No More Hospital Floors: How to Create a Healing Home After Discharge
At this point, the hospital bed has left. Beep beep has ceased. You are now Home. But what’s next? Healing doesn’t end at your front door. Instead, true healing commences once you’ve settled into the familiarity of your own environment. Unfortunately, most homes aren’t created with medical requirements in mind. Slipping floors. Low to the ground beds. Chairs lacking adequate support. To develop a plan to develop a recovery friendly sanctuary within your own Home, you’ll benefit by developing a thoughtful approach. Developing a well planned space can significantly decrease the amount of stress you experience, potentially lessen your chance of experiencing a dangerous fall, and help facilitate a faster rate of recovery. Let us transform your Home into a haven of rest rather than a hazardous area for injury. The reality behind why your living room will never be able to replace a hospital bed Hospital environments exist in a clinically focused manner for good reason. All surfaces are multi functional. Beds can be adjusted. Railings protect against falling. Slip resistant flooring exists throughout. Your living room, while comfortable and perfect for everyday life, will never be able to equate to a level of safety necessary for post hospitalization recovery. An example would be sitting upon a soft sofa. At first, it may seem perfectly fine. However, getting up from a low couch places additional pressure upon healing incision sites. Furthermore, chairs typically don’t have sufficient armrest strength to assist Patients in pushing themselves upward from lying or seated positions. Due to this reality, many recovering Patients find themselves attempting to recover independently, resulting in some experiencing Falls. As such, your Home will require temporary adjustments in terms of design elements which will serve as “tools” for assisting your body as you heal. Many families contact professional medical equipment rental companies to obtain temporary assistance for their loved ones’ mobility. An example of this type of equipment would be an electric hospital bed rental Toronto. The Bedroom: your recovery command center Sleep is medicine. Poor sleep slows everything down. Your Bedroom must work much harder than usual during your recovery period. Why regular beds are inadequate for post hospitalization recovery Standard mattresses are approximately 20 inches above the floor. For individuals with surgical incisions, bending down to sit can be extremely painful; furthermore, standing up afterward can be nearly impossible. Flat beds create secondary issues as well. Elevating the legs isn’t possible; nor is raising the head of the bed to alleviate breathing difficulties caused by acid reflux; and swelling in the feet and ankles may increase overnight due to the effects of gravity. What is the solution? Adjustable beds represent a huge improvement over traditional flat beds. Adjustable beds enable Patients to raise the head of the bed for viewing television or reading books; and elevating the legs to minimize swelling. Most importantly, adjustable beds make entering and exiting the bed easier due to the bed rising to meet you. Due to this reality, many families seek out an electric hospital bed rental Toronto. How to set up your recovery friendly Bedroom space Create your own recovery friendly Bedroom space by adhering to the following guidelines: Each small adjustment contributes to creating a space where you feel secure and supported. While you don’t need a nursing degree, careful planning will greatly enhance your chances for successful recovery. Mobility solutions: safe navigation through your Home While recovery means you won’t be confined to one room for extended periods of time, moving around is important for physical health and healing. However, navigating through your Home safely necessitates the presence of supportive elements. Hidden dangers associated with standard furniture While kitchen chairs may appear suitable for cooking or dining, they’re usually positioned too low for comfortable sitting; office chairs may roll unexpectedly causing loss of balance or a fall; and dining benches offer little or no lumbar support. All of these factors contribute to increased risk for Falls and subsequent trips to the hospital. To avoid such costly setbacks, many families elect to rent specialized seating solutions. Lift chairs: a game changer for Home based recovery Lift chairs resemble normal recliner style seating. However, unlike standard recliners, they contain a motorized lifting system allowing users to easily transition from a seated position to standing. With the touch of a button, the chair slowly tilts forward, assists the user in rising from the chair and stands upright. This functionality minimizes strain on joints and alleviates caregiver fatigue; additionally, Lift chairs allow users to achieve varying degrees of recline providing comfort and relaxation while minimizing discomfort. Considering that both hospital beds and Lift chairs resolve mobility related challenges, many families opt to hire a reputable medical equipment rental company that offers Lift chair rentals in addition to hospital bed rentals. Searching online for a “hospital bed rental near me with installation” can lead families directly to those companies that provide both services. Room-by-room safety assessment guide Bathrooms Hallways Kitchens Living rooms Why professional installation is important You might assume delivery is straightforward. A truck arrives; a box is dropped off; you determine the remaining details. However, medical equipment is different. Hospital beds are heavy and complex pieces of equipment requiring professional assembly. Frames must be secured to headboards and footboards; mattresses must be properly positioned; electrical components must remain safely removed from water sources. Incorrect setup can pose numerous hazards, including collapsed beds; improperly configured side rail systems posing strangulation hazards; and inadequate mattress sizing creating voids. Because of this potential danger, hiring competent installation personnel is crucial when renting medical equipment. A hospital bed rental Toronto company will send trained technicians who will bring the bed into your home professionally assemble each component; thoroughly inspect all features; demonstrate operation of the bed remote control and safety mechanisms; assess your home environment, verify sufficient clearance for caregivers; and confirm availability of nearby electrical outlets. Always select a vendor that includes comprehensive installation services. Refrain from accepting merely having the item delivered curbside.
