bigger, higher off the ground, and more of an obstacle than the luxury it used to be. Transfer from bed to wheelchair is even more problematical.
A bed that used to be at a convenient level off the ground now looks like a mountain that is too high to climb. Sitting in your wheelchair you will wonder how you will get up into bed, and back out again in the morning. Transfer from bed to wheelchair can be made easy, with a step stool with grab handles.
Transfer from Bed to Wheelchair : Choosing Disabled Steps
Unless you are in a position to invest in a new bed that is lower, or one that lowers for wheelchairs, you are going to have to find a way to get in and out of bed with the one you have. Many elderly people resort to sleeping on the sofa or dozing in their armchair, as getting in and out of bed is simply too hard. Once in bed, there is always the worry that you may fall out. For this, we have another solution.
Preparing your Bed for Use with a Wheelchair
When it’s time to get up in the morning, the first thing you will do is sit up. This will be a lot easier if you have a rail on your bed, similar to those you find in hospital beds. With a rail, you can pull yourself up slowing, gently moving your legs until they hang over the bed, allowing you to be in a sitting position on your bed.
With one hand on your grab rail, you will feel safe and secure. So, now it’s on to stage two. Under your feet, you should have a disabled step. A half step can be made in varying heights, and will always be made of slip-proof material. A half step is perfect for transfer from wheelchair to bed and vice versa. Many designs will include a grab rail, allowing you to position yourself on the step without feeling unstable.
Stepping down from your bed will be easier, as there will be less of a height gap. What you now need to do is get from your half step into your chair. Depending on the height and position of your chair, you can turn round directly from your half step, or alternatively stand down onto the ground before sitting down into your chair. Your chair should always be left with the breaks on, at the bottom of your half step, or next to it.
Practice with a Caregiver
The first times you transfer from wheelchair to bed, you should practice with a family member or caregiver. With grab rails on your half step, and on the side of your bed, you really will be safe and should not worry about falling. If the floor by your bed is hard, then a carpet is a good idea. But make sure that your carpet will not impede the movement of your chair, and that it is firmly stuck down on the floor.
A panic alarm is another good investment if you live alone and have limited mobility. This way, if you do trip and fall you can alert someone instantly. A panic alarm can be installed by your bed, or alternatively you may like to have one integrated into your mobile phone. You should be able to contact a family member in the event of an emergency, no matter where in your house you are.
When you invest in a step stool for use with your wheelchair, you will finally be able to enjoy sleeping in your bed. What looked like a mountain that was too tricky to climb will now be easily accessible, and you will enjoy a good night’s sleep. For more information on step stools, and how to choose one, contact us today. We can give you advice on what type of steps and ramps to invest in for your home, providing you with all the information you need to ensure you make the right choice.