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Tables To Make Life Easier For Disabled
There is one family member who may not be able to sit at the table as easily, if at all, as the rest of the family. Those who are confined to a wheelchair, or to a bed, or required to dine while sitting in a stuffed chair, have great difficulties in with eating safely, and enjoyably. Even with the proper dinnerware, utensils and beverage containers to prevent spillage and those frequent dropping of utensils, having the proper table to eat from is definitely a challenge. Those who have the greatest difficulty are the bedridden and those in wheelchairs. There are many factors in choosing the correct table for eating. Those that are suitable for writing a letter, or holding a book, may not be suitable for eating and drinking. There are several factors involved when choosing the proper table for those that are bedridden. With a bit of research, and following the tips found here, you can find the best table possible which will make life easier for those who are disabled. Keep in mind, each individual is different and may be facing obstacles that others are not. Medical personnel are not your greatest source of help simply because they do not understand the challenges and are use to standard tables which do not work well for everybody. |
PROBLEMS/SOLUTIONS
Bedside Table for bariatric beds.
Beds
One of the hugest dilemmas is the bed itself. The traditional overbed table is usually designed for a standard hospital bed which is used in the institutions and typically found in the home. The traditional over bed table will usually fit well.
Bariatric Beds: Bariatric beds may be used in the home for those with special problems such as a history of bedsores. There are a few problems with these beds when using equipment in the home or institution such as hoyer lifts and overbed tables which is due to the frame itself.
Because of the type of mattress that is used, the parts that move the bed are usually underneath and located in the center of the bed. Often the bed height has to be increased in order to get the table underneath. This in turn, forces the individual to change their position while in bed such as raising the head portion higher than normal, or the repositioning of the legs may not be comfortable.
Getting the overbed table positioned under the bed is only part of the battle. The bed has to be readjusted for comfort. Trying to get the bed and table at the right height and position is often a problem.
Solution: First of all measure the width and height of the mattress. Also try to measure from one side of the mattress to over the hip/lap area to determine the size of table you may need, especially the length.
Another option is a bit more expensive: Bariatric over bed tables are designed to work with the frames of these specialized beds. There is less chance of spillage using one of these tables with a bariatric bed. They are rather pricey at a cost over $400.
Tip: Before you invest in a bariatric table, there may be a few things you might want to consider before purchasing it out of pocket.
Insurance Companies
See if the insurance company will pay for it, since it is a specialized table. More than likely Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, nor Medicaid will pay. But, they are unpredictable, so it may be wise to investigate the insurance option.
Another issue is that insurance companies do not like to pay for the use of bariatric beds in the home. Although you may be using one now, evaluations are done periodically to get approval by the insurance company for continuing the use of these beds in the home until the next evaluation is due. If you are going to have to pay for a bariatric overbed table, you may want to have an idea as to the length of time the use of a bariatric bed in the home will be allowed by the insurance company.
One of the hugest dilemmas is the bed itself. The traditional overbed table is usually designed for a standard hospital bed which is used in the institutions and typically found in the home. The traditional over bed table will usually fit well.
Bariatric Beds: Bariatric beds may be used in the home for those with special problems such as a history of bedsores. There are a few problems with these beds when using equipment in the home or institution such as hoyer lifts and overbed tables which is due to the frame itself.
Because of the type of mattress that is used, the parts that move the bed are usually underneath and located in the center of the bed. Often the bed height has to be increased in order to get the table underneath. This in turn, forces the individual to change their position while in bed such as raising the head portion higher than normal, or the repositioning of the legs may not be comfortable.
Getting the overbed table positioned under the bed is only part of the battle. The bed has to be readjusted for comfort. Trying to get the bed and table at the right height and position is often a problem.
Solution: First of all measure the width and height of the mattress. Also try to measure from one side of the mattress to over the hip/lap area to determine the size of table you may need, especially the length.
Another option is a bit more expensive: Bariatric over bed tables are designed to work with the frames of these specialized beds. There is less chance of spillage using one of these tables with a bariatric bed. They are rather pricey at a cost over $400.
Tip: Before you invest in a bariatric table, there may be a few things you might want to consider before purchasing it out of pocket.