Safe Walls, Steady Breath: Designing Home for Post-Trauma Healing
When you come home after a traumatic event, it is supposed to be a relief. Coming home is supposed to feel like releasing a deep breath. Occasionally, however, coming home feels anything but relaxing. For some, the very space in which you live is either a refuge from the trauma you experienced or a reminder of the things that triggered it. How we choose to decorate our spaces, including where we put things, whether the rooms are well lit, and how much natural light flows through them, can greatly affect how safe we feel in those spaces. The intent of this article is to present several ways in which small changes in design can contribute to the process of healing from trauma. This includes understanding how medical equipment can blend seamlessly with comfortable furniture and decor; learning about different types of housing options such as Renting vs. Buying; and seeing how the layout of your space can support healthy breathing patterns. We will focus first on mobility and rest. The body remembers what the brain tries to forget What your body remembers can impact how safe you feel in your living space. A crowded or noisy living space can lead to feelings of hypervigilance. Cluttered hallways can evoke feelings of being trapped. Thus, while physical safety concerns itself with preventing injury due to falls, emotional safety refers to decreasing daily triggers that raise your blood pressure. Consider the following physical design elements as anchor points in designing a safe space: • paths free from cords and rugs• controls for bedside lighting and windows• non-slip flooring in bathrooms• seating that is accessible and at appropriate height These simple changes decrease the amount of danger-related information sent to the brain. When you sleep better and move with less hesitancy, you are able to breathe more easily. For individuals who suffer from severe injuries or chronic conditions requiring medical equipment, there are also specialized solutions available. There are electric hospital bed rentals available in Toronto that allow users to adjust the height and angle of their heads. Additionally, these beds provide pressure relief and may enable easier breathing when standing upright. On the other hand, a typical bed has a fixed height and angle. This lack of flexibility can sometimes exacerbate symptoms related to re-traumatization. Choose a bed that adjusts to you. Choosing hospital beds without breaking the bank Hospital beds are expensive to purchase, and storage is often limited. Renting medical furniture makes sense for many families. An electric hospital bed rental Toronto comes fully assembled and ready for use. The technicians install the bed in the exact location you specify. Why is correct placement so important? Incorrect placement causes unnecessary hazards. A bed placed too close to the wall hinders Caregivers’ ability to enter/exit the room safely. A bed placed directly across from a window could encourage light sensitivity. Professional installation addresses these problems. Now, let’s discuss a critical service associated with purchasing a hospital bed rental Toronto that includes installation. Look for “hospital bed rental near me” and ensure the local supplier provides delivery/installation services that combine the two prices. Typically, local suppliers will deliver and set up your rented hospital bed at once. Also, most will remove the bed when you decide you no longer want or need it, eliminating the risk of having to transport and dispose of large metal-frame hospital beds. Three signs you need a rental Are you experiencing any of the following scenarios? In each situation, the primary reason is inadequate support provided by either the bed or caregiving practices. Adjustable beds decrease friction between skin surfaces and/or clothing/furniture. Adjustable beds may also increase your loved one’s Independence in performing routine activities. Long term care at home provides solutions to months or years of recovery time Regardless of whether your healing journey takes months or years, renting a hospital bed for homecare in Toronto provides a bridge between your hospital stay and independent living. Although basic hospital beds work well in hospitals, they typically have louder motors and stiffer side railings. They also tend to resemble traditional hospital beds, which can further traumatize trauma survivors who associate hospital beds with painful treatment or loss. Homecare versions utilize wood panelling or beige finishes, indicating “rest”, rather than “treatment”. Additional homecare features include: All of these features provide users with increased control over their environment and thus reduced feelings of helplessness. Similarly, consider your room’s lighting arrangement. Install dimmers or blackout curtains for daytime napping or sleeping. Use an amber-colored nightlight rather than blue. Bright overhead lighting can stimulate similar sensations as emergency lighting. Soft lighting indicates safety. Comfort while sitting down increases Independence Beds are only part of the equation for creating a safe space while awake and mobile. Users also require safe seating to perform daily tasks. Regular couches are too low. Dining chairs provide little to no arm support. This is why Lift chairs become essential for many individuals recovering from injuries or dealing with chronic pain. A Lift chair is essentially a recliner with a mechanical lifting system used for rising from the chair with minimal strain on muscles/joints/flexibility. Many trauma survivors with physical injuries or chronic pain report fewer daily anxieties related to falling when using a Lift chair. Emotional impact of Lift chairs Using a Lift chair eliminates fear of becoming stuck in a chair and needing help to rise. You no longer need to call someone else to assist you in rising from a seated position. As a result, you are likely to spend more time interacting with family members in common spaces; isolation decreases. four situations where Lift chairs are useful: Many rental providers offer Lift chairs along with electric hospital beds. Bundling products results in cost savings, and it allows families to create a comprehensive care environment. Creating a safe environment using seven steps Now that we’ve explored the equipment options, let’s build the room using seven steps: Each Step above contributes to building predictability into your
The Healing Blueprint: Layouts, Lighting, and Logistics for Home Recovery
Since recovery can reduce mobility, removing clutter from your room is important. Having enough room to walk is essential. Leave at least 3 feet of clearance on either side of the bed. To determine whether you have enough room to move safely around your Bed, follow these basic guidelines: Flooring should be smooth. Hardwood and tile flooring are safest since rollators and wheelchairs will glide easily across the surface. Thick carpets are less ideal because they can cause movement difficulties. Some key things to remember regarding measuring your doorway before placing furniture, using painters tape to draw the paths you’ll be taking in your home and marking where your turning radiuses are going to be, keeping phone chargers off of the floor and on bedside tables, having a small trash can placed nearby, hanging cords from blinds or lamps down low, making a medication station at eye level and installing nightlights in every hallway you navigate during nighttime hours. Your poor lighting can increase your fall risk by much higher amounts due to slow adjustment time Additionally, some medications can blur your vision. There are many different ways to address both of these issues through proper lighting. During daylight hours There is no substitute for natural sunlight in helping regulate your body’s sleep cycle. Therefore, open your curtains completely each day. Ideally, place your Bed as close to the window as possible. Nonetheless, you want to avoid direct sunlight on your face. Instead, hang sheer curtains to filter the sun’s intense rays. At night Hallways that are dark are extremely hazardous. Place nightlights in every pathway throughout your home. In addition, install motion sensor lights near the bathroom. Clipped-on book lights are great for reading while lying in Bed. As such, you can read without activating bright overhead lights. Recommended lighting options: Therefore, instead of lighting up the ceiling, you want to illuminate the floor. This keeps you oriented and awake at 3 am. Renting equipment: Too many People buy second-rate equipment from the internet. Cheap equipment does not provide the necessary comfort and features that a hospital Bed provides. For instance, regular beds cannot