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A commode is a mobile toilet, that is suitable for the bedroom and can be moved from one room to another.

Who uses a commode?

Commodes can be a life changing piece of equipment and are perfect for anyone who is bed bound, or recovering from an operation or an accident and needs a toilet solution nearby or downstairs to reduce walking distance. For the larger person, a bariatric version of the product may be more comfortable to use. We have a wide range of bariatric toilet seats, bariatric commodes and bariatric shower commodes. Most of our commodes are height adjustable which makes life easier for the user.

What does a commode look like?

A commode usually looks like a chair and can come with or without wheels. They are available in a range of colours and styles.to suit the users wants and needs. We also have commodes that look like normal wicker chairs for ultimate discretion.

Top Tips when choosing the perfect commode for your needs?

• Consider your agility and do you need a static or wheeled commode?
• Do you need a shower commode?
• Where will you use your commode or will you be moving it about the house?
• Will you need your commode long-term or just for a recovery period?
• Consider the weight of the user? Do you need a standard or bariatric model?
• Are you already in a wheelchair? Do you need removable armrests for ease of transfer?

Our product specialist will help to select the right commode for your needs. Contact us now or call us on 0818 989 353

Now that the good weather has arrived we all want to spend time outdoors. Reduced mobility should not mean you cannot go outdoors and experience all the lovely scenery and fresh air. In fact, many Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists recommend light exercise on a daily basis to improve overall physical health. Fresh air and regular walks have also been shown to help improve memory as well as mental health so the benefits are fantastic.

If you need a bit of help getting about a walking aid may be the solution.  We have many different types to suit all levels of mobility.

Walking Sticks and Canes

Walking sticks add a little extra stability for someone who is experiencing reduced balance or stiffness in their legs. They are easy to use and there are many colours and styles available. We even stock folding walking sticks for when you want to put it into your bag.

Rollators

Rollators are basically walking frames on wheels and most of them also come with a little seat too! This means you have the option to sit down and relax for a few minutes if you happen to get tired while out and about. Most rollators also have a storage basket or bag for your essential items such as keys, phones and wallets.

Walking Frames

Walking Frames are height adjustable frames with ferrules. They offer a bit of extra support to someone who generally has good mobility but need to avoid placing a lot of weight on their legs. A walking frame is literally walked across the floor by the user, they do not have wheels unless specified.

Mobility Scooters

Mobility scooters are a brilliant way of getting out and about and maintaining your normal routine even after a debilitating illness or injury. Many people who have bought a mobility scooter from us come back to tell us that they don’t know how they managed without one!

 Not sure on the best walking aid for you?

If you are not sure which walking aid is best suited to your needs you can also speak to a member of our trained sales team. They can answer any queries you may have.  You can call us on 057 868 2304 or email info@beechfieldhealthcare.ie for advice and information.

Now that the sun is out we hope to see you all out and about too!

We get asked quite a lot about how to choose the correct profiling bed for home use.  So, we’ve put together this blog to go through the features and benefits of a profiling bed.

What is a Profiling Bed?

Profiling beds are beds that can be adjusted to allow the backrest, legrest and knee brake to be electrically adjusted. This allows the user’s position to be changed without strain on either the patient or the carer.  4-part profiling are most common for home use.  A four-part bed is ideal as it keeps the bottom horizontal while raising the knees.  See our profiling beds 

The Main Advantages of a Profiling Bed Are:

• Respiratory and circulatory difficulties can be eased through profiling the bed to suit the patient’s needs.
• Our hospital profiling beds also have a height adjustment, so the carer can work at a safe height when giving treatments, etc.
• Using the electronic settings, the risk of injury to the carer is eliminated, and the independence and dignity of the user are maintained.
• It may make it possible for someone to get out of bed unaided, if they can raise themselves into a sitting position first.
• It makes using a hoist easier.

Low Level Hospital Beds

A low level hospital bed is ideal for patients who are liable to fall or climb out of bed and hurt themselves.  Like a standard profiling bed these beds can be adjusted to as low as 23cm from the ground.  With the use of side rails or floor safety mats it offers the most safety to someone who is inclined to fall out of bed. 

