What are Different Lift Chair Types for sale in today’s exciting market?

Since lift chair recliners first went on sale in the 1980s, these helpful mobility aids have come a long way. With many evolving features and positioning options, today’s lift chair tries to strike the perfect balance between comfort and style. So what are some different lift recliner options to explore- and which features are most important for consumers in these lift chair types? Lets start with positioning options.

What positions do Lift Chairs come in?

Earlier medical lift chair models used to come in two options – two position lift chairs and three position lift chairs. The difference between two-position and three position lift chair types is in the recline. Both devices will give you the same ability to gradually help you to a standing position. However… here are the main differences between the two.

Two-position Lift Chair

A 2-position lift chair will take you to a reading position. Meaning that when you push back, your chair will go to a slightly reclined back position. These chairs were generally favored for tight spaces – however, their comfort features were very limited and nowadays, very few reputable manufacturers make these lift chair types. One important exception are some chairs is Extra Large models. Because if their elevated weight capacity, certain models are only available in two positions.

Three-Position Lift Chair

Up until a few years ago, the 3-position lift chair was the most popular option. These lift chair types, just like the 2-position option, only feature one motor. However, they have a more generous back incline angle. It takes you to a “napping position” – meaning that as the leg-rest comes up and the back begins to lower, it will take you to a semi reclined position – perfect for watching TV, reading or napping. It does not however, go all the way back.

Three-position lift chair types, just like two-position chairs, feature backrests and leg-rests that work in tandem with each other. These models are popular for individuals living with Alzheimer’s, dementia or other forms of cognitive decline as the control features only two buttons.

3-Position Lift Chair Types by Golden Technologies — 3-Position Lift Chair by Golden Technologies

Infinite Position Lift Chairs

These lift chair types have become the most popular option for buyers in recent years. They have leg rests and backrests that work independently. This means that if you want to watch TV with the back of your chair fully upright and your legs up in a horizontal position, you can do so with no problem. In addition, these versatile power lift chairs for elderly patients go to a “sleeping” position. This means that the backrest of the chair goes to an almost 180-degree recline. The hand pendants on these lift chair types are more complex as they feature an up and down arrow as well as independent controls for the backrest and leg-rests.

Pride VivaLift Atlas Infinite Position Chair

Zero Gravity and Trendelenburg Lift Chairs

Just like with infinite position chairs, these lift chair types raise and lower the back and legs independently. However, they feature the added ability to raise the legs of the chair higher than the torso of the person. In order to achieve this positioning, the frame of zero gravity lift chairs tilts back just slightly. This position is ideal for individuals who suffer from back pain or live with heart and respiratory conditions.

Ultra Lift Chair with Trendelenburg and Zero Gravity Position by Pride Mobility — PLR 4955 Ultra Lift Chair by Pride Mobility with Trendelenburg Position & Heating

Other Lift Chair Features To Consider

Beyond the positioning, modern lift chairs to enhance the comfort of the user’s experience. Many models like Pride’s Vivalift Lift Chairs include headrest control as well as lumbar support controls. Many models bring wireless chargers as well as convenient cup holders. Other lift chairs include heat functions to ease tension on tired muscles while others also include a massage function for a added relaxation.

We hope this guide was useful. Next up, you should evaluate your needs – both in terms of comfort, mobility and style. You can proceed to see how they stack against the many options we presented on this guide to find out which Lift Chair will be best for you.

How to Buy the Right Hospital Bed Rails – Caregivers Guide

Hospital bed rails are a crucial safety feature for elderly and disabled individuals in Canada. They provide vital support and stability for people who have a hard time getting in and out of bed or who are at risk of falling. There are many different types of bed rails available in the market. Each bed has unique features and benefits.

Types of Rails for Hospital Beds

Half-Length Bed Rails

Half length hospital bed rails bed rails are the most popular type of hospital bed rail. They extend only half the length of the bed. Half rails are typically used to provide support for sitting up or getting in and out of bed. They also assist in providing a barrier for patients to avoid falling of their beds during sleep time. These half rails for hospital bed are useful for patients who have difficulty with mobility but still want to get in and out of bed without help from caregivers.