elevate the head or foot sections. Additionally, they do not come equipped with side rails which will prevent rolling out of the Bed. Moreover, adjustable height hospital beds save caregivers’ backs when assisting with lifting patients. Finding reliable rental sources: You will need reputable sources for renting equipment. Find hospitals Bed rental Toronto. These companies deliver, assemble and maintain the rented equipment. When something breaks they fix it promptly. If you live closer to your location, search for hospital Bed rental near me with installation. Nearby companies usually have quicker turnaround times. They know the area and can fit in tighter spaces including stairwells. Questions to ask rental companies: Lift Chairs: the hidden solution to standing up Recliners are typically difficult to get in and out of because you have to push yourself up with your legs. Unfortunately for those who have undergone hip or knee replacements, this process may now be too difficult or painful for them. This is where Lift Chairs become beneficial. They slowly tip forward allowing you to slide into a sitting position then gently lift you up to a standing position. This restores your ability to stand independently without needing someone else’s help. The following groups benefit greatly from Lift Chairs: patients undergoing hip or knee replacementthose suffering from significant back pain Additionally, many models allow users to recline fully so they can take naps or watch TV comfortably. Some even feature heating and massaging capabilities, which may aid in relieving muscle soreness and spasms. Please consult your physician prior to purchasing one of these devices. Setting up and installing: never skip this step! While receiving your new piece of equipment is exciting, having it delivered is not the same thing as having it installed properly. A company that offers white glove service (where their technicians unbox all parts, assemble the entire bed frame, attach side rails, and demonstrate how to lower/raise the bed) will ensure that the equipment is used correctly and safely. Here is what you should expect from your technician upon arrival: Test everything once completed before dismissing the technician. Checklist for your technician: Following up with daily routines Using your new layout requires developing routines that incorporate your equipment into daily life. For example, keep your Bed in a “chair” position during daytime hours to reduce pressure on skin and promote ease of access for meals. During nighttime hours, drop the Bed all the way down and utilize side rails for added safety. Also schedule a quick inspection of all equipment in the morning. Check for unusual motor sounds. Verify functioning of emergency backup battery. Check that all screws are tightened on Lift Chairs or Bed frames. Allowing small malfunctions to continue growing can lead to midnight emergencies. Insurance logistics/budgeting Costs associated with renting varies significantly depending on what type of equipment you rent and what brand you choose. Basic electric hospital Bed rental in Toronto ranges between $250-$500/month based on brand name alone. More advanced equipment costs more money obviously. Lift Chairs range between $150-$300/month. Private insurance coverage will pay for portion of costs but check to see if government programs are available in your area as well. Before signing any rental agreement ask the following questions regarding costs: does my rental agreement already account for sales tax?am i responsible for paying separately for delivery? Lastly document receipt for all purchases made. Medical equipment rentals may be eligible for tax deduction; consult with an accountant for further information. Summary Home-based healing is definitely achievable. You simply need a suitable plan in place for creating a safe and supportive environment at home. Begin by clearing one room entirely in order to facilitate easy movement throughout your space. Then add ambient lighting at ground-level in order to reduce fall risk as well as minimize visual strain caused by blurred vision resulting from certain prescribed medications. Finally
Restoring your home environment through Wellness principles
Nature has always played a significant part in our health. While healthcare and design have long been two different worlds, they are now being brought together as “restorative design.” In-home care settings are no exception; natural light and proper layouts are key to creating spaces that restore people’s well-being. What makes a restorative room? Many families take the most common first step by optimizing their layout to place their medical equipment closest to a window. If you require assistance setting up immediately, search for “hospital bed rental near me” that also offers installation. Installation will ensure both your loved ones’ safety, as well as provide them with a better opportunity to appreciate the views outside. How restorative design impacts our daily recovery journeys Biophilic design which emphasizes our human relationship with the natural world (including sunlight, fresh air, and views) is what drives the focus of restorative design. All three elements affect a person’s ability to recover each day. Improving our body’s circadian rhythm Humans depend on light signals from mother nature to determine when it is time to be awake and when it is time to go to sleep. The amount of time a person spends exposed to consistent light improves their overall sleep quality at night. Better sleep results in faster physical recovery. Placing your medical equipment near windows maximizes this benefit. Families may use a home care hospital bed rental Toronto service to rent a mobile, adjustable bed specifically designed to capture maximum amounts of sunlight during the day. Impact of nature on mental health Recovery times can lead to feelings of isolation, but having a clear view of the outdoors changes all of that. Designing spaces to allow maximum use of natural light When designing a space intended for someone to recover, it needs to be laid out strategically. There needs to be a balance between providing enough light for the individual and making sure the individual feels comfortable. Do not place a bed directly in front of a window where the individual will experience glare. Position the bed slightly away from the window to avoid glare. Choosing adaptable furniture for restorative environments Furniture that allows for adaptability is important in restorative environments because it supports comfort and mobility. For those who can leave their beds, there are certain types of furniture that are useful. one type of furniture is Lift chairs, which allow the user to stand up safely without straining weak muscles. Lift chairs are great options for safe transitions Positioning lift chairs next to windows creates a second relaxing area for the individual. The individual can relax in the chair and still enjoy the sunshine from multiple areas of the room while keeping the primary bed available for resting. Minimizing discomfort caused by direct sunlight Direct sunlight can create discomfort. Window treatments should therefore be used. Local help for setting up a home-based care environment Setting up a home-based care environment can seem overwhelming. Fortunately, local resources exist to make the task easier. Finding reliable medical equipment providers Reliable medical equipment will improve both safety and flexibility. Consider using an electric hospital bed rental service in Toronto if you live in Ontario. Electric beds enable caregivers to adjust elevations with ease and speed simply by pressing buttons. The caregiver can quickly elevate the head portion of the bed allowing the patient to sit-up and take advantage of the Early morning sun. Increasing Wellness through multiple senses While light is only one element of restorative design, you can incorporate additional elements into your space to increase Wellness. Conclusion A relatively simple yet powerful method for promoting Wellness at home is natural light. Restorative design converts ordinary bedrooms into a supportive recovery space by merging natural sunlight with adaptable furniture that increases daily comfort. Your first step towards developing a comfortable environment is securing the appropriate equipment and finding a trusted local provider, such as a hospital bed rental near me with installation. Using flexible seating options such as Lift chairs keeps patients active and engaged and allows them to appreciate the sun from multiple positions in their room. Find out about the availability of affordable hospital bed rentals near Toronto Today and learn more about establishing an ideal restorative environment in your own home.