Insurance Companies
See if the insurance company will pay for it, since it is a specialized table. More than likely Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, nor Medicaid will pay. But, they are unpredictable, so it may be wise to investigate the insurance option.
Another issue is that insurance companies do not like to pay for the use of bariatric beds in the home. Although you may be using one now, evaluations are done periodically to get approval by the insurance company for continuing the use of these beds in the home until the next evaluation is due. If you are going to have to pay for a bariatric overbed table, you may want to have an idea as to the length of time the use of a bariatric bed in the home will be allowed by the insurance company.
Problems With Carpeting
Carpet: Carpeting does not allow wheels to move freely. The table may stop moving suddenly causing items to fall over or off of the table.
Solution:
There is not a lot you can do about this other than possibly have carpeting removed and replaced with another type of flooring. It may be possible to have a large section within the area of the bed cut out, removed and then replaced with a smoother surface such as linoleum.
Some may suggest to place a piece of plywood under the bed. However, it the wood will have to extend outward at least 6 – 8 feet to be feasible. There is risk here if someone would trip over the edge of the wood itself. If the table is heavy, it may be difficult to lift it over the edge of the wood also since tables need to be moved out of the way periodically in order to do patient care.
Solution:
There is not a lot you can do about this other than possibly have carpeting removed and replaced with another type of flooring. It may be possible to have a large section within the area of the bed cut out, removed and then replaced with a smoother surface such as linoleum.
Some may suggest to place a piece of plywood under the bed. However, it the wood will have to extend outward at least 6 – 8 feet to be feasible. There is risk here if someone would trip over the edge of the wood itself. If the table is heavy, it may be difficult to lift it over the edge of the wood also since tables need to be moved out of the way periodically in order to do patient care.
 
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Wheelchairs |
Wheelchairs are much like beds by the way of type and construction of the frame, and of course another issue is the leg and footrests. Whether it be a power/tilt wheelchair or manual, the leg/foot rests will be an obstacle for some if they cannot be raised without causing discomfort. The power chairs often have a function which allows repositioning of the seat, but sometimes those functions are limited by the way of the back being the only part of the chair that can be moved. Due to the placement of the wheels, you more than likely will not be able to slide the legs of the table behind the leg rests if they cannot be raised with individuals sitting in a normal upright position.
Solution: There are various tables available that are designed for wheelchairs, and possibly at bedside depending on the bed and needs of the individual. It is the type of frame that you will want to consider. The H frame is typically an over the bed only table. The U and C frame overbed tables are more accommodating for a wheelchair.
Solution: There are various tables available that are designed for wheelchairs, and possibly at bedside depending on the bed and needs of the individual. It is the type of frame that you will want to consider. The H frame is typically an over the bed only table. The U and C frame overbed tables are more accommodating for a wheelchair.
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Stuffed Chairs/Recliners Chairs also present a problem due to the base of the chair being low to the floor. There are multiple types of tables that can be used depending on the physical limitations.
Solutions: Some of the tables have a flat base which slide easily underneath the chair, such as a recliner or lift chair easily without interference from the foot rest. These chairs come as left side or right side. The controls are on the left with the left side and vice versa for the right side table. One other type of table is the overbed tables that tilt. The problem with these tables, is that the table top is the same as the traditional bedside table. The tilt is often used for reading or writing, but there is not a lip around the table to prevent books, pens, papers from sliding off. Another option is to purchase a table that can be multipurpose. These are larger, stand alone, tables but can be used as an activity table, desk, as well as a dining table. If you are cramped for space, they may not be feasible. These are pricey at over $300, with typical measurments of 36 in. x 36 in. Lap trays that can be used in chairs and beds may not be the best option due to the risk of spillage of hot foods or hot drinks. They truly should not be used with a bariatric bed, or any bed that has a bariatric mattress which rotates, or constantly inflates and deflates as most do. |
Final Tips
Using the information provide, life should be made easier for the disabled by choosing the right table. Keep in mind, that more than one table may be required depending on the needs of the individual. Although tables with multiple functions or purposes, they will be more expensive, yet may be the best deal over all. Most traditional bedside tables are $100 or more, unless you find a real bargain.
