How to Use an OverBed Table Properly

Author: Derry Hall

Getting on in years brings its own challenges as well along with experience and wisdom. Especially the ones who are bound to lead a sedentary lifestyle due to their nature of work are more prone to age-related issues.

There may be other reasons like accidents, injuries or diseases that may render an individual bed-bound for short or long periods. Thanks to a number of bedroom and mobility aids that such people can retain their independence and quality of life.

While mobility aids like a rollator or a walking stick can help bed-bound people travel shortest distances, there are other bedroom aids that can make performing daily routine jobs comfortable.

An over bed table is one such bedroom aid that can help bed-bound dine, read, or even change clothes without straining much.

However, this bedroom aid also needs you to follow proper instructions for their safe and optimum use just like all the other bedroom and mobility aids do.

Read the User Manual Carefully

All bedroom and mobility aids come with a user manual each and this bedroom aid is no exception. Therefore, before putting it to use, you must go through the user manual thoroughly and read all its instructions.

Pay special attention to weight-bearing capacity, cleaning instructions, and other safety measures.

While reading the user manual is the first and foremost step for any aid, below are several other general instructions you can follow to use this aid properly.

  • Refrain from using it on a rough or uneven surface and ensure that the surfaces are rather flat.
  • Instruct the bed-bound patient on how to use it properly and effectively.
  • Pay special attention to casters. Keep checking for the condition of casters after every month or two.

Casters may wear out after regular use and may need more frequent replacement - especially if you move the table over a rough, dirty and an uneven surface. The reason is, casters are generally for only indoor uses and can't withstand rough surfaces for longer.

  • If you find casters damaged during your routine checks, refrain from using the table unless you replace them with new ones. This is because damaged casters may cause loss of stability.

  • Avoid sitting leaning or sitting on the table. Doing so may cause it to tip over and result in an individual's injury or damage to the table itself.

  • Never take the support of the table while getting up from bed or walking. Remember, this table is to help you with only bed-bound activities, unlike mobility aids that can help you with moving.

  • Always keep the load on the table within the prescribed limits to ensure prevention of damage to the table and its longevity.

  • If there is an activation handle in the table, be extra cautious. Or else, you may accidentally pinch your fingers between the activation handle and top surface.

  • If you find any defects in any part of the table during a regular inspection, replace that part immediately. Also, ensure that you always replace the damaged parts with the original parts.

  • Always contact your supplier for original parts and refrain from buying mediocre replacement part(s) to save a few pennies.

  • Routine cleaning is indispensable for prevention against healthcare-related contamination and infections. Therefore, always clean the table at regular intervals.

While cleaning it, follow the cleaning instructions.

While cleaning instructions and guidelines may vary from brand to brand, using harsh detergents for cleaning is generally not recommendable. As a harsh detergent can damage the surface of the table, you must not use it.

Instead, use a mild detergent and a good quality disinfectant to clean the surface. After washing it, wipe out the moisture with a clean soft dry cloth and let it dry for some time.

In a Nutshell

Bedroom and mobility aids are highly valuable for persons with short-term or long-term mobility restrictions and help them with movements and other daily routine activities. One such bedroom aid is an overbed table that can be of great help to bed-bound individuals.

However, to ensure its safe and proper use, you should follow the above-mentioned instructions. Only then will you be able to reap the benefits of this bedroom aid to a maximum for long.