What Got Us Past the Embarrassment of a Medical Bed
It doesn’t take long for most families to recognize the point at which a regular bed becomes a danger zone and a hospital bed or a mechanical lift chair is no longer a luxury item but an essential. As such, for many senior citizens and their adult children, there is an initial feeling of deep burning embarrassment as opposed to relief when they find out a standard bed needs to be converted into a sterile sickbed. We feared a hospital bed would take away the remaining pieces of normalcy and cause our elderly to appear “fragile” or “too old”. But as with anything else in life, necessity has a way of getting rid of egos, and it was this very reason that ultimately gave us the courage to get over the embarrassment of acquiring a modern medical bed, which provided us with independence, safety, and some nice design features. When pride turns deadly We started to break free from the feelings of embarrassment the first time a caregiver pulled their back lifting a parent from a sagging mattress or the first time someone fell due to low-lying bedrails that were impossible to hold onto. At that point, we found ourselves realizing that refusing a medical bed was a display of blind pride, not dignity, and it put everyone at risk. Social stigma vs. Risk to life and health: At that point, we determined that the potential for breaking a hip in the middle of the night due to slipping off the bed and hitting the ground was more frightening than what our neighbors would say if a delivery van showed up outside the house. Burnout among caregivers becomes unmanageable: As caregivers continued to perform hazardous lifts on their Spouses or parents, they grew tired of constantly risking their own backs and limbs. They also discovered that physically straining themselves while transferring patients to and from beds created conditions where caregivers and patients alike were becoming hazards to each other. Health issues due to sleep deprivation escalate: Without the ability to elevate their heads for breathing difficulties or acid reflux problems, or elevate their legs for pressure relief, the quality of sleep decreased so severely that moods and cognitive functions suffered greatly. A practical solution Renting prior to purchasing One of the largest barriers to mental acceptance regarding the use of medical beds was the fear of committing to a costly purchase that may be perceived as too “institutional.” What quickly alleviated those fears was discovering local rental companies that allowed the family to rent a lift chair or a basic hospital bed for a trial period of approximately 30 days before purchasing. Rentals provide relief from commitment pressure: By renting equipment prior to purchasing it, the family is able to observe its functional advantages without absorbing the cost of a large online purchase that may not meet expectations. Same-day rentals provide immediate solutions: In situations where a patient is discharged from the hospital prematurely and requires access to a safe means of sitting or standing, finding a local “lift chair rental near me” can provide the necessary solution within hours and prevent a chaotic transfer onto a couch or an unsafe low-profile sofa bed. Making adjustments easier through rental units: Using a rental unit first will allow users to understand that the hand controls and motorized sounds are merely tools designed to give them control over their body positioning and comfort. Why buying online finally overcame our discomfort: Once we were confident in using a medical bed safely and comfortably through rental, we felt ready to secure a high-quality, permanent setup. Once we learned that we could purchase hospital beds online with discreet shipping and designs that did not resemble ICU equipment, our embarrassment dissipated entirely. Online retailers offer more appealing designs: You can now buy hospital beds online with wood-grain side rails, beige upholstery, and slender headboards that fit perfectly into master bedrooms instead of loudly proclaiming “medical emergency.” Testimonials normalize the experience: Reading reviews from actual families who have admitted they were once ashamed but now rest peacefully will provide the social validation required for your family to click on “buy now.” Price comparison reduces emotional burden: With the ability to review tens of thousands of hospital beds, delivery costs, warranties, etc., in ten minutes, you will convert an emotionally charged decision into an objective, affordable transaction. The underappreciated hero, the appropriate mattress Any discussion about escaping the shame associated with using medical beds cannot occur without mentioning the surface upon which you actually sleep. We found that the fear of lying on a slippery, sweaty, unappealing piece of plastic was always behind our shame. Finding an appropriate mattress changed everything. Modern medical beds are not just comfortable; they’re also luxury products: Alternating pressure mattresses or high-density foam mattresses used in modern medical beds mimic premium retail products, providing comfort and support and maintaining skin integrity. Breathable waterproof encasements eliminate crunchy sounds and heat trapping. Older waterproof materials sounded like ripping potato chips and retained heat. Today’s waterproof encasements are quiet, cool, and nearly undetectable to the touch. Antimicrobial moisture-wicking materials eliminate odours: High-end medical mattresses contain materials with antimicrobial properties and moisture-wicking capabilities, allowing beds to remain odour-free throughout extended use periods. This eliminated our associations of medical beds with odours related to decay or disease. What got us past the embarrassment: Ultimately it was not the specific features of the product or discount codes that helped us overcome our fears. It was our first uninterrupted night’s sleep, followed by waking up with renewed energy. Forcing oneself to sit upright while drinking water without choking allowed individuals to regain pride in their bodies. Having floor lights installed at the bedside reduced 2 AM panic attacks about falling down. A lift chair that tilts forward slowly helps individuals stop crying from frustration at being stuck in a recliner. Our neighbours still didn’t notice the new bed. Family pictures hanging on walls were unchanged. It was only the
The Bed That Let Her Come Home From the Hospital to Stay
Once her doctors told her she could return to her home, the author assumed the worst was behind them. However, upon returning to their home and finding their normal bed unsafe for her to sleep in, they found themselves facing a new set of challenges. Their normal bed was not suitable for recovery. She had difficulty elevating herself into a comfortable position. Each time she wished to get into and out of bed, she required assistance. Her nights were becoming increasingly tiring since each night she was consistently needing to be moved for comfort and circulation. They recognized that if they really wanted to allow her to heal at home safely, they needed to make changes in their home as soon as possible. They created those necessary changes, which ultimately led to one of the best decisions they made during the entire recovery process: purchasing a hospital bed for home use. Initially, the author resisted this option. Hospital equipment seemed cold, clinical, and uninviting. He worried that turning their living area into a recovery space would make it feel too much like a medical facility rather than a home. However, after learning more about proper support equipment and speaking with healthcare professionals, they realized