What are the Advantages of Adjustable Beds for the Elderly?

Adjustable beds, also known as electric beds, offer a unique and supportive sleeping surface for those who are elderly, have limited mobility or those who simply want to get a better night's sleep. An adjustable bed allows you to freely position your bed to your needs - this is done through the bed's very own built-in motor that helps you to recline certain areas of the bed as needed. Adjustable beds can cater to various people in many different ways; however, our main focus will touch on ‘what are the advantages of adjustable beds for the elderly?’. 

How adjustable beds can aid sleep for the elderly

Comfort

Adjustable beds allow the elderly to easily find a comfortable sleeping position that could better suit their unique needs. By adjusting the head and feet positions, this can relieve any pressure on areas like the back, neck and even joints. This can be a great benefit for those with conditions like arthritis, acid reflux or sleep apnea.

Sleep quality

Receiving improved sleep quality is important for overall health, mood and cognitive function. An adjustable bed allows you to find the perfect sleeping position for a greater sleep quality.

Easier breathing

Another way in how adjustable beds can aid sleep for the elderly is through reclining the adjustable bed itself. By elevating the bed, the upper body can help those breathe more easily. This is especially advantageous for those with respiratory problems or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). By opening up the airways, it allows for better airflow through the body and can reduce any snoring or sleep apnea symptoms.

Benefits of adjustable beds to caregivers

Adjustable beds not only offer benefits to those who are using them, but also to the caregivers who play an important role in providing support and making sure the user is well looked after. So what are the benefits of adjustable beds to caregivers? 

Caregivers, who may also be members of the family, can benefit from an adjustable bed through how easy it is to operate. This allows the caregiver to assist more comfortably with the caregiving tasks that arise. Such as, safely supporting transfers in getting in and out of bed and support in changing positions of the bed throughout the day. Additionally, the physician strain from lifting and repositioning the person they are caring for will be a lot easier and safer for both the caregiver and the person receiving care.

Are there any disadvantages of adjustable beds for seniors?

While there are many positives to an adjustable bed, it’s also important to consider if there are any disadvantages of adjustable beds for seniors too. The disadvantages may include:

Cost

Adjustable beds offer many benefits for seniors, however the cost of an adjustable bed compared to a traditional bed can be significantly higher. Not everyone will have the same budget for such a purchase - especially if over time there are malfunctions that may add onto the cost. 

Difficulty using

Over time it will be easier to use, however, some may find it difficult to operate the functions on the remote to begin with - leading to frustration and confusion for some seniors who aren’t comfortable with using technology. 

Compatibility with Mattresses

Not all mattresses will be compatible with adjustable beds, and finding the right mattress that fits the beds mechanics can be a slight problem. However, there are varieties of mattresses that an adjustable bed retailer will sell to solve this problem.

Choosing the right mattress for adjustable beds

As mentioned above, not all mattresses are compatible. However, choosing the right mattress for adjustable beds is important if you want to make the most of your comfort and sleep. At Oak Tree, our adjustable beds come with three common mattress types (Pocket Sprung, Memory Foam and Latex). To read more on what type of mattress will be beneficial for you, read our article here.

Now that we’ve had an insight on ‘what are the advantages of adjustable beds for the elderly’, it’s clear that there are many benefits to purchasing one for better health. If you want to explore our adjustable beds and mattresses, we have the perfect solution for you.