Full-Length Bed Rails

Full length side rails for hospital bed are another common type of rail. They extend the full length of the hospital bed. The biggest reason why caregivers will opt for long rails versus half rails will be to prevent patients from falling out. These rails are especially important for patients who experience cognitive decline. Individuals with Alzheimer’s or any type of dementia may try to exit their bed unsafely.

A set of long rails – as long as they are deemed safe for the patient – will create a deterring barrier for that individual. Long rails also prevent a person from rolling out of bed if they become agitated during sleep. Full length hospital bed rails should always be used under the supervision of a knowledgeable caregiver.

Flip Up Half Bed Rails

Another useful kind of half-rails is the flip-up bed rail. Typical half-bed rails that can only go up and down. In contrast, flip-up rails can go from a horizontal, fixed position to a vertical, cane-like position. These types of rails offer the best of both worlds as they can be used in their horizontal position for protection during sleep. Plus, when in their vertical position, they function as a cane that helps the individual independently get in and out of bed.

Trapeze Bars

Trapeze bars are overhead bars that can be used to assist patients in changing positions or getting in and out of bed. These bars are attached to the head of the bed or are provided in free-standing models. They provide one stable point for patients to pull themselves up and out of bed. They are especially useful for those with limited upper body strength.

Bed Canes

Bed Canes are attached to a hospital bed to help patients to get in and out with extra support. Some models that can attach to regular beds, too. Bed Canes usually consist of a narrow tube with a sturdy, ergonomic handle at the top. Patients can hold on to the handle to enter and exit their beds independently. They can also re-adjust positioning during rest time.

Half Hospital Bed Rails — Half-Rails for Hospital Bed

full rails — Half-Rails for Hospital Bed

Important questions to ask about Hospital Bed Rail Options

In addition to providing support and stability for patients, bed rails for hospital beds also offer peace of mind for caregivers and family members alike. Knowing that a loved one is safe in bed can take a lot of worry and stress away from the caregiving experience.

It is of utmost importance to remember that rails in hospital beds are designed to maintain the safety of a patient. As such, they should only be used under the guidance of an informed caregiver. If the patient lives in a retirement community or long term facility, caregivers must ask additional questions. They must first check with the administration about any applicable requirements or regulations in regards to bed rails.

The Bottom Line on Hospital Bed Rails

All in all, bed rails for hospital beds are a convenient safety feature for disabled and elderly patients across Canada. Individuals at risk of falls or having difficulty getting in and out of bed can benefit from their use. To access one of Canada’s largest selections of hospital beds and hospital bed rail options, visit Vital Mobility today. Vital Mobility is country’s largest independent provider of hospital beds for home. It is staffed by mobility experts who can help you decide which hospital bed rail may be right for you.

Hospital Beds for Dementia Patients: 3 Quick Tips To Help You Choose

Hospital beds for Dementia and Alzheimer’s patients have a unique set of needs. The unpredictability of those conditions makes it challenging to foresee the features caregivers will need. Ensuring the patient’s and caregiver’s safety is most important. So, how you choose hospital beds that match those needs?

People living with advanced dementia may exhibit overactive behaviour, which may jeopardize their safety. Falls and accidents can take place quickly and unpredictably. On the other hand, other individuals may show very little movement and activity, possibly leading to the development of pressure issues on the skin.

What we do know, is that most patients living with memory loss will benefit from being cared for in a home setting. Familiarity creates a sense of security in an otherwise confusing world.

This handy guide will provide you with three tips to do just that. It will help you decide on a hospital bed for dementia or Alzheimer’s patients. This information will help you make an informed, educated decision as you conduct your research on how to choose the right Hospital bed for them.

1. Choose a “Low” Hospital Bed

Regular home hospital beds have a minimum height of approximately 14 inches. Add five inches for a therapeutic mattress and the patient will be positioned at a minimum of 19″ from the floor. That is at the lowest point. On the other hand, Low Hospital Beds have the ability to be lowered to 7-9 inches from the ground.

