As they get older, many senior citizens have problems getting out of bed or an armchair. This can be due to a lack of muscle strength, decreasing flexibility, pain or even occasional attacks of dizziness. This increases the fear of falling, especially if those affected have fallen before. When old people no longer want to get up, it is therefore rarely due to discomfort, but rather to insecurity, physical difficulties and a lack of confidence in their own abilities.
This all too often results in a vicious circle: if you stand up less often, you move less. The cardiovascular system and back suffer as a result. In addition, the muscles are not used enough and regress. This in turn increases insecurity and leads to those affected becoming increasingly afraid of standing up and avoiding it as often as possible - with the result that the negative effects are amplified.
With the right raising aid, you can break this vicious circle or ensure that it doesn't get that far in the first place. The aids provide physical support when standing up and convey a sense of security. This promotes mobility, boosts self-confidence and has a positive effect on the entire body.
Who is a stand-up aid suitable for?
Bed stand-up aids are suitable for senior citizens who have sufficient strength in their arms to hold on to the aid and pull themselves up. This can be tried out in a medical supply store. There you will also find the different versions and can test which you get on best with. If you do not have enough strength to use the aid, we recommend purchasing a patient lift.
People with dementia may not be able to understand the purpose of the device and may even perceive it as an obstacle. With the help of calm and relaxed communication, it is often possible to explain the function and benefits of the raising aid. The hand of the person in need of care can be gently guided towards the aid to provide support.
In addition to senior citizens, people with disabilities also benefit from the right sit-to-stand aid. The devices also make everyday life easier after operations or accident-related restrictions and help people regain their mobility.
The advantages of a stand-up aid for senior citizens:
Here you can see at a glance the advantages of assistive devices for standing up:
- Independent sitting up and standing up
- Providing security and support
- Low effort, gentle on the joints and back
- Promoting mobility
- Strengthening self-confidence
- Prevention of muscle loss and bedriddenness
- Depending on model: individual customization options
Bed-raising aids for senior citizens
The lower the bed, the more effort is required to get up. However, many older people find it difficult to get up from a lying to a sitting position. Which bed rising aid is most suitable for senior citizens depends on the individual circumstances. Six different versions are available to support the individual movement sequences. In general, it is important that the aid sits comfortably in the hand and has a non-slip surface.
Bed gallows/trapeze handle
The bed rail helps you to sit up in bed. It consists of a metal bar that is mounted on the side or at the head of the bed. The height-adjustable trapeze handle is attached to the bar. The aid is easy to install and usually consists of plug-in connections. Advantage: Wall mounting is not necessary, so the position of the bed can be changed. However, caution should be exercised for people with shoulder problems - a doctor should be consulted before choosing this aid.
Bed ladder
The bed ladder is also fitted to the bed itself. Like the bed gallows, it provides support when getting up from a lying position. The raising aid is anchored to the foot end of the bed frame, which should be as stable as possible. To use it, it is pulled upwards by a strap. Now you can raise yourself up rung by rung. Bed ladders are also a very good support when carefully lying down from a sitting position.
Side grab handle
A side grab rail is quickly fitted and makes it easier to turn over in bed and to sit upright. The handle also protects against falling out. Models of different widths are available on the market. They are attached to the slatted frame under the mattress. It is advisable to try out in advance whether the grab rail is sufficient for standing up. If not, it can be combined with a trapeze handle or a bed ladder.
Floor-ceiling bar
Floor-ceiling rails are mounted on the side of the bed where you get into or out of bed. They run vertically from the floor to the ceiling. There are models for screwing in and telescopic poles for clamping in. Versions that do not require drilling are particularly suitable for underfloor heating or in sanitary areas, as the rails also provide additional safety in the bathroom. Additional handles can be attached to most floor/ceiling poles to make it easier to raise them.
