Parkinson's Disease
Resource Center
Welcome to your GO TO Resource for Parkinson's Disease in Alabama
Bedroom Aids
A bed transfer aid helps move an individual from one side of the bed to the other, assists in sitting a user up, or moving them to and from a bed to a chair or wheelchair. This type of mobility aid significantly reduces the risk of injury to a patient or care partner while changing a patient's position or getting them in and out of bed.
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Transfer Sheet (Estimated Cost - $100)
A transfer sheet, also called a slide sheet or a glid sheet, reduces friction on the skin when a patient is being repositioned. These patient transfer products can be used alone or with any other patient transfer to turn, and boost someone in bed.
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Comfort Linens
Many persons with Parkinson's struggle to turn over in bed. This fitted sheet was designed by a physical therapist specifically for persons with mobility issues. A smooth center panel in the fitted sheet reduces friction, thus making movement easier. The smooth section (100$ polyester satin) makes it easier to change positions while in bed. The brushed microfiber edges help you avoid sliding right off the edge of the bed when getting up. The company's "sleep system" concept combines a Comfort Linen sheet with CL sleepwear to reduce friction to make turning over easier. It fits mattresses up to 15" deep. Price varies by sheet size. Learn more at: https://comfortlinen.com/pages/comfort-linen-collection
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Silk Linens
Parkinson's disease has the potential to disturb sleep. One reason is as simple as waking every time you struggle to change position. These silk sheets provide a better sleeping surface for persons with Parkinson's by reducing friction and they come in various weights. They are moisture-wicking, temperature-regulating, and hypoallergenic. Prices vary by size and silk weight. Learn more at: https://mulberryparksilks.com/blogs/mulberry/parkinson-s-disease-sleep-better-with-pure-mulberry-silk-sheets
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Bed Rail (Estimated Cost - $200)
Bed rails are popular transfer aids because they can reduce the need for care partner assistance. They securely attach to the bed frame or mattress and provide a sturdy place for patients to grab on and pull themselves out of bed to help transfer them into bed. These transfer aids are also known as bed safety rails and bed assist rails. Users who have upper body strength can maintain a higher level of independence by using a bed rail for balance and leverage to get themselves in and out of bed.
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Bed rails are a good first step for those that want to stay in their current beds. If at some point, beds may become too difficult to navigate due to height or width, it may be time to consider a hospital bed. Hospital beds can be rented and are generally covered under Medicare. They are more fashionable these days and it is truly difficult to tell a difference between a hospital and regular bed with varying styles and options.
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Pole, Grab Bar, and Assist Handle (Estimated Costs - $250)
Poles, grab bars, and assist handles are portable, removable devices either attached to or positioned near a user's bed or in the bathroom. Each of these transfer devices reduces the risk of falling, assists in repositioning while in bed, and aids in getting in and out of bed.
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Bed assist poles are height-adjustable vertical posts that are securely attached to the floor and the ceiling. They can be used in a bathroom near a tub or toilet for extra stability, and they take up very little space. Accessories for these devices include grab bars or rails and trapeze handles.
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Grab bars, also called wall bars, are safety transfer devices that enable a person to maintain balance, decrease fatigue while standing, redistribute weight, and grab in case they start to slip or fall.
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Assist handles are like bed safety rails. The difference is they are often smaller and meant to be used with one hand. They can be mounted to the bed or on the floor with non-skid feet. They are best for users who can stand on their own with minimal assistance.
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Bed Ladder (Estimated Costs - $40)
A bed ladder, sometimes called an assistive strap or bed ladder strap, allows a patient who has enough arm strength to sit up independently, and can pull into a sitting position on the bed without the caregiver.
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Disclaimer: The Parkinson Association of Alabama (PAA) does not endorse or recommend any specific product or brand for purchase. It is to each person's discretion what products to purchase. The PAA cannot be held liable if the product does not produce its desired solution.
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