If&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;finding getting in and out of bed a struggle, a bed lever could be useful.&nbsp;

This handy mobility aid helps&nbsp;support&nbsp;movement in bed. Designed with a curved, easy-to-grip handle,&nbsp;it&nbsp;provides steady support to safely sit up, roll over, get up, or get into bed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A bed lever can make&nbsp;a huge difference&nbsp;to those who find standing,&nbsp;repositioning&nbsp;or getting comfortable in bed&nbsp;more&nbsp;difficult.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Read on to learn more about bed&nbsp;levers, and&nbsp;discover&nbsp;whether one could be the right choice for&nbsp;you and your needs.&nbsp;

A bed lever helps by offering a steady,&nbsp;sturdy&nbsp;grip, making&nbsp;moving in and out of bed&nbsp;as well as&nbsp;adjusting&nbsp;positions&nbsp;(such as&nbsp;sitting&nbsp;up and&nbsp;lying down) easier, quicker, and importantly, safer.&nbsp;

People with reduced upper body strength may find a bed lever useful.&nbsp;Being able to&nbsp;move&nbsp;themselves in and out of bed can help&nbsp;maintain&nbsp;independence and reduce&nbsp;reliance&nbsp;on a caregiver.&nbsp;

When you&nbsp;shouldn’t&nbsp;use a bed lever&nbsp;

Bed levers can be incredibly beneficial mobility aids, but there are some&nbsp;situations&nbsp;where they may not&nbsp;be suitable, including:&nbsp;

&nbsp;An under-mattress lever is a popular choice for most beds. This&nbsp;type of lever&nbsp;can be easily installed between the mattress and&nbsp;the bed&nbsp;frame.&nbsp;

A double-sided lever is similar in design to an under-mattress model but provides support from both sides of the bed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Unlike an under-mattress lever, a floor-standing lever&nbsp;is attached to the floor. The sturdier base is ideal for accommodating a higher weight capacity.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Specifically made for&nbsp;<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/adjustable-beds" target="_blank">adjustable beds</a>, like ours, an adjustable bed lever is securely clamped to the bed frame. This means it can move freely with the bed.&nbsp;

Remember to check your equipment regularly and follow the supplier’s&nbsp;instructions for any necessary adjustments.&nbsp;

How to install a bed lever step by step&nbsp;

Installation can vary&nbsp;depending on the&nbsp;type of bed lever you choose, but here are some handy tips to&nbsp;help&nbsp;ensure&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;able to use&nbsp;your&nbsp;bed lever correctly:&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bed levers and your adjustable bed - A note from us&nbsp;

Did you know the quality of the bed itself affects how much work a bed lever needs to do?&nbsp;An&nbsp;<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/adjustable-beds" target="_blank">adjustable bed</a>&nbsp;set to the right height can reduce the effort of getting in and out.&nbsp;

Oak Tree Mobility adjustable beds are made to fit and can be set to a height that works best for you. However, if getting in and out of bed is a daily struggle, it may be worth considering both solutions together.&nbsp;

FAQS about bed levers for adjustable beds&nbsp;

What’s&nbsp;the difference between a bed rail and a bed lever?&nbsp;

A bed rail is designed to prevent someone from falling out, while a bed lever helps a person transfer in and out of bed and adjust their position, e.g. rolling over and sitting up.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A bed lever is made from a sturdy, hard-wearing metal with a rounded handle&nbsp;that&nbsp;can be easily gripped by the user.&nbsp;

Can a bed lever be used on any bed frame?&nbsp;

Mostly – it&nbsp;depends on the type of bed lever<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/help-and-advice/adjustable-beds/adjustable-bed-add-ons-more-than-just-a-bed" target="_blank">. Click here</a>&nbsp;for more information on bed mobility aids for adjustable beds.  &nbsp;

Where should a bed lever be placed?&nbsp;

A&nbsp;bed lever is typically placed at one-third of the bed. This is considered the best position for most people.&nbsp;

Are bed levers only for the elderly?&nbsp;

No, a bed lever can be used by anyone who&nbsp;has trouble&nbsp;getting in and out of bed. This can include wheelchair users, people with limited mobility, or those who have&nbsp;difficulty&nbsp;standing.&nbsp;&nbsp;

What’s&nbsp;the best bed lever for the elderly?&nbsp;

The right bed lever&nbsp;depends on your individual needs. However, older people may&nbsp;benefit&nbsp;from a bed&nbsp;lever&nbsp;that can be adapted to an adjustable bed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Speak to the team at Oak Tree Mobility&nbsp;

At Oak Tree Mobility, we&nbsp;don’t&nbsp;think mobility should hold you back. Call us on 0808 258 0548, and our friendly mobility experts will guide you to the right&nbsp;solution&nbsp;–&nbsp;we’re&nbsp;always here to support&nbsp;you.&nbsp;

