Patricia discovers easier living after a stroke with new Orbit Rotating Bed from Theraposture

Getting in and out of bed independently had become increasingly painful due to her condition, with the risk of a fall growing. Pat’s Occupational Therapist from the local county council assessed and recognised her struggles during a home visit and recommended she tried a rotating bed.

Two suppliers were suggested however the Orbit 235 Bed from Theraposture was deemed, by all involved, as the far superior option to choose.

Before retirement, Pat worked as a Clerical Officer for the Civil Service in London, Paris and the Ivory Coast and for NatWest bank in London. As a cleric at UK embassies, she was responsible for encryption and decryption of secure international communications – she ‘thrived in this role’ as she says.

Unfortunately two years ago Pat had a stroke which resulted in mobility challenges and health complications. Despite these difficulties, she still lives independently with the assistance of carers. Sleep and accessing a bed were two of her major problems, exacerbated by the need for a replacement hip. The local authority provided Pat with a basic profiling ‘hospital style’ bed however it was uncomfortable and did not rotate or sit her up. Pat desperately needed a solution – the Orbit 235 was the answer.

Pat begins her story: “My Occupational Therapist (OT) said I needed an assistive bed as I was struggling to get in and out of bed, not helped by Osteoarthritis and Oedema in one leg. My swollen leg and foot are too heavy to lift so I was using a leg lifting strap which did not work. I would hook my foot, but it was like my legs were joined by elastic as the other one would try and come with it which made it impossible. I was given a basic medical bed. The OT realised that an adjustable bed was needed.”

“The Orbit is far superior to any other assistive bed I’ve tried”

“I was recommended two companies who provided adjustable beds, but the first company could not offer what I needed, as their bed was too short for me. However, the Orbit from Theraposture could be set to different lengths and was a motorised rotating bed. The fact that it can be geared up to suit someone as tall as 6′ 2″ or as short as 4’10” is brilliant.”

“When I tried an Orbit, I could see that it was far superior to the other bed, and could be set up to suit me, including a 60-degree seat position to help me manage with my walking frame – it is so clever and adaptable, and it worked, getting me in and out of bed. My OT came when the Trusted Assessor from Theraposture did his home assessment and we agreed that the Orbit 235 was so much better than other bed we tried. My OT and the trainee OT with her, both could tell by the look on my face that the Orbit was the one for me. They also said during the trial that the Orbit would be ideal for several of their other clients.”

“To get the bed funded by my local authority, the OT had to go back and discuss the bed with a panel and her boss to get approval. Funding was agreed in February and the bed was installed by Theraposture in March. I am so fortunate and really appreciate the help I’ve been given, it’s amazing.”

“My Orbit has made such a massive difference to my life. Before Christmas, I was sleeping in my rise and recliner chair as it was too painful and unsafe to try and get in and out of bed. If I did manage to get in the hospital type bed, I was rigid and uncomfortable, I couldn’t move my position. It was terrible and I just couldn’t sleep. So, I would end up getting up to use the loo in the night and going back to my chair. Sleeping and living in the same room all the time is not healthy and so I was really struggling, my OT recognised that.”

“I can now get in and of bed with just one button”

“My new Orbit Bed has been really, comfortable right from the first night I had it. I thought I might panic and be overwhelmed with its controls, but I wasn’t. I settled into it quickly and can electrically adjust my position at night without having to lift myself. Sometimes I sleep through the night without waking up which I never did before – what a relief.”

“Another feature that has made a huge difference is that the Orbit can rotate to 60-degrees to make it easier to get into bed. It can also go to the 90-degree position like other rotating beds, but I’d struggle with access as I have other furniture in the way plus it aims me in the direction of the door – now it is so much easier to get to bed with my frame.”

“Theraposture service has been just as good, and I have built up a rapport with them. Tom has been so friendly on the phone, he’s listened carefully, explained things thoroughly and has a sense of humour so I have expressed what I needed easily. I had a good time with the guys from the factory who came to install the bed for the trial.”

“Trying the rising foot section was brilliant. I was shown how I could get in and of bed with one button. I can now sleep with my feet up without inflatable boxes or cushions getting in the way or falling on the floor when I get out. I’ve got everyone who comes round to try the Orbit for themselves; they’ve all been so impressed.”

Pat concludes by recommending the Orbit to everyone who has experienced a stroke and wants to remain independent at home. She finishes by saying:

“I’ve said to my carer and OT, if anyone is in a similar situation to me, to recommend this bed to them. I am incredibly lucky to have had this funded by Oxfordshire County Council, not the NHS. I’m also a realist and could end up having another stroke and so don’t know what the future holds, but for now this bed keeps me in my home. I know if I do have to move to a care home, they will reissue it to someone else who needs it which gives me peace of mind that this fantastic bed will continue to make a huge difference to a person’s life.”