the importance of having the appropriate equipment for both patients and caregivers. The author then began shopping online for a “hospital bed” because there were limited supplies available locally, and waiting times were excessively long. In addition, shopping online offered them greater flexibility, lower prices, and the opportunity to discover many features that they previously did not know existed. The bed they purchased featured a number of beneficial attributes such as adjustable height, recline functions, side railings, and a pressure-relieving mattress. These features provided instant improvements in her comfort. Equally important, they provided her with a degree of independence that she had lost in the hospital. Recovering at home is vastly different from recovering in a hospital environment. Hospitals have professional medical staff, specialized medical equipment, and facilities that are specifically designed for providing patient care. At home, families typically attempt to provide care using non-medical items (i.e., typical household furniture) that are not constructed to meet medical needs. Instantly solving these issues were the following: Simplifying Transfers Transferring in/out of bed became much safer due to the bed’s ability to adjust its height. This also decreased the strain placed on both the author’s mother and other family members assisting her. Improving Sleep & Comfort Elevating her head/legs alleviated her pain, swelling and respiratory distress. Decreasing Caregiver Stress Completing simple daily activities became easier to accomplish and resulted in less physical burden for all parties involved. Increasing Patient Safety Having the bed’s side rails and various positioning options eliminated the danger of falls during nighttime hours. Unexpected Importance of Seating Support During the latter stages of recovery, the author began noticing additional difficulties his mother was experiencing. Although the hospital bed provided sufficient support during rest periods, seating comfortably throughout the day proved to be problematic. She experienced difficulty rising from standard chairs and required assistance with each instance. He began searching for a “lift chair rental near me.” Ultimately, he discovered lift chair rentals were an ideal short term solution. A lift chair allowed her to comfortably sit throughout the day while safely standing without placing undue strain on her joint/muscle system. Families faced with short term recovery requirements will benefit greatly from utilizing rentals versus purchasing equipment immediately. Finding a reliable source for a “lift chair rental near me,” provided him with numerous affordable options that met his needs and avoided an initial investment. Emotional Side of Creating a Recovery Space in Your Home One aspect people rarely discuss regarding medical equipment brought into homes is the emotional impact. Initially, the room appeared foreign due to the presence of medical equipment, mobility aids and assistive devices. The emotional exhaustion associated with caring for someone in need of ongoing medical treatment can be overwhelming. Over time, the authors learned that comfort supersedes aesthetics. To address the aesthetic concerns related to creating a recovery space within their home, they incorporated soft blankets, family photographs, warm lighting and familiar decorative elements surrounding the bed. Rather than making their living room appear clinical, they worked toward developing a sense of serenity and welcome. Interestingly, instead of reducing her independence; the equipment actually enhanced her self-esteem and overall independence. My mother no longer had to endure each movement with difficulty nor continually beg others for assistance. Precautions to Take Before Purchasing Equipment Before selecting medical equipment to bring home for post-surgical/illness/rehabilitation recovery purposes, consider the following factors: Mobility Requirements Does the individual require assistance in repositioning themselves, or does he/she require assistance to stand or transfer? Duration of Recovery Are you planning for long-term recovery? If so, you may want to consider rentals for items such as lift chairs (e.g., “lift chair rental near me”) to determine if purchasing is in your best interest financially. Room Dimensions Carefully measure your available space prior to ordering either a hospital bed or a recliner. Mattress Quality A high-quality pressure relief mattress can significantly enhance comfort and help prevent sore areas that result from prolonged periods spent lying down during long recovery processes. Support for Caregivers The right equipment protects caregivers from suffering potential physical harm in addition to supporting the patient. Convenience of Online Shopping An additional advantage of shopping online for hospital beds vs. visiting multiple retail locations during an already chaotic period was the convenience factor. Shopping online enabled us to research products and features, review customer feedback, coordinate delivery schedules, and select the exact product that best suited our home and financial circumstances. For families already overwhelmed with doctor visits and managing daily caregiving duties, this convenience has far-reaching implications beyond merely saving time. Much More Than Just a Bed Reflecting on their experience, the hospital bed served more purpose than just providing support for my mother’s physical needs. It represented a means for her to return
The Night Dad Fell Out of Bed (And What We Did the Next Day)
There are nights you will never forget. For my family, that was the night dad fell off the bed.Dad fell off the bed about 2:30 am. I got up to a thud then heard dad yell for me. When I went into his room, he was laying by the bed in pain, looking very confused and ashamed. Fortunately, he had not broken anything. However, the fear in his eyes remained with me for a long time after we helped him back onto the bed. That night opened our eyes to new ways of providing home care. When “getting by” no longer works For many months before this incident, dad struggled with mobility after having surgery. We initially believed that if we used additional pillows, blankets and a side rail on his bed that we could provide dad with a safe and comfortable place to sleep. Many families try to use what they currently have as well. However, the fact is, standard beds are not designed for individuals with loss of strength, loss of balance, or recovering from illness/medical conditions. Upon reflection, we had noticed signs earlier that indicated dad needed additional support: We chose to ignore these signs because we thought we could handle them. Unfortunately, that fall showed us otherwise. Emotional aspects nobody talks about The biggest surprise was not just the physical risk, but the emotional implications. Dad continued to apologize. He felt guilty for disturbing all of us. He was embarrassed to need help. Honestly, we were all emotionally drained. The demands of being caregivers are extremely taxing on a person’s body; however, the emotional toll is even worse. By the next morning, we knew we had to make a decision quickly. What We Did That Next Morning First thing we did was call a local company that rents medical equipment. As Dad was also having trouble getting up from his recliner throughout the day, we started looking into renting a lift chair near me. Almost instantly, using a lift chair provided a positive change in his ability to rise from sitting to standing without putting excessive strain on his legs and/or solely depending on us for assistance. Additionally, he regained a bit of independence with the aid