Double combination Rotoflex bed helps Richard live better with Parkinsonism

Richard took early retirement in 2019 when his Parkinson’s symptoms became too much to manage in the workplace. Officially diagnosed in 2017, Richard is now a volunteer for Parkinson’s UK and speaks internationally about the condition at conferences, in the media and on worldwide community support groups.

Known as the ‘Rickety Warrior’ (@ricketywarrior), Richard is passionately committed to raising greater awareness and understanding of the condition. When not travelling globally to speak on the subject, his home life has been significantly improved by the introduction of a Rotoflex from Theraposture.

This power assisted, rotational bed for two people, has ensured Richard and his wife Helen can continue sleeping together and safety risks from manually getting in and out of bed have been eliminated.

Richard fulfilled a senior management position in local government for many years and was responsible for council tax, business rates, housing and benefit fraud. This experience stood him in good stead for life with a disability as he understood the benefits system.

However, he only qualified for minimal financial assistance and coupled with local NHS problems, Richard and his wife Helen have had to overcome many challenges. When they managed to transfer Richard’s case to University College Hospital London (UCL), they were able to access a team who resolved his medical and practical needs quicker, including the prescription of equipment.

The Occupational Therapists at UCL signposted the Underwoods to Theraposture, a specialist care bed manufacturer, with a view to eliminating his bed transfer problems. Richard has Parkinsonism which is Parkinson’s with other conditions. This means he has slight tremor, reduced mobility and strength, dystonia (stiffness of muscles) and can occasionally experience cognitive difficulties. Getting in and out bed required manual help from Helen which was becoming an unsafe and unsustainable scenario for both of them.

“If you look at it in the long run, the bed is quite cost effective as it is replacing the cost of carers.”

Richard explains: “Before we had a Rotoflex I was having to roll out of bed and Helen was having to lift my legs. I used to have to do a ‘commando’ roll to get out. You’d be surprised at the positions I’ve had to get into to get out of bed!

As I was rolling onto my front I could have easily suffocated because sometimes I would struggle to move whatever we did. One time I rolled the wrong way which was a nightmare for Helen to help me out of the situation. At night I would have to ask Helen to roll me this way and that after every hour or so to adjust my position for comfort, whereas now I can change my position by myself.”

Richard and Helen own a double combination Rotoflex bed. It comprises of two separate sleeping platforms and individual mattresses side-by-side within one bed frame.

Richard’s side has powered profiling, rotation into a chair position, and variable height so he can move from a lying to a standing position stress-free.

Helen’s side also has electrically operated profiling but no rotation. Finished in an attractive upholstered surround, the Rotoflex blends into their domestic décor and does not resemble a medical bed which was an essential prerequisite for the couple.

Richard continues: “We knew we could have a single hospital-type bed from the County Council, but they will only ever install on the ground floor which was not what we wanted. Plus, we wanted to carry on sharing a bed and have something nice to look at. So, I contacted Theraposture in March and Richie an Assessor came out to see us. I’m a big fan of YouTube so had already watched all the Theraposture videos in detail so knew pretty much what I wanted.

The clinical assessment went well however our main concern was whether a double Rotoflex would fit in our bedroom.

Richie was great; he worked it all out for us and showed how a bed could fit. After which he has helped us through the whole process from order to delivery and after installation.”

“We really benefited from the 10% price discount through Theraposture’s relationship with Parkinson’s UK”

“The bed was installed in May just before we went away to America for a month. The men that came to fit the bed were excellent, very efficient. There were a couple of issues during the install which they came back to sort quickly which was no problem. Since delivery I have been generally sleeping better. With Parkinson’s it can take some time to get used to something new but I’m getting there. The mattress is extremely comfortable. Helen is definitely sleeping much better already.”

The Rotoflex is part of the rotating bed range from Theraposture. This award-winning bed is the original and patented design which has been proven to help users and carers for over 25 years. Eliminating the need for manual help from partners, relatives or professionals, the Rotoflex is just as critical for carers as it is for users as Richard continues:

“People who are thinking about getting a bed like this need to also consider the benefits to the carer. People tend to always focus on the patient and forget the carer’s needs. Now when I wake up or have to adjust my position at night, I can do it on my own and do not disturb Helen as we are sleeping on separate mattresses. Helen gets a better night’s sleep that’s for sure and she is not risking back injury when helping me get in and out. The bed sits me up ready to transfer which is a massive help. When in the chair position I raise the whole bed up and then stand and lean into my walking frame. I think the variable height is important because if you go for a bed that tips you instead, if you don’t have the strength in your legs or you are not ready to stand up, you could end up on the floor. I cannot afford for this to happen as previously I had a fall at night and couldn’t get back up.”

If users can transfer out of bed independently, or only need supervision from partners, then the cost of expensive carers coming to visit can be eliminated. On average, two carers visiting twice a day to assist with bed transfers, can cost around £27,000+ per year. If this help is not enough and relocation to residential care is required, the cost can typically soar to £50,000+ per annum.

When carers are reduced to none, this results in the Rotoflex ‘paying for itself’ in a relatively short space of time – helping to maximise personal and public sector budgets.

Over and above the profiling and rotating functionality of the Rotoflex, Richard finds the powered rising heel section very beneficial. Other rotating beds tend to have a static section of mattress at the end of the bed, so the main mattress does not clash with the footboard when rotating. However with the Rotoflex, this end section can be raised to the same level of the main mattress with the foot end raised, so legs can be elevated. In this fully supported position, pressure and circulation issues can be eased which has helped Richard reduce swelling in his legs and improved his walking.

“We both get a better night’s sleep and Helen is not risking injury when helping me get in and out”

In summary Richard and his wife are delighted with their Rotoflex. It has ensured they can continue sleeping together, upstairs, and now both have peace of mind. “The bed is wonderful; it has made an amazing difference.” concludes Richard. “As Helen now doesn’t work as she’s my full-time carer, we really benefited from the price discount through Theraposture’s relationship with Parkinson’s UK. As we’ve been so impressed with the bed, we’d love Theraposture to talk at one of our international online support groups which we host every week. It has made life so much easier and the support we have received has been second-to-none.”