Choosing a Bed for Seniors: 3 Things to Keep in Mind
For many seniors, their golden years bring with them leisurely days and peaceful nights. Yet, as the body ages, simply getting in and out of bed can become a chore. That’s why you should bear the following three things in mind when choosing a bed for a senior.
Support Level
According to the National Sleep Foundation, sleeping patterns change significantly as we get older. So, when seniors mention their inability to sleep, the issue is often cast aside as part of the aging process. However, a saggy mattress may be a contributing factor to a loved one’s lack of sleep. A droopy bed cannot support the body properly. As a result, seniors may experience insomnia, aches, and pains. Try rotating the mattress 180 degrees every six months, purchasing a latex topper or buying a hybrid mattress for added support.
Height
Consider the elevation of the bed’s frame, the depth of the box springs and the loftiness of the mattress. When a person sits up on the bed, his or her feet should touch the floor. Otherwise, it’s hard to shift the weight forward to stand. The bed’s height should match a dining chair seat. If the bed is for a wheelchair-bound senior, it’s important to make sure the height of the bed is no greater than the height of the wheelchair. To facilitate accessibility, measure the bed from the floor to the top of the mattress. Alternatively, you can have the person sit on the edge of the bed to make sure the hips and knees align while the feet remain flat on the floor. If the bed is too high, you can remove the wheels from the frame. Other options include buying a lower bed frame, purchasing less bulky box springs or replacing the mattress to reduce the overall height.
Transfers
Seniors who require assistance may benefit from the use of a hospital bed that lifts and lowers for an easy transfer. In addition, bed rails can offer stability. They prevent a person from rolling out of bed and provide something solid to grab onto when getting in or standing up. Check for gaps between the mattress and rails, and cover the openings to avoid entrapment risks.
Seniors need and deserve a good night’s rest, and a good bed can help resolve many of their sleeping challenges. Just remember to consider the support level, height and transfer capabilities to give them the best chance of sleeping peacefully through the night.
Difficult Conversations to Have With Elderly Loved Ones and How to Have Them
It’s not easy watching the seniors in your life get older. The parents and grandparents who took care of you through thick and thin are aging, and with each passing year, they need more assistance to get by. This role reversal can be tough to handle for independent-minded older adults, and that sets the stage for challenging, but necessary, conversations. Here’s how to approach them.
Needing Extra Help
Today’s elderly grew up in a time when self-sufficiency was expected. No older adult wants to feel less than fully capable. In most cases, the senior you’re concerned about has already noticed they need a helping hand, but they’re reluctant to ask. Chances are, they’ll feel relieved when you raise the subject. The best way to bring it up, however, is not by pointing out what isn’t getting done around the house. Instead, discuss how accepting aid can enhance their life by giving them more time to do what they enjoy. Suggest simple steps such as arranging for grocery delivery or lawn care. When they see the benefits of getting help, they often become receptive to accepting more.
It’s Time to Stop Driving
Losing the privilege to drive is a common concern among seniors. It means they can’t come and go as they please. They are becoming reliant on others and that isn’t easy for them. It can be scary when driving capacity becomes compromised due to aging, despite taking additional safety precautions. But when there have been too many near misses, it’s time to consider an alternative. Emphasizing the positives is the best way to approach this conversation. Point out the financial and time-saving benefits of not owning a car and have a transportation plan ready to present. Answering as many what-ifs as possible takes some of the stress out of giving up the keys.
Advance Directives
All seniors eventually have to make end-of-life decisions, so filling out an advance directive or living will forms that describe preferences for care is vital. Without an advance directive, there’s no guarantee your loved one’s final wishes will be respected. Make the discussion easier by focusing exclusively on your special senior’s needs versus your ease as a caregiver.
Aging brings changes that require delicate conversations. By keeping the lines of communication on tough topics open, you can help your special seniors remain independent longer. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Please review our homecare offerings and contact us today if you feel a loved one can benefit from our services.
