Lifting legs into bed

Our user asked: "My mother is 88 years old. She has arthritis in both her hips. I believe one hip is fused and the other is extremely deteriorated. She is having a horrendous time getting into bed because she can't lift her legs onto the bed. She currently as the mattress offset from the box springs, sits at the top of the bed and uses the box springs as a make shift step to bring her legs onto the mattress. It is excrutiating for her. Is there a type of bed that would act like a lift chair where she could lean against it and it would ease her down? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated."

Ask a PT Response: "You may want to look into an adjustable bed for your mother. A hospital bed is an adjustable bed. It allows the user to raise or lower the head or foot of the bed and the height of the bed as well. If you can get your mother's doctor to write an order for one based on your mother's condition and functional status, Medicare/insurance may pay for it. Having this bed will better promote functional independence for your mother. Best of luck to your mother."