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:
- Remove all loose rugs that could be slippery and cause you to trip.
- Store coffee tables, ottomans, and other objects that block the way to the bathroom.
- Keep a path clear from the Bed to the bathroom.
- Have a solid, stable chair next to your Bed where you can sit when you take a break.
- Make sure the doorways are large enough (at least 32 inches) to accommodate walkers or wheelchairs.
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:
- Plug-in nightlights that turn on automatically when the sun goes below the horizon.
- Overhead light that has a remote control to adjust its brightness.
- Book light that clips onto the headboard of your Bed for reading purposes.
- Flashlight stored in the bedside drawer (make sure it has fresh batteries in it each week).
- Under-baseboard Strip lighting for long hallways.
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:
- Is delivery and assembly included in my rental rate?
- What happens if i need to contact someone outside of business hours because something broke?
- Are there any minimum rental periods?
- Will anyone show me how to operate the equipment?
- Can i upgrade to a stronger model that supports more weight?
- Also look into hospital Bed rental Toronto homecare services. While primarily focused on medical recovery, they often package beds with other recovery products like over-Bed trays, trapeze bars and fall mats. Buying all of these individually would require more deliveries and likely cost you more than buying them together.
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 replacement
those suffering from significant back pain
- seniors experiencing overall loss of strength
- Stroke patients with unilateral paralysis
- abdominal surgery patients
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:
- Unboxed all pieces of equipment
- Assembled entire Bed frame
- Attached side rails
- Demonstrated how to lower/raise the Bed
- Removed all packaging material
Test everything once completed before dismissing the technician.
Checklist for your technician:
- Bed is plugged into a GFCI-protected outlet (no extension cords allowed)
- Control cord is not being pinched under mattress
- Side rails secure in upper position
- Bed height adjusts from 15 to 24 inches
- Wheels locked firmly without wobbling
- Mattress fits snugly against Bed frame (gaps should be smaller than two fingers)
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?
- how much will i owe if i fail to bring the rental back on time?
- may i put any portion of my rental agreement towards purchasing?
- does your company accept credit cards or only bank transfers?
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 research local companies offering hospital Bed rental near me with installation or hospital Bed rental Toronto homecare services that can provide bundled pricing and prompt customer service.
Get started today! Measure your doorways now! Clean out one single room now! Contact at least three rental companies now! Compare their policies regarding installation! Ask about emergency service availability!