of the lift chair, which improved his self-confidence more than we could have anticipated. While we were exploring alternative sleeping options, we simultaneously researched safer alternatives. Why We Purchased A Hospital Bed From An Internet Company Initially, I thought hospital beds were only available in hospitals and/or long term medical institutions. I was mistaken. Home hospital beds are now manufactured for home use and include many comforts and conveniences for patients and caregivers alike. Upon researching different types of hospital beds and reviewing comments from other customers, we ultimately decided to purchase a hospital bed online instead of continuing to put dad at risk of another fall. Features such as adjustable heights and positions greatly enhanced his ability to transfer in/out of bed safely without requiring awkward lifting; improve sleep positionings by elevating his legs and upper body reducing discomfort and restless sleep at night; added safety features included side rails and adjustable settings which prevented rolling/slipping during sleep; and reduced caregiver fatigue-my back appreciated the change almost immediately. Additional Smaller Changes That Also Helped In addition to purchasing necessary equipment to address dad’s mobility issues, we made several minor changes to create a safer sleep environment: All of these small changes contributed to making the environment surrounding dad’s sleep area safer for all of us. The Most Important Lesson We Have Learned The most difficult aspect of caregiving is often realizing when to seek help. Because we thought requesting medical equipment signified defeat, we delayed seeking it for far too long. In actuality, acquiring the appropriate equipment allowed dad to regain more autonomy, more dignity, and significantly increased safety. Accidents can occur rapidly. Recoveries may require months. Don’t dismiss the warning signals if your loved one is experiencing difficulties with mobility/balance/entering/exiting bed. Sometimes simply altering a few things-a quick search for a lift chair rental near me or purchasing a hospital bed online-can result in a significant improvement in their quality of life. Closing Thoughts Sometimes I think about that night. Not so much because dad fell off of the bed-but because it finally prompted us to initiate changes we should have initiated weeks/months prior. Our lives as caregivers were less stressful; dad slept better; and our home once again seemed like a safe haven. As stated previously-we never feel totally prepared for moments such as these. However, taking proactive steps early-on can eliminate future fears/injuries/exhaustion. Honestly-I wished we had taken action sooner.
Does Insurance Ever Help With a Lift Chair? Here’s What We Found Out.
Patient lift recliners provide a safe way to transition from sitting down to standing. These recliners can help people who have difficulty getting up from a typical armchair. Patient lift recliners use a motor to slowly tip the user toward standing, removing pressure from the lower back and knees. However, a good-quality lift chair can cost upwards of $1,500 to $2,500. Most families want to know if their insurance company will help with some of this expense. After researching we were able to learn about how each of the big insurance companies assist patients who require a lift chair, including which hoops you need to jump through and other alternatives you could use for temporary home health equipment. Short answer: insurance can pay for the lift mechanism – not the whole chair. A critical point to understand upfront: in nearly every case — insurance companies do not pay for the whole chair. From an insurance standpoint, a lift chair has two separate elements combined together into one unit of furniture: The motorized base: this refers to the electrically operated foundation of the lift chair. Insurance companies consider this Durable Medical Equipment (DME) since it provides a clear medical benefit to the insured. The Furniture Component: this represents the actual seat, legrests, backrest, arms, cushions, fabrics, etc. And also any heating/ massaging functions the recliner may include. In general, insurance companies see this as simply a piece of furniture and/or conveniences that are non-medical and therefore un-reimbursable. As such, if your claim is accepted — your insurance will generally only compensate you for the value of the motorized lift system. You will need to pay the remaining amount yourself for the remainder of the chair. Medicare guidelines (gold standard) Since many Private Insurance companies mimic medicare’s requirements, reviewing medicare’s policies allows us to best determine what types of medical necessity claims are required to be submitted. To receive reimbursement for the motorized portion of a patient lift chair, your healthcare provider needs to ensure you meet very stringent criteria regarding medical necessity. Essential requirements to meet for reimbursement There are five essential elements that must be documented by your healthcare provider to qualify for approval: You must have severe arthritis/hip/knee issues or neuromuscular disease: your doctor should specify that you have a severe case of either hip/knee arthritis or another severe neuromuscular disorder (muscular dystrophy/parkinson’s disease). Unable to get up: you must be completely unable to stand up on your own from a normal armchair in your residence without assistance. Once upright you must be able to walk independently/cane/walker: once you have been helped to an upright position by the chair you must be able to walk independently or with a cane/walker. If after using the chair you continue to be unable to ambulate — then the chair has not resolved your mobility issues sufficiently. This must be part of larger care/treatment program: the chair must be ordered by a licensed healthcare professional as part of an overall treatment/care program designed to improve your current medical status or slow its decline. Therapeutic interventions tried first: before ordering a chair your medical record(s) must reflect that various forms of traditional therapies (physical therapy) have failed to restore your independent ability to rise from a seated position. Important tip: do not simply purchase a lift chair based upon medicare coverage alone. Your healthcare provider must write a prescription that clearly states it is necessary for medically-necessary reasons prior to purchasing; additionally, you must buy the chair from a Supplier who has enrolled in medicare. Private Insurance/Medicaid programs — expect similar experience Similar to medicare — Private Insurance plans (Blue Cross/Aetna/united healthcare), medicare advantage plans and Medicaid programs have varying degrees of success depending upon where you live. Many Private Insurance carriers mirror medicare’s approach but may allow for pre-authorization requests prior to making payment for the motorized element of the chair — allowing you to know how much they will pay prior to handing them your credit card number. Medicaid programs vary greatly depending on state. Many states have more relaxed standards than medicare regarding Home and Community-Based Services (hcbs) waivers — if used correctly — will cover the full cost of a lift chair for an eligible individual — if it keeps him/her living independently in his/her own home and not requiring placement into a nursing home facility. Temporary Needs vs. Long term solutions It can take several weeks/months of back and forth paper work with an insurance carrier to obtain approval for medically-necessary equipment. What happens if your mobility limitation is immediate yet temporary (i.e. Recovering from major hip/knee surgery)? If a long term purchase does not make fiscal or practical sense — renting medical equipment may be the most viable option. While lift chairs are sometimes available for rent for limited periods through local medical supply stores — many families who require complex recovery strategies look towards modifying the entire bedroom environment. For example, if a patient is totally bed-bound — or requires precise head and foot positioning to safely transfer out of bed — looking into renting an electric medical bed in GTA (toronto) can be an excellent economical choice compared to buying expensive equipment. Rentals give you access to commercial grade beds delivered and installed in your home at exactly the moment you need them — eliminating both the long-term expense and frustration associated with denied insurance claims. Increasing your chances for getting insurance approval Using this checklist will help increase your chances for obtaining initial approval through an insurance carrier: Schedule a separate meeting with your doctor: don’t mention it at the end of an annual exam visit — schedule a meeting specifically with your doctor to discuss your mobility limitations. Use exact terms: make sure your doctor documents terms like “medically necessary,” “severe” — “arthritis /neuromuscular disease,” “unable to transfer independently” in their clinic notes. Get a certificate of medical necessity (cms form # 849): for medicare, your DME Supplier needs a completed CMS-849 form
What to Do When Your Loved One Keeps Falling Asleep in the Recliner
It’s a common occurrence in homes everywhere. The family member is napping peacefully in the recliner. It looks so harmless – just another nice long snooze after lunch. But, when that snooze becomes a nightly occurrence, it is likely to trigger alarm bells for caregivers. Although recliners provide comfort and relaxation, utilizing them as a nightly sleep option can present numerous health-related risks. To help you determine what could be causing your senior to prefer reclining over other options, why it occurs and some ideas for transitioning your senior to a healthier sleep arrangement follow: Why Do Seniors Like Sitting in Their Recliner? To better comprehend why seniors enjoy sitting in their recliner, we need to look beyond its comfort level. Many seniors experience difficulties with getting into and out of a normal bed due to lack of strength or flexibility. Ease of Getting In & Out of a Recliner Getting into and out of a recliner is significantly less strenuous than a bed. Many modern recliners are equipped with an electric lifter which makes exiting the chair simple and easy. Difficulty Breathing Some seniors suffer from conditions such as COPD or sleep apnea. Lying flat in bed causes difficulty breathing because their airway is constricted. Sitting upright helps to open up their airways and provides greater ease of breathing. GERD/Acid Reflux Relief Sitting at an angle helps prevent acid reflux by using gravity to reduce the amount of stomach acid being pushed upwards through the esophagus. Additionally, elevated positioning reduces the likelihood of stomach acid flowing upward into the throat during sleep. Reducing Chronic Pain For seniors who suffer from chronic pain, particularly in their backs or joints, sitting slightly angled can aid in reducing joint stress and pressure. Hidden Health Dangers Associated With Using a Recliner While using a recliner for a short period may provide temporary comfort; spending eight to ten hours per day in most standard living room recliners creates multiple health concerns over time. Negative Effects on Posture Recliners were designed specifically for resting/lounging purposes, rather than for extended periods of sleep. Most do not include specific lumbar support to promote healthy spinal alignment for a complete night of rest. Prolonged use of recliners can result in worsening posture problems affecting both the back, neck and shoulders. Reduced Blood Flow & Increased Risk of Swelling When sitting for hours in a recliner, the hip flexion is constant creating compression on blood vessels located near the groin area. This compression limits the ability of blood to travel from the lower extremities (legs) back to the heart. This results in swelling (fluid retention) occurring in the ankles/feet. In extreme situations, this increased pressure can lead to formation of deep vein clots (DVT), a serious condition caused by blood clotting. Increased Risk of Developing Pressure Sores As a recliner does not evenly distribute weight across the body surface, prolonged sitting will create high-pressure areas on the posterior surface (tailbone, buttock and heel). Lack of pressure relief created by prolonged sitting can eventually damage the skin layer resulting in development of pressure ulcers (pressure sores). Helpful Strategies For Caregivers You cannot force someone to go to bed. Instead of fighting with your loved one to move them into bed, attempt these helpful suggestions to assist them in obtaining a safer environment to relax/sleep. 1. Upgrading Seating Options Instead of placing your loved one in regular furniture, consider purchasing specialized medical seating. Patient lift recliners can greatly improve overall comfort and ease of movement. These medical-grade recliners utilize advanced foam technology that assists in relieving pressure points along with offering a motorized system that safely lifts the user forward enabling them to easily stand without assistance. 2. Upgrading Sleep Environment In order to encourage your loved one to return to their bedroom, you should create an identical sleeping environment that replicates the comfort they experienced while sleeping in their recliner. Using bed wedges: Wedge-shaped pillow inserts made from firm foam can elevate the upper body or knees of your loved one. Utilizing Adjustable Beds: Adjustable beds enable users to remotely adjust the position of the bedhead and footboard, allowing them to achieve an equivalent position as their preferred recliner. 3. Using Specialized Medical Equipment There are no laws against renting equipment for home use. Medical beds are available for rent, even within cities such as the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Renting a Medical Bed for Home Use offers many benefits including: Renting provides a way to test whether adjusting your sleep environment resolves your issues prior to investing financially in new products. Medical beds rented today can provide an affordable alternative for supporting your loved ones’ comfort and health requirements. 4. Establishing Comfortable Bedtime Routine Sleeping in the living room is sometimes related to remaining close to activity. Creating a bedtime routine is an effective strategy for helping seniors develop a consistent sleep schedule and preparing themselves for bed. Dimming the lights in the living room one hour before bedtime, encouraging them to retire to their bedroom and ensuring the bedroom remains cool and well-lit will attract them to their bedroom at bedtime. Closing Thoughts Seniors frequently fall asleep in their recliner simply because their traditional bed no longer meets their physiological demands. Although it may appear simpler to permit them to continue sleeping wherever they choose, it is essential to address their circulatory, skin care and spinal column needs. Understanding your senior’s physical limitations and incorporating solutions that meet these requirements — whether through replacing their current lift chair with a more supportive unit or through renting a fully adjustable medical bed — will assure that they receive adequate sleep each night.