Our range of made-to-fit&nbsp;<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/rise-and-recline-chairs/" target="_blank">rise and recline chairs</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/adjustable-beds" target="_blank">adjustable beds</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/bath-lifts" target="_blank">bath lifts</a>&nbsp;is expertly designed to help you&nbsp;maintain&nbsp;the comfort and independence that you deserve.&nbsp;&nbsp;

1.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.merseycare.nhs.uk/patient-leaflets/bed-levers-guide">NHS Merseycare guide</a>

2.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/patient-entrapment-in-beds-bed-rails-and-related-devices/">Patient entrapment in beds, bed rails and related devices</a>

3.&nbsp; <a href="https://yourhealth.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/library/csi/therapies/hands-burns-plastics-therapy/4249-safe-use-of-bed-levers/file">Safe use of bed levers</a>

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What is a bed lever and when is it useful?

Wondering about the&nbsp;benefits of reading for seniors?&nbsp;You’ll&nbsp;be surprised at just how many there are.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Reading&nbsp;isn’t&nbsp;just an enjoyable way to pass the time – it can do wonders for your brain, mental health, and overall wellbeing.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Discover the science behind the benefits of reading, and how spending time with a book may do more for your health than you think.&nbsp;

Many of us spend our downtime watching TV, streaming films, or scrolling social media.&nbsp;While these&nbsp;activities can be a great form of escapism, reading can offer&nbsp;additional&nbsp;benefits aside from relaxation.&nbsp;&nbsp;Whether you enjoy&nbsp;celebrity&nbsp;biographies or science fiction, reading helps keep your brain active, improve memory, and contribute positively to overall well-being. This makes it a&nbsp;valuable habit to keep as we get older.&nbsp;

What are the 5 benefits of reading?&nbsp;

Reading and dementia: What does the evidence say?&nbsp;

One study from the University of Illinois’ Beckman Institute found that older adults who read absorbing books for 90 minutes a day, five days a week, for eight weeks showed improvements in both working memory and episodic memory compared with a control group who did word puzzles instead.&nbsp;

Lead researcher Liz Stine-Morrow, director of the Adult Learning Lab at the University of Illinois, says: “[The] reading you get lost in is good for you, and helps build the very mental abilities reading depends on.”&nbsp;

If&nbsp;you’re&nbsp;living with dementia or supporting someone who is,&nbsp;<a href="https://readingagency.org.uk/get-reading/our-programmes-and-campaigns/reading-well/reading-well-for-dementia/" target="_blank">The Reading Agency</a>&nbsp;recommends books and digital resources to help better understand the condition.&nbsp;

Reading is&nbsp;a good&nbsp;way&nbsp;to keep older adults mentally active and&nbsp;boost&nbsp;overall wellbeing&nbsp;–&nbsp;and&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;also linked to a slower&nbsp;page&nbsp;of ageing.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A&nbsp;recent&nbsp;study published&nbsp;in UCL’s ‘Innovation in Aging’&nbsp;journal,&nbsp;found that&nbsp;those who engaged in&nbsp;arts and&nbsp;culture hobbies, such as reading,&nbsp;had&nbsp;a younger biological age. Looking at data from 3,556 participants, those who regularly engaged in creative activities aged 4% more slowly, based on changes to DNA that track with ageing.&nbsp;

Professor Daisy Fancourt, who led the research, explains: “Our study also suggests that engaging in a variety of arts activities may be helpful. This may be because each activity has different ‘ingredients’ that help health, such as physical, cognitive, emotional or social stimulation.” &nbsp;

Making reading easier if&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;become harder&nbsp;&nbsp;

Changes to vision, arthritis, or reduced hand strength can make reading less comfortable as we age.&nbsp;Luckily, there are&nbsp;some&nbsp;helpful aids available, including:&nbsp;

• Large-print books:&nbsp;Larger text and improved contrast can make it easier to see.&nbsp;

• Reading magnifiers:&nbsp;Magnifying lenses help make smaller text easier to read.&nbsp;

• E-readers or tablets:&nbsp;Turning&nbsp;the&nbsp;page&nbsp;requires&nbsp;just a single tap on the screen&nbsp;– ideal&nbsp;for&nbsp;limited dexterity in&nbsp;the&nbsp;hands.&nbsp;

• Reading lamps:&nbsp;Good lighting improves text visibility&nbsp;and reduces eye strain.&nbsp;&nbsp;

• Book stands:&nbsp;Holding books at a comfortable angle can reduce hand, wrist, or neck strain.  <a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/help-and-advice/health-and-wellbeing/benefits-of-a-book-stand-for-reading-in-bed" target="_blank">Discover more benefits in our blog post.</a>&nbsp;

Getting&nbsp;comfy&nbsp;with a book&nbsp;&nbsp;

