Have you ever thought about beds in the context of mental health ? People who are confined to bed due to age, mobility issues or injury will often experience a sense of helplessness. This can lead to depression, because people have lost their autonomy or because their social interactions are limited. People may stop asking family members or carers for assistance out of a sense of shame. This can lead to issues such as not asking for assistance for toileting in time, leading to incontinence and a further sense of shame.
When eating or drinking in bed it is important to be in a raised position, as gravity is a part of the swallowing process. Eating or drinking in a flat position can lead to choking or asphyxiation. As well as the physical risk associated with this, it can cause people to panic, and they may refuse food as a result.
Being restricted to a single position can also lead to physical weakness, constipation, and pressure sores, which again will reduce a person’s mental wellbeing.
The ability for a person to use the functions of an electric bed gives back a sense of independence, and control over their body. Besing able to sit up in bed to talk with people rather than communicating from a lying position also helps create a sense of equality. In summary, it is important to address the emotional and mental health needs of the patient as well as the physical.