Dementia patients tend to experience their most challenging times during the sunset and nighttime hours. With a lower sleeping surface, even if the caregiver dozes off, the patient will be too low to experience a damaging fall. Low hospital beds can prevent falls that lead to hip fractures, concussions and more. In addition, even if the person tries to correctly get up from bed, it will be very challenging for them to do so from such a low height.

VitalFlex Low Homecare Hospital Beds for Dementia — A bed like the VitalFlex Low homecare bed will go as low as 8.5″ from the ground

2. Choose a Hospital Bed with Profiling Options

Dementia patients can become uneasy during their most challenging times. They experience both psychological and physical discomfort that is hard to address on a regular bed. A home hospital bed, particularly if it has a Profiling function, will make it easy for the caregiver to quickly reposition the patient. This convenient function is able to gradually raise and lower the backrest and leg-rests of the bed at the same time. It helps the patient find a more comfortable position and continue to adapt to their needs.

3. Add a Low Air Loss Mattress for Hospital Beds for Dementia Patients in Advanced Stage

As dementia progresses, so does the inability for the patient to move around independently. This leads to extended time spent on the bed without much mobility. When a person becomes mostly bed-ridden, pressure sores and ulcers on the skin become a big concern. Moisture builds up between the body and the mattress, beginning to break down otherwise heathy skin.

Substituting a foam or gel pressure prevention mattress with a Low Air Loss Mattress can help address those pressure sores. It will also prevent the development of new ones. Their self-regulating air bladders will inflate and deflate at different time intervals to keep the patient’s skin dynamic. In addition, a thin layer of air will escape the top layer of the air mattress to keep the patient’s skin dry and healthy. It will also help heal existing pressure wounds.

Serene Air Mattress Beauty — The True-Air Serene Air Pressure

Decreasing the risk of falls, keeping the patient comfortable and making sure that their skin stays healthy are key ways of helping dementia patients, and their caregivers. Vital Mobility Medical Supplies offers a variety of hospital bed and air mattress options to help you address those needs.

Hospital beds are a crucial piece of medical equipment for keeping both the patient caregiver healthy. The home health care pros at Vital Mobility can help you learn about the different types of beds available to make sure that decision is right.

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Types of Hospital Beds: Which kind is right for you?

Choosing the right hospital bed for your loved one can be a long and stressful process. At Vital Mobility, we understand that with so many options in the market, finding the right home hospital bed can be overwhelming.

List of Most Common Hospital Bed Types

Manual Hospital Beds
Semi-Electric Hospital Beds
Electric Hospital Beds
Adjustable Hospital Beds
Specialty Hospital Beds

Below we are going to breakdown those options so that you can find the best hospital bed for sale to meet your needs.

1. Manual Hospital Beds

These are great if you are on a tight budget but you need a fully functional bed to put in your home. While they are cheaper, you have to be sure that the person that will use the bed is physically able to manipulate it. Normally the bed will have to be manually cranked in order to adjust the bed to the desired positions. These beds have fallen out of favour in recent years. Instead, semi-electric and fully electric home hospital beds have significantly risen in popularity. They have also become much more affordable..

2. Semi-Electric Hospital Beds

Semi-electric medical beds are a great option if the person using the hospital bed doesn’t have the physical ability to use a manual hospital bed – but you are still working with a tight budget. These beds are cheaper than fully electric beds; yet offer comfort and support to users. The part of the bed that is slept on – including back and leg adjustment – is electric. However, the height of the bed has to be adjusted manually – a function that is usually handled by the caregiver.

3. Electrical Hospital Beds

Electrical hospital beds are nowadays the main-stream option for individuals looking to purchase a home hospital bed. They offer the best level of support, convenience and comfort for the user. Because every element of the bed’s functioning is motorized, its everyday operation requires little to no effort from caregivers and patients. Functions such as raising and lowering the bed as well as adjusting the bed’s backrest and leg rest are all the touch of a button. Most electric home hospital beds come equipped with a wired remote control that’s easy to use. A few, upscale hospital beds are equipped with wireless remote controls which are often times hard to locate by the user.

4. Adjustable Hospital Beds

harmony electric adjustable home care beds 1

Adjustable Hospital Beds come in a wide variety of options. They are beds that are designed to look like normal beds but include the functions of a home hospital bed. These beds come in a variety of sizes – all the way from twin to king. To furnish a room with a hospital bed as a permanent feature and want aesthetic value, adjustable hospital beds are the way to go.

