Profiling electric beds

Profiling electric beds are beds that rise up and down (so making it easier to get in and out, or easier for a carer to assist), and which also have powered movement, e.g. so that the user can sit up independently in bed. They are invaluable for boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and often for children and adults with other types of muscular dystrophy, or a related condition.

This page looks at why these beds are needed, and which models are most appropriate for people with a neuromuscular condition.

Contents:

• Detailed information about profiling beds
• Topics covered
• Justification for the need and provision of a profiling bed
• Assistance with funding
• Suppliers' contact details

Detailed information about profiling beds

For detailed information about profiling beds, please download this pdf: Beds (559 kb)

This can be used by the disabled person, their family or carers and by healthcare professionals to help choose the right bed.

(This information can also be found in chapter 8c 'Electric Beds' from the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign's Adaptations Manual, 2nd edition.)

Topics covered

The topics covered are:

• Why are electric beds needed?
• When is the right time to supply a bed?
• What features are needed & why?
• Can the bed turn the user over?
• How can a bed be assessed and who should attend the assessment?
• Does the bed comply with safety standards?
• What service & support is offered for breakdown & maintenance?
• Who should supply the funding & maintain the bed, specialist mattress & turning unit?
• Which models are the most appropriate for people with neuromuscular conditions?
• What are the specifications of the recommended beds?
  

Justification for the need and provision of a profiling bed

This information is an extract from the Word document shown below, and can be used to support the request for a powered profiling bed. Click here to download the document: Justification for profiling beds.doc (58 kb)

Individuals, families, occupational therapists or other professionals may use this information in any way they wish. Feel free to photocopy it to submit with requests for funding, quoting the source, if this may help, or to copy any part of the information into individual letters.



Height adjustable profiling bed with (optional) safety rails

Assistance with funding

Visit the Joseph Patrick Trust page to find out about assistance with funding for equipment.

The Joseph Patrick Trust

Suppliers' contact details

If you would like the contact details of any of the suppliers referred to in the article, please visit the link below.


Suppliers' details