Using a Bedstick safely:
A bed stick or pole is a metal rail that provides support for people lying down. They may like to use it to roll over, sit up, or to get in and out of bed. It is usually placed Under the mattress and protrudes upwards, extending above the mattress level.
CAUTION:
Bedsticks are NOT appropriate for use if the person has:
Instructions: Always seek an Occupational Therapist for assistance and advice Before you use the bedstick for the first time. She will teach you the correct use and alert you to any pitfalls.
BEFORE each use, ensure that the bedstick is fitted firmly between the base and the mattress and that there are no gaps between the upright part of the bedstick and the mattress. Remember, bedsticks should not be used unless a person's weight is on the mattress, lying or sitting in bed.
Stand with the back of your legs touching your bed. Hold onto the bedstick as support to lower yourself onto the bed.
Hold the bedstick as support to swing your legs onto the bed.
Hold the bedstick as support to swing your legs onto the ground.
Ensure you have your balance while you hold onto the bedstick to push yourself up into a standing position.
Questions?
Contact your Occupational Therapist or have a chat to Life Tec. They offer free and unbiased specialist information, advice and support from health professionals to maximise your independence and safety.
Contact details: Life Tec, Level One, Reading Newmarket Cnr Newmarket and Enoggera Rds, Newmarket Qld 4051
Phone (07) 3552 9000
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.lifetec.org.au
A bed stick or pole is a metal rail that provides support for people lying down. They may like to use it to roll over, sit up, or to get in and out of bed. It is usually placed Under the mattress and protrudes upwards, extending above the mattress level.
CAUTION:
- Never use bedsticks with an overlay, air mattress, waterbed or a slatted/wire bed base. They are not solid enough tohold the bedstick in place.. Do not use it on an unstable bed wither.
- Bedsticks should not be used as a guard or restraint to prevent falls from bed. For this, you look to a hospital bed with safety railings. Ask your Occupational Therapist for advice.
Bedsticks are NOT appropriate for use if the person has:
- disorientation
- reduced alertness eg. from sedatives
- had recent shoulder, stomach or open heart surgery
- a risk of shoulder trauma
- had a history of falls from the bed
- involuntary movements eg Epilepsy/Huntington's Disease
- cognitive/perceptual impairment
Instructions: Always seek an Occupational Therapist for assistance and advice Before you use the bedstick for the first time. She will teach you the correct use and alert you to any pitfalls.
BEFORE each use, ensure that the bedstick is fitted firmly between the base and the mattress and that there are no gaps between the upright part of the bedstick and the mattress. Remember, bedsticks should not be used unless a person's weight is on the mattress, lying or sitting in bed.
- Sitting down:
Stand with the back of your legs touching your bed. Hold onto the bedstick as support to lower yourself onto the bed.
- Getting into Bed:
Hold the bedstick as support to swing your legs onto the bed.
- Getting out of Bed:
Hold the bedstick as support to swing your legs onto the ground.
- Standing up:
Ensure you have your balance while you hold onto the bedstick to push yourself up into a standing position.
Questions?
Contact your Occupational Therapist or have a chat to Life Tec. They offer free and unbiased specialist information, advice and support from health professionals to maximise your independence and safety.
Contact details: Life Tec, Level One, Reading Newmarket Cnr Newmarket and Enoggera Rds, Newmarket Qld 4051
Phone (07) 3552 9000
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.lifetec.org.au