More than a good night’s sleep. Specialty mattresses that you funded make a world of difference for residents
We all know that a good night sleep starts with a good mattress, but for many patients and residents at St. Joseph’s Health Care London, mattresses mean much more. They make the world of difference in reducing pain, preventing infection and providing the ideal environment for healing and recuperation.
This past year you donated more than $40,000 in support of specialty mattresses. With your support through the Season of Celebration campaign and letter appeals, 14 new mattresses were purchased for residents of Parkwood Hospital and Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care. Your donations are helping each person who received one, the ability to live a healthier and more comfortable life.
Veteran Albert Smith was one of those individuals. Albert served in the Artillery Division, light anti-aircraft in the 69th Battery in the Canadian military, during World War II. Stationed in various countries overseas, including England, France, Belgium and Germany, he now makes St. Joseph’s Parkwood Hospital home. For Albert, a specialty air mattress has made a difference in the prevention of bed ulcers, in the recovery from an operation and in his comfort of living.
“It’s great,” he says, as he pats the inflatable mattress – known as a Dynamic Alternating Air mattress in the medical world. The added bonus, it makes for a great night’s sleep, “Oh gosh yes, I sleep through the whole night now.”
Pressure ulcers, commonly known as bed sores, are not something most people think much about. However, for those who have limited mobility, they can be very serious leading to serious infection and even death.
Playing a vital role in the prevention and treatment of these ulcers are the dedicated teams of nurses, doctors, dietitians, rehabilitation aids, physical therapists and occupational therapists like Peter Bartlett.
“As an occupational therapist one of my jobs is to assess patients and ensure they get the equipment they need to make their life easier, more convenient and comfortable. A new mattress is one of the first items assigned,” states Peter. “When we are able to heal patients, and prevent them from becoming high-risk, people are able to gain their independence back.”
The mattresses are unique in their ability to minimize pressure and shearing at boney areas of the patient’s body, while removing and preventing heat and fluid from the skin. While some are made of foam with static air inserts, others are more sophisticated with multiple air cells that pump and push air into the mattress while air escapes from thousands of micro holes. The most advanced are programmable, allowing therapists to set timed treatment programs that continually change pressure points by inflating and deflating air cells.
Peter can’t help but be excited about the role specialty mattresses play in the health of patients. He sees their benefits every day and is grateful to donors for their support of them.
“With the right mattress, patients are able to get healthy, feel no pain, be less agitated and allows them to concentrate on living and enjoying simple pleasures like sitting outside and a good night’s sleep.”
Photo caption: Albert Smith enjoys his Dynamic Alternating Air Mattress, while his Occupational Therapist, Peter Bartlett reviews the programed air setting.
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