It also allows the carer to work at a height which is safe and convenient for them, before returning their patient to a much lower level for sleeping.  See our Low Beds 

Bariatric Profiling Beds

For larger patients, a bariatric profiling bed may offer more comfort.  These 4ft beds are wider and can accommodate weights of up to 286kg (45st).  Bariatric beds are available in both standard height and low level entry beds and have all the benefits of a profiling bed mentioned above.  See our Bariatric Beds 

Other Electric Profiling Beds

It is also possible to get a profiling bed that is designed within a standard bed look.  This allows you to have all the benefits of a profiling bed without the hospital bed look.  Our range of Devon and Richmond beds will fit in comfortably in any bedroom.  They are ideally suited to someone who has good mobility but either needs help sitting up and lying down or needs to sleep in a slightly elevated position. 

Mattresses for Profiling Beds

Like with any type of bed there are a wide range of mattresses for use on profiling beds.  It is important that you use a mattress made for profiling beds to ensure that the bed can profile correctly.  If you are looking at hospital style profiling bed you need to consider the mobility levels of the patient.  If they have limited mobility and spends a great deal of time in bed, a compatible pressure relief mattress should be chosen.  These range from low risk of developing pressure sores right up to high risk.  See our range of mattresses 

Choosing the Right Bed and Mattress for you

If you need any further help you should contact your occupational therapist or public health nurse or alternatively call us on 0818 989 353 to speak to a product specialist today. 

Here at Beechfield Healthcare we believe that there are high quality products available to everyone that will make everyday life that bit easier. Likewise, we know that there are many products available to healthcare practitioners that can make their job much safer and minimise risk.

This is especially true for caregivers to bariatric patients. A huge part of bariatric healthcare focuses on reducing the risk of falling, reducing skin maceration and improving limited mobility.

We are delighted to announce that we now stock a large range of bariatric healthcare equipment which have been engineered specifically for patients with a weight capacity of  up to 325kg. These products provide comfort and safety to the patient while also maintaining the safety of the caregiver.

Bariatric Walking Aids

A common issue that bariatric patients face when it comes to walking aids is that they do not trust these products to withstand their weight. Our XXL Rehab range ensure that even the largest user is safe and supported.

The Rollator King for example can hold a weight of up to 51st (325kg). It has robust 8’’ tires and ‘feather touch’ brakes for added safety. 

We also have heavy duty, bariatric walking sticks and canes to give that extra bit of stability and mobility.

You can see our bariatric walking aids here

Bariatric Bathroom Aids

Showering and dressing a bariatric patient can be a challenge. Extra body mass can make a patient unsteady on their feet and this means an added risk of injury to both the patient and the care giver.

Our XXL Rehab bariatric bathroom range has been engineered to be both structurally robust as well as comfortable for the user. Made from reinforced chromium steel our bariatric bathroom aids include bariatric shower commodes, bedside commodes and shower benches.  You can see our bariatric bathroom aids here

Bariatric Beds and Mattresses

Our XXL Rehab Bariatric Electric Hospital bed can take a weight capacity of 400kg / 62st. A bed such as this one is essential for large, immobile patients who require different position options and adjustments. This bed makes caring for an immobile patient much easier as the caregiver can control the bed separately from a handheld control panel.

You can see our bariatric electric hospital bed here

 Bariatric Mattresses 

We also have a whole new range of mattresses designed especially for bariatric patients. Each mattress has its own unique features to suit the needs of the patient. Our XXL Rehab Comfort Foam mattress is perfect for a bariatric patient who does not have a high risk of developing pressure sores.

Bariatric Air Mattresses

The bariatric alternating air mattress on the other hand is designed for bariatric patients with a high risk or a significant history of pressure sores. It is controlled by a microprocessor run pump which is time adjustable. This ensures that not only is the patient’s comfort and wellbeing taken care of but the caregiver can also conveniently modify the firmness of the mattress depending on the patient’s needs.

You can see our range of bariatric mattresses here

Our product experts are available at all times to discuss your requirements and to offer advice on the best solution for each individual care.  Call us now on 057 868 2304 or email sales@beechfieldhealthcare.ie