Side rail
In contrast to the grab rail, a side rail runs the entire length of the bed. It is just as suitable for holding on and sitting up, but offers an additional feeling of safety for people who are afraid of falling out of bed. The rails are fitted using a clamp or tensioning attachment. Depending on the model, they are extendable. This also applies to some grab rails, which can be converted into side rails. Side rails usually have a folding mechanism for getting out of bed, which usually needs to be operated by another person.
Electric bed stand-up aid
Another option is the electric stand-up aid in the bed, which effortlessly raises the slatted frame in the upper body area. This support automatically brings you into a sitting position - and from there, getting up is usually easy. The electric mechanism is also helpful and convenient for lowering the bed when lying down.
Armchair stand-up aids for senior citizens
If you find it difficult to get out of bed, you usually also have problems getting up from sitting in an armchair. There are useful aids for this too, which can help you get more movement back into your everyday life. Before you decide on a model, it is best to try it out for yourself. After all, not everyone likes the seat to move. However, most senior citizens get used to it after a short time and no longer want to do without the support when getting up.
The catapult seat
The catapult seat is not a separate seat, but a mobile seat support that can be used with various armchairs or chairs. The furniture should have armrests that you can hold onto while standing up - after all, you are raised fully automatically (but gently and slowly). In the mechanical version of the aid, this is done by means of a gas pressure spring. In the electric version, a small motor does the work; although this provides better control, it is also more expensive than the mechanical version.
For both versions, it makes sense to opt for a model with an adjustable weight class. The seat should also be wide enough and non-slip. At best, operation is uncomplicated and the controls should be easy to reach.
Electrical substructure
Unlike the catapult seat, the stand-up aid in this aid is not located on top of the chair, but underneath it. When the remote control is operated, the chair is slowly tilted forwards so that you can easily switch from sitting to standing - a very convenient solution. Before purchasing, please check whether your chair is suitable for retrofitting with the aid. You can also find chairs on the market that are already equipped with this mechanism.
Electric senior chair/nursing chair
Those who value cozy comfort will opt for a senior armchair with an integrated stand-up aid and other functions. Many models can be adjusted to a reclining position. In winter, the heating function provides pleasant warmth, while the massage function relaxes tense muscles all year round. The fold-out footrest takes the strain off your legs, while the cup holder provides a cup of coffee. Very modern versions even offer USB ports for charging your cell phone.
So much luxury has its price and it is advisable to compare different offers in advance. In addition to passing safety tests, the care chair should have adequate stability and an easy-care surface.
Cushion to help you stand up
A cushion is a simple but very effective aid for getting up in "mild cases". As a booster seat, it should be around ten centimetres high and firmly filled. Special cushions are usually made of memory foam and are available in wedge, cuboid or ergonomic shapes. Please pay attention to the dimensions and check in advance whether the seat of the chair or armchair is large enough. A carrying handle on the side is practical if the cushion is used in different places, for example on the wheelchair or when traveling. The cover should also be hard-wearing and suitable for cleaning in the washing machine.
Standing aids for senior citizens: costs covered by health and long-term care insurance
Bed-raising aids such as trapeze handles, floor/ceiling rails and grab rails are technical aids. If you have a doctor's prescription, your health insurance will cover the costs. If you have a care degree, the care insurance fund is responsible. As of 2022, your own contribution is a maximum of ten percent of the costs, up to a maximum of 25 euros per aid.
Armchair sit-to-stand aids are classified as mobility aids. If the aids are prescribed by a doctor, the health or care insurance fund usually covers the costs. Here too, a limited co-payment is required. The situation is different for special care chairs. They are not assigned an aid number. This means that the costs are not reimbursable by law. However, a certificate confirming the medical and/or therapeutic benefit in your case can help.
Everyday and household help: Your partner for everyday and household help
If you have any further questions or need help in everyday life please do not hesitate to contact us. Our aim is to help people in need of assistance and senior citizens to lead a fulfilling, independent life for as long as possible and to exercise their legal rights to assistance. We will be happy to advise you!
