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Hi All,I'm a bit overwhelmed by the options.
Optimally the bed is:1) comfortable for mom to sleep - her mobility is declining, but she still gets up. she is recovering from a UTI and we are moving her downstairs2) Accessible/convenient for her caregivers3) Not super duper ugly, so it appears as close to like furniture to her4) will possibly be used as her condition continues to progress
Ideally, some suggestions for makes/models --- I've googled this a bunch and see all the various possibilities and reviews, but wonder if you have a great option you can share!
THANK YOU!!lindsay

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I think it's a family thing with us but we prefer to sit in front of the TV and sleep on the couch/chair, lol! How about a lift/ recliner chair? I used to work at Savers thrift store and they would be donated quite regularly and under $100. I don't think you will find beds of any type in any thrift stores as for health reasons. This would allow mom to go from sit to standing and allow her to fully recline for sleeping and no falling out of bed. Other than that, look in the want ads for people who are really needing to get rid of theirs as they can't find a way to get the bed out and don't want to "junk" them. It's nice to know that you're planning ahead. Just thinking, maybe you can wait on the bed until hospice is needed as they provide a bed for her. You can run the chair idea by her caregiver and see what they think.
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LindsayS Oct 5, 2025
Thank you for the suggestion! I will look into those, makes a lot of sense.
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Hospital style beds don't have very comfy mattresses and the main feature that is the most helpful is also the most expensive: vertical adjustment -- so that the bed can be raised and lowered electronically. This was the one feature I was looking for but not many brands have it and it increases the price dramatically. My Mom opts to sleep in her very expensive La-z-boy recliner that is fully adjustable.
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LindsayS Oct 5, 2025
I'm quickly learning the lingo, Hi-Low, etc.!
I like the lazyboy idea!

Thank you!
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Make sure you get one that lowers all the way to the floor. If she starts wandering or thrashing about, she won't hurt herself as much if she has no way to fall.

I'd rent one, don't buy. And before I'd rent one, I'd have mom evaluated for hospice, because they provide the bed. Also, if it's not working in mom's situation, they'll bring a better one.

I'd want a lift recliner as well. The patient can spiral downhill very fast, and you might as well save yourself the problem of shopping again and again as her needs increase.

Taking care of an elderly dementia patient until the end is very, very difficult. "Oh, but we love her and promised we'd never dump her in one of those horrible awful miserable 'homes.'" You might change your mind about that. Have Plan B in mind in case you need it.
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LindsayS Oct 5, 2025
Oh yes, I understand and am constantly evaluating, adjusting, planning, and am expecting the unexpected -- and will try some things to support Mom at home fully knowing (and having plan B, C, D) things will change without notice and require pivoting.

The plan is to buy a high-low bed as well as a lift-recliner, my friend who is a hospice worker says Mom won't qualify at this stage, but obviously, that is changing rapidly also. Renting is about $200/month and buying is around $1500 in her area. I will look around more, thank you for your insights!

For me, it's not about avoiding a skilled nursing home or MC, it's about providing the highest level of care for her physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and having one-on-one care at home with PT and OT and familiarity is where we are at right now.

Many thanks!
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Thank you for the suggestion! I will look into those, makes a lot of sense.
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I agree it can be very overwhelming.

My mom also napped in her lift recliner, which was in the den. She seemed comfortable. A baby monitor was used to keep an eye on her but also give her some peace and quiet.

A bed that fully raises higher than the average height can be helpful when changing a bedbound LO becomes necessary, so that leaning over doesn't become hard on the back.

Now my mom is in her bed full time. She eats meals there using a bed tray with the back raised up. Then at night the entire bed is lowered and flat, in case she tries to get up. She uses two pillows.

I agree that hospice can provide a bed. They also provided my mom with a table on wheels that fits over her bed.

Washable bed toppers can be added for comfort. And lots of "chux"--waterproof pads for accidents. And a side rail that can lower.

We ended up getting two sets of sheets, for when one is in the wash. And various blankets, as my mom's temp seems to change often.

I hope you find what works for you.
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