Theraposture Rotoflex bed proves to be the future-proofed transfer solution for Sarah with MS

Dr Sarah Burton Taylor, from Chittoe in Wiltshire, is a successful entrepreneur who owns two businesses and operates an Air BnB in the North Transept of her stunning historic home – a mid-19th century Victorian Gothic Church. Her busy career and family life dictate a need for effective and reliable mobility equipment to reduce the challenges of living with Multiple Sclerosis. Sarah has secondary progressive MS which means she has limited movement and requires a powered wheelchair to remain mobile.

When her MS first started to cause problems back in 2008, one of Sarah’s main concerns was being able to get in and out of bed independently. With the help of Theraposture, also based in Wiltshire, her worries were resolved with the supply of a Double Combination Rotoflex Bed.

The Rotoflex is a specialist power-assisted solution which moves and rotates a user from an upright seated position with their feet on the floor to a lying position in the middle of the bed. Specifically designed to help people with degenerative neurological conditions such as MS and Parkinson’s, the Rotoflex is the patented and original award-winning rotating bed. Sarah’s bed, which she shares with husband Peter, has supported all her changing needs for over 15 years. With Sarah’s disability becoming more pronounced these days, it remains the trusted future-proofed solution for safe bed transfers.

Before owning a Rotoflex Sarah’s standard double bed was not providing a safe platform to transfer from a wheelchair and vice versa. She contacted Theraposture for help and they sent one of their Trusted Assessors to Sarah’s home so they could evaluate her wants, needs and risks. Sarah and Peter also visited the Theraposture showroom to try a different range of beds to ascertain the right solution for maximum comfort and independence.

“The Rotoflex is perfect for my changing needs – it has successfully supported me from mild to severe disability.”

Following a clinical assessment Theraposture prescribed a Rotoflex with electrically operated profiling, variable height, rotation and ‘chair positioning’. Sarah knew her condition would worsen in years to come so needed a product that was ‘future-proofed’ ie. it would continue to meet her progressive needs. Since taking ownership a Rotoflex has proven without doubt to be the ideal choice. It has delivered consistent support, reliability and accessibility for Sarah – from her being able to independently transfer to today’s situation where she needs to be hoisted into bed.

Sarah explains: “As I knew my MS was going to develop, I needed something that would remain supportive. When I originally got the Rotoflex I could transfer independently, however, five years ago I became paralysed and now I need carer assistance and a hoist. The great thing about the Rotoflex is that its chair position has remained an effective and safe way for me to get into bed either from a wheelchair or mobile hoist. And then the rotation action moves me into a comfortable sleeping position. The Rotoflex is perfect for my changing needs – it has successfully supported me from mild to severe disability.”

When Sarah could side transfer, she personally benefited from the high-low adjustment of the whole bed. This meant the Rotoflex could be positioned to perfectly match the height of her wheelchair seat for a seamless side transition from cushion to mattress.

In the future, if Sarah requires additional in-bed assistance, this variable height functionality will ensure carers can help at safe working heights without the need to bend or stoop. Carers being able to support Sarah without the risk of back or muscle strain is yet another feature that highlights the future-proofing nature of the Rotoflex design.

Today as ever, the Rotoflex continues to save considerable time and effort for Sarah, her husband and their carers. She continues: “My Rotoflex has made transfers into bed at night and out in the morning so much easier; especially in the morning as I have a busy life with lots to do. It really reduces the stress involved with transfers when compared to using a standard static bed. It helps me avoid becoming exhausted from just getting out of bed, so have more energy for the rest of the day.”

“We really value the fact that my husband and I can stay together in the same bed, side-by-side.”

“The rotation from seating to lying, as I cannot do this on my own, is the main benefit. However, there are other advantages when I am in bed. As I can no longer roll or move myself, I need my Rotoflex to adjust my position, especially as I quite often spasm at night. The fact that I can raise or lower the head and foot ends mean I can get my spasms under control faster and get back to sleep quicker. I tend to sleep with the head end raised slightly to avoid back pain and I elevate my legs to reduce oedema.”

In addition to the practical care benefits, Sarah’s Rotoflex offers an emotive advantage in that she can continue sharing a bed with Peter. This is vital for positive mental health as Sarah says: ”We really value the fact that my husband and I can stay together in the same bed, side-by-side. Without our Double Combination Rotoflex, it would have been awkward as I would have had to sleep in another room and separate from him. Instead, we have, what looks like, a normal domestic king-size bed that we share but I am able to do what I need to do in terms of rotating and shifting my position at night without disturbing Peter.”

Sarah and Peter’s Rotoflex is finished in contemporary solid oak so does not resemble a medical bed and blends effortlessly with their domestic décor. The wood finish perfectly complements the look and feel of their stunning bedroom with its vaulted ceiling.

In summary, Sarah thoroughly recommends Theraposture and its Rotoflex bed to other people with MS. She concludes: “It has been fantastically reliable, and I am never worried about going to bed at night and not being able to get up the next morning.

“Theraposture is an ethical company which continues to provide the best support for everyone like me who has MS.”

It’s hugely robust and always feels so sturdy when I’m using it. We have had very few problems in the last 15 years and if any minor issues have arisen, Theraposture have been prompt in coming out to fix them or ordering the relevant parts. Their annual servicing of my bed gives me peace of mind.”

“I understand now that Theraposture has a relationship with the MS Society which must help all round with their understanding of the needs of people with MS. I can confirm Theraposture is an ethical company which continues to provide the best support for everyone like me who has MS.”