5. Specialty Hospital Beds

Specialty hospital beds are upscale hospital beds with features that most closely resemble the beds you will see in a hospital. They feature plastic railings, advanced positioning options, staff-embedded controls and whisper-quiet operation. These hospital beds bring the latest technological advances to the homecare setting. If you are looking to purchase a specially hospital bed, you will be paying more than a standard electric hospital bed. However, you will get what you pay for: an upgraded level of features and quality.

Even with this information, finding a hospital bed for sale that meets your needs can be tough. Vital Mobility has put a lot of time and energy into making sure that we have options that fit both your needs and your wallet. If you have any other questions or still need help picking out the right hospital bed, give us a call today. It would be our pleasure to help you.

What’s the Difference Between Lift Chairs and Recliners out there?

If you have been wondering what the difference between medical lift chairs and recliners from furniture store is, you arrived at the right place. At a point in their lives, many individuals find it increasingly hard to get in or out of their lounging chairs or sofas. At that time, the question of whether they will need a device to assist them in doing so often comes up.

As our population ages, the demand for such loungers and recliners continues to increase. Naturally, now both medically-focused and non-medical companies have stakes in this industry. So should you go with a lift chair from a home health care products company? Or should you stick to a recliner from a furniture store? Below are some key differences to help you understand how the two are different – and, which is right for you.

Do a medical lift chair and a recliner move the same way?

Even thought both terms are sometimes used interchangeably, lift chairs and recliners are not the same device. Most recliners from furniture stores have one purpose: to help you lounge comfortably. They feature a manually-operated lever that takes the chair from a seating to a lounging position with one move – the back goes back and the leg-rest comes up to help you watch TV, read a book or nap in comfort. Later models offer electronic operation of these features, too. Some recliners are equipped with massage features.

Medical lift chairs, in contrast, move with a hand pendant. They too, feature the ability to lower and raise the backrest and leg-rest. However, lift recliners, have the crucial task of helping the person stand up and sit down. At the touch of a button, your lift chair will slowly raise and tilt forward to help you out of the chair. This stand-out feature is what puts the “lift” in the “lift chair”.

Are lift chairs and recliners medical devices?

Whereas lift chairs manufactured by healthcare companies are classified as medical devices, furniture recliners are not. What does this mean for the consumer?

If you are purchasing a medical lift chair from Pride Mobility or Golden Technologies for example, that purchase will qualify for a tax exemption. This means that with a note from a doctor, occupational therapist or physiotherapist, you will not pay tax when you buy your device. Given that a quality medical lift chair in Canada costs an average of $2000, this can represent significant savings for the patient.

A furniture recliner on the other hand, does not serve a medical purpose. Therefore, they are taxed the same as a sofa, table or bed.

How are Lift Chairs and Recliners upholstered?

Upholstery is another key difference between medical lift chairs and standard recliners. Medical lift chairs are made to last. Manufacturers know that a person requiring such device will likely spend many hours lounging on their lift chair. Whether they need it for reading or watching TV or sleeping during the day or night, individuals subject lift chairs to heavy use.

That is the reason why lift chairs are upholstered in heavy duty materials. From cozy and easy to clean chenille fabrics to beautiful faux leather, these durable fabrics guarantee years of enjoyment.

On the other hand, the upholstery of recliners is often real leather. This material is not ideal for use with lift chairs as it is slippery and can easily crack under heavy usage.

So, should you buy a recliner or a lift chair?

To decide the best course of action, you should think ahead – a few months, or even a few years. What do you anticipate your mobility to be like? If you already have a hard time getting in and out of your couch, a lift chair could be a game-changer. If sitting and standing is slowly becoming more challenging, a lift chair will grow with you. Their excellent comfort positions and available headrest and lumbar control may be all you presently need. But given their 7-year warranties, they may be a worthy investment as the lifting may become useful in the future. If your mobility will sustain you getting up and down unassisted, then a furniture recliner will likely suffice.

We hope this guide helps you decide which device is right for you. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us.