Overbed tables are an incredibly helpful tool for seniors that come with many benefits and advantages. While they are commonly seen in nursing homes and hospitals, it is also popular to use the functionality of an overbed table right at home. Aside from the ease of having a flat surface for eating and working from bed, many overbed tables have other uses, equipped with storage, lighting, and even electrical outlets. Overbed tables can be wonderful for any user, adding daily convenience, especially to those with ailments or patients recovering from surgery. Many even choose to utilize their table not only in bed, but during the day as a standing desk, adding additional health benefits.
Just like any other purchase, it is important to balance the features and benefits of an overbed table with one’s budget. It is also very important to find the correct height for use in bed; although, most of these tables are adjustable in many ways. When buying an overbed table, shoppers can find specialized stores in their area that cater to seniors’ needs; alternatively, there is always a wide variety of affordable options to be found in the online retail marketplace. Used and new options may even be available depending on where the table is bought, but always remember to purchase from a reputable source.
What Is An Overbed Table
In short, an overbed table is typically a small table on wheels that functions as a flat surface, set at an appropriate height to be used in bed. They can come in all shapes and sizes and are typically classified by the bed or condition of the person whom they will be used for. The types of these tables are senior living and home health overbed tables, inpatient overbed tables, or bariatric overbed tables. The first on the list, senior living and home health overbed tables, are designed for a standard home bed. Inpatient overbed tables are used more frequently in hospitals and with hospital beds, having different shapes and sizes of bases to fit around the necessary equipment. Bariatric overbed tables are normally similar to inpatient ones, with the added advantage of having longer table tops for larger individuals to reach.
Overbed tables have many common features among different models, such as adjustable height or a swivel function. They are used by many people with different wants and needs from their table, and therefore are equipped with many different functions depending on the necessity. These tables are useful to many different types of people and can fill a variety of needs for its user.
[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”Next” ]Who Needs An Overbed Table
Many folks have the need for overbed tables for medical reasons, and many others find that these tables have added benefits and healthful advantages, even if they are not exactly a necessity. Those recovering from surgery or patients who are on bedrest find that an overbed table is an absolute need for their recovery, allowing them to rest in bed and heal without having any strenuous activity that could cause damage to the healing process. Many seniors who are weaker and find much discomfort when rising from bed may take advantage of these tables and their benefits as well, and even others find that the convenience of having a wheeled table next to bed is, in itself, enough of a reason to purchase one.
[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”Next” ]Where Do You Purchase An Overbed Table
It is always important to investigate a reputable seller; in this case, there are specialized stores for senior products as well as the online marketplace to consider when purchasing an overbed table. In some cities, stores exist to sell products that are solely for seniors, selling products that are halfway between medical devices and furniture, such as overbed tables, lift chairs, and canes. Many of these products are also found at larger drugstores, such as a Walgreens or Drug Mart, that have a dedicated section for these types of products.
There are online retail stores that fit this need as well, such as Vive Health, or larger marketplaces such as Amazon. Shopping these websites allows one to read the reviews and see what other users think, along with comparing price and functions; however, purchasing at a physical location allows the shopper to get a feel for the table’s capabilities. Sometimes, a combined approach of reading reviews online and testing out tables in stores can create the most informed shopping experience, along with finding the best price.
[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”Next” ]Different Types of Overbed Tables
Again, the overbed tables classifications are broken down by the type of bed in which they are used, but the tables in each classification will have similar tendencies. Senior living and home health overbed tables, used on standard beds, are typically lightweight, no-frills, and free of added functions such as drawers. Inpatient and bariatric overbed tables, used for hospital beds, will be more heavy duty and have some added features such as spill guards, drawers, and cup holders, along with being able to support more weight. There are also other functions that are possible as mentioned before, like swivel and electrical outlets, that are typically seen on inpatient and bariatric tables rather than senior living or home health tables.
[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”Next” ]Average Cost Of An Overbed Table
Based on the type of overbed table and the added features, prices can vary greatly in the overbed tables market. The versions that are quite standard without any added bells and whistles can be bought new within the fifty dollar range; conversely, for a top-of-the-line table with electrical outlets and USBs, additional storage space, and lighting, can run a person approximately seven hundred dollars. Vive Health has a list of best reviewed tables, with pricing, in the range of categories with various features, which is exceptionally helpful as a jumping off point to get a good idea of the market, prices, and variety that are out there.
[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”Next” ]Benefits of an Overbed Table
The benefits of an overbed table are far greater than simply adding wheels to a tray table; while convenient, these tables also create much needed rest and healing for those who are on bedrest. They also create convenience for those users who have limited mobility, when moving from bed to eat or work proves challenging due to weakness or illness. For those with certain medical conditions, necessary bedrest, or limited mobility, it can be crucial to have needed items within arm’s reach. Overbed tables allow the user this, often with added benefits such as outlets and cupholders, making life even easier.
[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”Next” ]Finding an Overbed Table Online
The list from Vive Health, linked above, can be a great starting point when beginning the search for an overbed table. Another wonderful resource for finding an array of these tables with endless combinations of functionality and features is Amazon. As mentioned before, it can be a very good idea to check user reviews on Amazon, and reviews on medical sites such as Home Medical Reviews, which is geared to this type of product. Doing research on the different tables and weighing pros and cons of liked models, balanced with needed features and cost, will surely lead to a great buy of a product that can enrich your life.
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