There’s nothing like cosying up with&nbsp;a good book, but&nbsp;the furniture you sit in matters for&nbsp;those&nbsp;longer reading sessions.&nbsp;

Our adjustable beds make it easy to adjust the angle of your head and feet, letting you find the most comfortable position for reading&nbsp;– all at the touch of a button.&nbsp;<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/adjustable-beds" target="_blank">Discover more about adjustable beds here.</a>&nbsp;

FAQS about why reading is beneficial later in life&nbsp;

Does reading really help prevent dementia?&nbsp;

There is currently no way to prevent dementia entirely. However, studies have shown that reading can help lower the risk of cognitive decline and support brain health.&nbsp;

What can help if reading has become uncomfortable or tiring?&nbsp;

If reading has become uncomfortable or tiring, a book stand may help. Read our latest blog post to discover how it can take the hassle out of reading in bed.&nbsp;

Key benefits of reading include slowing memory decline, reducing stress, sharpening problem-solving, building social connections, and supporting cognitive health.&nbsp;

When you read more often,&nbsp;you’ll&nbsp;notice an improvement in long-term memory, increased focus, and lowered stress and anxiety levels.&nbsp;

Does reading help your brain as you age?&nbsp;

Reading is hugely beneficial as we age. It can help slow down cognitive decline, strengthen memory, and improve information processing.&nbsp;

Why is reading 20 minutes a day good for adults?&nbsp;

Even reading for 20 minutes a day can have a positive impact on your brain, mental health, physical health, and overall wellbeing.&nbsp;

Speak to us to explore ways to make reading more comfortable&nbsp;

Have any more questions?&nbsp;Don’t&nbsp;hesitate to contact our friendly customer service team on freephone 0808 258 0871 –&nbsp;we’re&nbsp;always on hand to help.&nbsp;

Our made-to-fit range of rise and recline chairs, adjustable beds, and bath lifts is&nbsp;designed to make everyday life more comfortable, helping you&nbsp;maintain&nbsp;your independence and feel supported at home.&nbsp;

<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/help-and-advice/health-and-wellbeing/benefits-of-a-book-stand-for-reading-in-bed" target="_blank">Benefits of a book stand for reading in bed</a>

<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/help-and-advice/travel-and-things-to-do/hobbies-that-can-be-done-from-your-sofa">6 hobbies you can do at home from your sofa</a>

<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/help-and-advice/health-and-wellbeing/how-to-help-someone-with-mobility-issues-1">How to help someone with mobility issues</a>

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Why is reading good for you as you age?

Ever reached up to a high shelf, or turned around a bit too quickly, and felt that little lurch - the one where your body catches itself just in time? It happens to almost everyone as the years go on, and it can be unsettling the first few times.

But balance isn't simply something you lose with age and have to accept. It's a system - and like most systems in the body, it responds to training. So we've pulled together what fall-prevention researchers and specialist physiotherapists recommend for improving balance as you age. Here’s how to better your balance from the comforts of home.

Why does balance get harder as we get older?

Balance relies on three things working together - your muscles, your vision, and your inner ear. This is called the vestibular system. However, as we age, all three can quietly change.

<a href="https://medicine.tufts.edu/news-events/news/exercise-can-help-decrease-fall-risk-elderly-people">Evan Papa</a>, a physical therapist and associate professor at Tufts University School of Medicine who has spent much of his career researching why older adults fall, points to muscle strength as one of the biggest factors. As he puts it, ageing naturally brings a loss of strength and flexibility, and this combination - weaker muscles and poorer balance - is one of the most common causes of falls.

Vision plays a bigger role than most people realise, too. According to <a href="https://evolveny.com/blogposts/balance-training-for-seniors">Lou Ezrick</a>, a physical therapist who specialises in balance training for older adults, vision supplies around 70% of the sensory information your brain uses to stay upright - and by age 70, most people have lost roughly 40% of the sensory hair cells in the inner ear system responsible for detecting movement and position.

Put those together, and it's easy to see why a slightly dim room or an uneven pavement can suddenly feel trickier to navigate than it used to.

None of this means balance is a lost cause - quite the opposite. It means there are several different angles to work on, not just one.

Does balance training actually make a difference?

Yes, it does. The evidence here is strong.

Papa cites a large-scale review of research involving almost 8,000 older adults, which found that balance and functional exercises reduced the rate of falls by 24%.&nbsp;

Tai Chi has shown similarly impressive results, with several combined studies pointing to a 20% reduction in the number of people who experience a fall.

It's also never too late to start working on your balance. Research reviewed by physiotherapy provider <a href="https://ivyrehab.com/health-resources/physical-therapy/balance-exercises-for-seniors/">Ivy Rehab</a> points to studies (Granacher et al., 2015) showing that consistent balance exercises improved gait, posture and stability - even in adults over 80.

