Mattress elevator funding

Anglocath

Hi my name is Sherrill

I was hoping someone could help me. In February I had a OT assessment where I explained to the OT that through a combination of my lumber disc degeneration L4 L5 & a operation I had on my hip I have not been able to sleep in my bed for more than a couple of hrs since 2021. As I'm diabetic the open wound took a long time to heal. For months l slept only on my right side. This caused a access amount of weight on my left hip. Basically I have to take pain killers 30 minutes before bed a proactive measure. I can then fall asleep and though uncomfortable it works to start as long as I have a cushion between my knees to make sure weight does not shift pulling on on the hip that had the operation. I wake up in real pain in about 2 hours. My hip, my back and pain down my legs. The lumber disc degeneration means I have not been able to sleep flat on my back for over 20 years. I have tried leg wedges but they tend to slip. As a result I have been sleeping in a recliner chair for 4 years. Not ideal for a goods nights sleep but better than sleeping in the bed.

The OT that assessed me was a OT assistant. We tried out a mattress elevator but due to my weight I could feel the mental from it sticking into my back. I contacted The OT assistant to see if I could have matress Genie (matress elevator which is like basically like a airbed triangle shaped wedge under the matress using a control to adjust it.) She had gone on sabbatical and the deputy department OT had taken over her cases. I was informed I should not have had the metal one as they are only for people that can't get out of bed. So I am still sleeping on the recliner.

My question is does anyone know of any grants independent living l can apply for that would fund me buying a mattress genie? The OT is happy to support this.

Kimi87

Try the links in this topic:

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/126193/in-need-of-a-new-double-bed

Mary_Scope

Hi @Anglocath

I see Kimi has already answered your question and given some great advice and relevant links so I won't add anything new today but its lovely to have you here and I hope you enjoy your time on the community😀

GalDriver

Can you sleep on your back in bed? It'd help take the weight off your hip. I hope you find relief. I sympathise, I have degenerative lumbar discs and spasming/spastic/tight adductor muscles. I finally got an adjustable bed so can now raise the shoulder and legs to find the most comfortable position. At last I can get some good nights. I so hope you get the bed, and extras, that you need. It's a real game-changer. Good luck.

JennieWren

I too have back issues and several years ago was able to purchase an adjustable bed (you can get VAT free), which helped a lot. However I still have a variety of pillows that I use at various times. Between my knees, under my legs (sometimes the adjustable mattress still isn’t quite right), behind or in front of me. I still often wake up several times a night and take meds. I think it’s about trying a variety of things and that what is ideal one night is not working at all the following night. Lack of sleep is the worst as pain levels seem higher and my ability to cope reduces. It’s so frustrating too. Sorry I’m not much help but we empathise how important sleep is. Hope you get sorted soon.

Littlefatfriend

It was the outreach nurse from my spinal injuries unit who organised the memory foam mattress I've been sleeping on for five years.

It's a work of art, they can engineer such mattresses exceptionally well these days.

I expect your local SIU (or whichever other specialist hospital you've been in) will have outreach nurses. In my experience of a few of them in various places they can be wonderfully helpful.

I'd suggest contacting them.

Good luck