The Best Gift I Ever Gave Myself as a Caregiver? A Power Lift Recliner for Mom
As a matter of fact, i’ve been proud to wear my caregiving role for years, but if i am truly honest with myself i wore that badge for only a couple of months before i felt burnt-out. The pain in my back, the lack of quality sleep, and each time my Mom attempted to rise from her favorite armchair — my heart leaped into my chest. This is when i decided to start treating my overall well-being as more than just an after-thought. I bought my Mom a power Lift recliner. When I purchased the power Lift recliner for my Mom at the time, i felt like i had spent too much money on something. However, looking back, it was the best gift i ever gave myself. Prior to the arrival of the power Lift recliner, our living room was essentially a high-Risk physics experiment. My Mom suffered from severe arthritic conditions. She required assistance moving from a sitting to a standing position. Therefore, our living room was basically a high-Risk, physics-based lab every day. It took a great deal of care and caution when attempting to move my Mom around the house. Every day consisted of a delicate balance of pulling, tugging, and hoping for the best. It didn’t take long after the daily physical strain and stress of assisting my Mom with each and every movement ceased that i realized how much this daily movement had taken away from me. Essentially, there were only two possible outcomes with each attempt to help her stand: She would fall: In case both of her knees failed to support her body weight — there was absolutely nothing i could do to stop her from falling. I would get hurt: Each time i helped her stand, i was aware that i was literally playing with fire. I used poor lifting techniques during those times — which left my lower back a time bomb waiting to explode. Like many caregivers, i researched various home medical device products. Although I considered to purchase patient Lift recliner right away — i still questioned whether or not to purchase a product such as this initially because i believed we would be able to make do without one. Unfortunately, I was wrong. Being a caregiver isn’t about making do; it is about finding solutions ahead of time. How a power Lift recliner changed our Lives A power Lift recliner is almost indistinguishable from any other comfortable-looking, cozy living room chair. Although it appears normal — it has a quiet and powerful electric motor inside. Using the remote control, the chair rises slowly and swings forward towards the front of the user allowing him/her to safely stand up without straining his/her joints or your back. Below is how this single piece of furniture changed our Lives positively each day: 1. Restored Mom’s sense of independence Mentally, my mother greatly improved once she received her new chair. She exhibited evidence of frustration in regards to having to depend on another person to complete what normally would be a simple task such as getting up from her seat to utilize the restroom. The chair provided her with control over when she chose to rise from her seat — therefore giving her back her sense of self-empowerment and dignity. 2. Provided me with a great deal of physical relief My worry about “the Lift” went away immediately. No longer did i need to rush across the room whenever she started to move. Also, my back was finally starting to heal and the extreme fatigue that plagued me each day after taking care of her disappeared. 3. Increased comfort and health benefits for Mom & me Lift chairs offer far more than merely enabling people to stand. For instance, the ability for Mom to elevate her legs completely allowed for reduction in chronic swelling in her ankles. Additionally, the position settings in the chair also enhanced digestion and allowed her to nap comfortably/restfully in the chair—without worrying about me having anxiety concerning her slipping off of one side or the other. Finding balance between your Needs and medical device options When researching mobility devices, there are countless options. All homes are unique and each individual’s health condition differs. While a patient lift recliner worked beautifully in our living room setup — others who experience severe post-surgical recovery or severely diminished mobility may require temporary bedroom solutions versus long-term living space arrangements. Another thing i found helpful when researching medical device options in Ontario was that you do not always need to spend a lot of money on permanent solutions. A friend of mine who cared for her father was able to receive a tremendous amount of relief by renting medical beds in GTA and test-driving medical-grade comfort at an affordable price. What i learned was even though you can rent medical-grade solutions — they can be extremely useful in maintaining a safe home environment using the tools available. Key things to think about when purchasing a power Lift recliner If you’re thinking about investing in this kind of solution for your loved one (and yourself), consider the following items: Positional capabilities: A three-position chair works okay for reading/standing/lifting—but an infinite-position chair allows you to customize the backrest and footrest separately. If your loved one sleeps/rests frequently in the chair, then this option offers better flexibility. Materials/fabrics: Choose breathable materials/fabrics that are easy to clean and preferably fabric-based. Performance fabrics or good-quality faux-leather options work well for containing accidental spills. Automatic Backup Battery option: Check that your power Lift recliner includes an automatic backup battery option. If your electricity goes out — you’ll know that your loved one remains safe in the chair. You can’t pour from an empty cup Caregivers too often think they are selfish when they choose to spend money/resources creating ease for themselves. They believe they should be able to endure by sheer willpower alone. Reality check: you can’t give from an empty vessel. Creating a sustainable environment