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How Can Hospital Beds Help Someone With Cerebral Palsy?
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Cerebral palsy is the name given to several nervous system disorders, all of which cause muscle coordination and movement issues. Advances in treatment and management have let individuals with this condition live nearly the same length as the general population. However, as they age, they often need equipment to meet their changing needs. How Can Hospital Beds Help Someone With Cerebral Palsy?
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All of our articles are written by a professional medical writer and edited for accuracy by a hospital bed expert. SonderCare is a Hospital Bed company with locations across the U.S. and Canada. We distribute, install and service our certified home hospital beds across North America. Our staff is made up of several hospital bed experts that have worked in the medical equipment industry for more than 20 years. Read more about our company here.
Despite the recent increases in quality of life for people with cerebral palsy, they still face challenges that those without the disorder wouldn’t have to manage. The condition puts a lot of strain on muscles, bones, and joints, leading to issues associated with premature aging; as these body parts wear down, the person will need assistance with many aspects of life.
Symptoms often develop early in a child’s life; adults do not develop this condition. But as the person with cerebral palsy grows up, the constant strain on their body leads to new health and mobility challenges. Some people with cerebral palsy may require mobility aids such as walker rollators or wheelchairs; others may lose their ability to walk altogether. Other signs include increased pain, stiff muscles, and problems with the heart or lungs. The overuse of joints like those in the knees, ankles, hips, and arms can lead to osteoarthritis, also called degenerative arthritis.
One affected aspect of daily living is getting in and out of bed. Reports show that, when performing everyday tasks, people with cerebral palsy use three to five times more energy than those without the disorder. It can lead to a common condition known as “post-impairment syndrome,” which occurs when a person repeatedly maxes out their energy. All this can make rising from bed very challenging.
A hospital bed with high-low elevation and assist rails can help someone with cerebral palsy save their energy and make getting out of bed easier on the body.
Many of the advanced mental and physical impairments that come with the premature aging of muscles, bones, and joints lead some to think that the symptoms of cerebral palsy worsen over time. However, the condition is non-progressive, meaning the symptoms will remain the same throughout that person’s life. Rather, the symptoms slowly compromise the body’s ability to move and work as it should; this can feel like the condition is worsening.
Most patients experience stiff muscles, exaggerated reflexes, and abnormal movements when walking or trying to move. Cerebral palsy can affect the entire body, but it may only impact one side. Over time, they might experience a wide range of side effects, including:
These side effects can lead to a lot of time in bed. A hospital bed with adjustable features and a pressure-relieving mattress can help mitigate the complications that come with immobility, including bed sores, thrombosis, and respiratory issues. They can also receive care from health care professionals and physical therapists.
Living with cerebral palsy can mean the chronic presence of pain, fatigue, and weakness. As such, many people with this disorder also deal with impairments related to sleep quality and duration; many have trouble falling asleep in the first place. Any sleep disorder can interfere with all aspects of a patient’s well-being.
Many problems come from almost constant musculoskeletal pain, while others include heartburn and constipation. Sleep deprivation may lead to difficulties with learning, behavior and cognition. Some also have trouble developing new skills and adaptive behavior.
An accessible hospital bed can help people manage their symptoms and get comfortable in a resting position. Raising the head can help control acid reflux, and the ample room, comfortable mattress and nearly infinite number of adjustments can help the user get into the sleeping position that’s best for their needs.
If a loved one is struggling with cerebral palsy, speak to them and have them consult a primary care physician. It will help get them an appropriate referral for a hospital bed that can help them manage any sleep issues, mobility challenges, and side effects of premature aging. Cerebral palsy’s symptoms can present differently in every case – get your loved one a hospital bed that can meet them.
The majority of people with cerebral palsy can sleep, although some may have difficulty sleeping due to physical discomfort or muscle spasms. In order for individuals with cerebral palsy to maintain good sleep hygiene, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, it is crucial to have a comfortable sleep environment, such as a supportive mattress. In addition, some people with cerebral palsy may benefit from using positioning aids or assistive devices. To get personalized advice and support, you should also speak with a healthcare professional.
Adults with cerebral palsy usually sleep about 7-9 hours per night, similar to the general population. Depending on the individual’s age, overall health, and severity of cerebral palsy, the specific needs may vary. When it comes to cerebral palsy, it is essential for individuals to pay attention to their own bodies and how they feel after different amounts of sleep. To obtain personalized advice and support, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional.
Since cerebral palsy affects each individual differently, there is no one best treatment for the condition, and the best treatment plan depends on the type, severity, and location of brain damage. Motor skills, coordination, and communication of individuals with cerebral palsy can be improved by a combination of therapies, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Muscle spasms or pain can also be treated with medications. Depending on the severity of cerebral palsy, surgery may also be considered for some individuals. Additionally, assistive devices such as hospital beds, braces, crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs may also be recommended to improve mobility.
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