Exercises for boosting balance worth trying at home

These are simple enough to build into everyday life, but do them near a sturdy chair, countertop or wall you can reach out to if needed - especially to begin with.

Standing balance basics. Start with feet shoulder-width apart, then bring them closer together and eventually try standing heel-to-toe (one foot directly in front of the other), holding onto support if you need it.

Single-leg stands. Lift one foot slightly off the ground and hold, working up gradually. Research summarised by <a href="https://www.hss.edu/health-library/move-better/balance-exercises">HSS</a> has found that older adults able to balance on one leg for 30 seconds are considerably less likely to experience a fall than those who can't - not a target to stress over, just a helpful sense of what ‘good’ looks like to work towards.

Tai Chi or gentle yoga-style poses. Given the results mentioned above, Tai Chi is one of the best-evidenced options out there. If a class isn't accessible, simple, slow poses like ‘mountain’ (standing tall, weight evenly distributed) or ‘tree’ (one foot resting against the opposite calf or ankle, holding support if needed) borrow the same principles. See more: <a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/help-and-advice/health-and-wellbeing/stay-active-chair-exercises-to-maintain-your-mobility">Chair exercises you can do at home to maintain mobility</a>.

Weight shifts and marches. Standing or seated, shift your weight gently from side to side, or lift your knees one at a time in a slow march. This builds the same coordination skills used in everyday walking, without needing to actually walk anywhere.

Strength work for the legs and core. Papa's own research has found that strength training can improve walking speed and reduce fall risk - so exercises like sit-to-stands from a chair pull double duty for balance and strength together.

As with any new exercise routine, it's worth checking with a GP or physiotherapist first. Particularly if you have any existing joint pain, dizziness or a health condition that affects movement.

Standing balance and walking balance aren't quite the same skill, so it's worth training both.&nbsp;

A few small adjustments can make a real difference. This can include:

It's also worth assessing your environment. Loose rugs, poor lighting, cluttered walkways, and trailing cables are cited by researchers as everyday hazards that quietly increase fall risk - often more than people realise until they're pointed out.

Read more: <a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/help-and-advice/health-and-wellbeing/an-occupational-therapist-s-guide-to-fall-prevention">An occupational therapist's guide to fall prevention</a>.

Your furniture is part of your balance training, too

Here's something that doesn't get talked about enough: a lot of ‘wobbly moments’ aren't really about balance at all - they're about furniture that fights against you. A chair that's too low or too soft forces you to rock and heave to get up, throwing your balance right at the moment you're least prepared for it. A bed that's difficult to get in and out of creates exactly the same problem, often at night, in the dark, when the risk of a stumble is highest.

Well-designed, supportive seating (like <a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/rise-and-recline-chairs">recliner armchairs</a>) and<a href="https://oaktreemobility.co.uk/adjustable-beds"> adjustable beds</a> don't replace balance training - but they remove some of the daily moments where your balance is put under unnecessary strain, which is exactly the kind of small, practical change that adds up over time.

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Everyone finds their balance less reliable now and then, but it's worth mentioning to your GP or asking for a referral to a physiotherapist if you notice:

Certain medications commonly prescribed to older adults - including sedatives and some blood pressure treatments - can also affect balance as a side effect, so it's always worth a medication review alongside anything else.

How can I improve my balance in old age without going to a gym?&nbsp;

Most of the exercises above - single-leg stands, weight shifts, tai chi-inspired poses - can be done safely at home near a sturdy chair or countertop, with no equipment needed.

How often should I be doing balance exercises?&nbsp;

Guidance from the World Health Organization, cited by <a href="https://www.hss.edu/health-library/move-better/balance-exercises">HSS</a>, recommends activities that challenge balance and mobility at least three days a week.

Is it too late to improve my balance if I'm already in my 80s?&nbsp;

Research suggests otherwise, as studies have found measurable improvements in gait, posture and stability even in adults over 80, so it's genuinely never too late to start.

What's the difference between balance and coordination exercises?&nbsp;

They overlap a great deal. Balance is about staying steady in one position or through a movement. Coordination is about your muscles and senses working together smoothly. Most of the exercises above train both at once.

Should I see a doctor before starting?&nbsp;

If you have joint pain, dizziness, a diagnosed health condition, or you've fallen recently, it's sensible to check with your GP or a physiotherapist first so any routine can be tailored safely to you.

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Wobblier than you used to be? Here's how to improve your balance in old age

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From an early age, Emma has always used her creativity to help others. From creating visual displays in St. Pilgrims Hospice charity shops during her Fine Art degree, to using social media to support sustainable initiatives, her focus has always been the same – to empower and uplift.

Her career has taken her through the worlds of fashion, skincare, and even speciality coffee, but the common thread throughout has always been helping people live happier lives.

Now working at Oak Tree Mobility as a Copywriter, Emma brings her passion for words and creative sensibility to help make a difference to those who need it most.

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