There are numerous advantages to using a profiling bed over a standard bed in care homes.
These advantages aren’t limited to the user; there are other ways in which profile care beds can benefit caregivers.
Written by experts at the Wippet healthcare marketplace, we’ll showcase how care homes can use profiling beds to improve the quality of life of their residents.
What is a profiling bed?
A profiling bed is a section-adjustable bed that enables caregivers to quickly elevate or lower particular areas of the mattress to improve the user’s comfort.
Raising merely the head, for example, keeps the user upright and allows them to engage in activities such as socialising and eating.
Raising only one foot promotes blood circulation, cleaning, and turning the user to ensure correct pressure control.
Profiling care beds are used in nursing homes, the nursing care business, and private homes. They strike the ideal balance between the user’s comfort and the practicality of their medical condition.
They are usually marketed in pairs, as singles, with or without specific profile mattresses, and are available in two configurations: manual and electric.
What types of profiling beds are there?
Before choosing the ideal section profiling beds for your residents, you must first understand the many available beds.
Manual beds
A manual profiling bed can move up to four portions of the bed independently to keep the user in the proper posture.
These bed pieces must be moved manually by the caregiver, who frequently employs locks and levers to move them into the proper positions.
Pros of manual profiling beds:
- Cheaper than electric
- Take up less space
- Can feel more homely
- Don’t need to be near a source of power
Cons of manual profiling beds:
- Not as easy or quick to set up
- Don’t give the resident such a great experience
- Can provide the patient less dignity
The Elite profiling bed is an excellent example of a manual style profiling bed. Its design is suitable for dementia residents with rounded head and foot ends and a visible contrasting edge on each end. In addition, the bed features vinyl wrapped ends to provide a water and odour proof cleanable surface.
Electric beds
On the other hand, an electric profiling bed has all the same parts as a manual profiling bed, but they are electrically controlled.
The caregiver can adjust the bed to the correct position by pressing a button on a remote or control panel attached to the bed.
Pros of manual profiling beds:
- Much easier to use than manual beds
- Reduces risk of injury to the bed occupant and carer
- Particularly easy to use for carers who lack strength
- More dignified for the resident
- Allows the carer to tweak the exact positioning of each section
Cons of manual profiling beds:
- More expensive than manual beds
- May feel less homely
- Need to be near a source of power
A great example of an electric bed is the Hanley Accent 4 section. This bed features four independently configurable electric sections so you can easily find a comfortable position for the user. In addition, the bed comes complete with a two-year manufacturer warranty.
The sizes of profiling beds
Profiling beds, like regular beds, come in various sizes ranging from single to king, so be sure you know what size you need before you buy.
Single beds
Because most care home residents sleep in a single bed, this is the most frequent profile bed you’ll need to purchase.
Double beds
On the other hand, couples entering care together is becoming more common. And if this is the case, providing them with the choice of sleeping together in a double profiling bed could make them considerably happier.
If you choose a double profiling bed, make sure it is appropriate for both tenants’ long-term prospects.
Some double profiling beds are constructed so that users sleep in a different position, but others are built so they always sleep in the same position. The latter is inappropriate for couples with various problems requiring distinct sleeping positions.
Guest accommodation profiling beds
It’s becoming more normal for care homes to reserve a bedroom for guests to stay in when visiting family members.
If you’re in charge of furnishing this room, the ideal option is a double profiling bed, accommodating the broadest range of people.
Such consideration for making it as simple as possible for family members to visit will make your residents feel even more at ease in your care.
Where to purchase a profiling bed
The Wippet healthcare marketplace has a large selection of profile beds for nursing homes constructed to industry standards.
Shop our profiling beds in our furniture and furnishings selection, or browse our more extensive items for care facilities, such as medical or housekeeping supplies.
