Most profiling beds in care environments will be able to assume the Trendelenburg position. This where the bed moves to a slope where the feet will be at the top and head at the bottom.
First characterised in the late 19th century it was a means to gain greater access to certain areas during surgeries at the time.
The main use of this bed position today is as a way to treat minor respiratory issues. At this angle more blood is flowing to essential organs allowing for better circulation.
The Trendelenburg position is a bed positioning feature that tilts the entire bed so that the head is lower than the feet, while the body remains in a straight line. On a profiling bed, this is achieved by tilting the bed frame rather than bending the mattress platform.
It is commonly used in healthcare settings for specific clinical purposes, such as:
Some advanced profiling beds include a Trendelenburg function, but it should only be used when recommended by a healthcare professional. It is not a general comfort feature and is not appropriate for all users or medical conditions.
How about Reverse Trendelenburg?
This is the opposite of the standard Trendelenburg where the head is elevated above the feet at 30 degrees. This position has been used to aid in breathing for bariatric individuals, this releases pressure from the head.
Although the likelihood of you needing to utilise this in your care home is low it is worth bearing in mind. Particularly when thinking about increasing posture in your residents.
With anti-Trendelenburg set up on a profiling bed you can effectively maneuver the bed into seating position which allows those with restricted mobility to sit up and interact as such. With the use of an over bed table, they can eat and watch telly.
Then the standard Trendelenburg can help with blood flow. Being sure to not keep resident sin these positions for too long.
Many profiling beds also offer a Reverse Trendelenburg position, where the head is raised higher than the feet. This can be used to:
Trendelenburg positioning should only be used when clinically indicated, as it may not be suitable for people with certain heart, respiratory, neurological, or eye conditions. Always follow the guidance of a healthcare professional or the bed manufacturer’s instructions before using this function.
