I got my mom an inexpensive bed rail. It looks like a little ladder in an L shape. One side slides in between the box springs and mattress and the other part is about 16 inches wide and sticks up beside the bed like a grab rail. No tools, and can find at medical supply stores. It helped my mom tremendously after hip replacement.
Years ago, I read a tip to firm up the surface between the box spring and mattress. You may want to try placing plywood in between. The mattress would still have the same softness, but the edge of the bed would stay firm providing a more stable foundation to stand from bed. Makes sense. I do not know of anybody that has tried it. It may very well be one of those worthless pieces of information stored in my brain. Hopefully, those pieces of info will never become lost.;-)
My husband says fear of falling, freezing up immobile, and getting stuck are real concerns for people with Parkinsons. Teach your Mother to gently slide to the floor. Make friends with the floor, put a pillow, blanket, a cell phone, bottled water, and reading glasses and a good book on the floor nearest her bed. After she has rested, or become unfrozen, she can call for assistance. You are there for her right? She could have 3-4 people who she could call when this happens. She should not panic. Physical therapy can teach her ways to get up from the floor. I have answered this way because this may still happen to her even with grab bars. Make sure the floor is clean, and bless you and your Mother. Even though it is a rough road, take comfort that brave patients have episodes that are better, and can rally from even the most difficult times. I have seen it happen!
A bed railing is a great help in getting out of bed. After my husband died I even considered leaving it in place for me, but then decided to save it until I really need it and am not just feeling lazy. These are not intended to keep people from getting out of bed -- they are intended to provide a sturdy surface to pull on/rest on while getting out of bed. Once the person can swing her legs over the side and steady herself on holding the railing for a few seconds, falls are minimized.
The nursing home where my mom is uses a folding mat that looks like something used in a gym. They place it next to the bed once she is in for the night, just in case.
In your case it sounds like a firmer mattress might be a good investment.
Jeanne makes a good point: these rails are not to confine but offer a grab bar to help. I was considering anchoring a trapeze type thing from the ceiling for my mom until I saw this thing on line. Sometimes the smallest things can improve life so dramatically for elders.
I thought firmer was usually better for bad backs, but I am certainly no expert!
Have you considered asking her doctor to order an in-home physical therapy (or maybe it is occupational therapy) visit, to evaluate her bedroom situation, and perhaps any other home safety concerns you may have? Let a real expert look at the situation and make suggestions!
P.S. There may not be a perfect bed or railing. Just saying, we know someone who has changed beds, added assistive devices, rails, mini-stairs, then changed them. What about investing in a high tech hospital bed that raises and lowers? Has anyone found this helpful for a patient with Parkinson's? I guess we all could have anything we needed if we had the money.
SShe has had PT.My sister and I are both OT 's...So it is not like we have not tried or o.We have rails.We have adaptive equipment.She cannot sleep o. Firm mattress due to back (chronic) longterm pain.I just thought maybe someone put there had an idea or something we missed.She has hospital bed but won't use it...once again matress too soft.Thanks for all rhe replies.She is 91 years old and wants to stay home.Had aides that come in during the day.Guess it is about time to move her.
Robbieraye- there are lots of options that could help. With Parkinsons getting in/out of bed and repositioning issues are huge problems. Many people think "getting a hospital bed" is the solution but that does very little to help with transfer issues. It falls back to a caregiver to help (often a lightweight spouse getting up many times a night) and an injury to the caregiver causes everything to fall apart. Paying help 24/7 (expensive) or leaving home (also expensive) are two unpopular options. Every situation is different but there are assistive devices available that would address the particular problems that are occurring. This is my area of expertise- I would be glad to offer suggestions if you contact me and let me know a bit more information.
Make sure the floor is clean, and bless you and your Mother. Even though it is a rough road, take comfort that brave patients have episodes that are better, and can rally from even the most difficult times. I have seen it happen!
The nursing home where my mom is uses a folding mat that looks like something used in a gym. They place it next to the bed once she is in for the night, just in case.
In your case it sounds like a firmer mattress might be a good investment.
Have you considered asking her doctor to order an in-home physical therapy (or maybe it is occupational therapy) visit, to evaluate her bedroom situation, and perhaps any other home safety concerns you may have? Let a real expert look at the situation and make suggestions!
Has anyone found this helpful for a patient with Parkinson's? I guess we all could have anything we needed if we had the money.
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