Where should I look to find a bed that would be safe for a special needs child?

Question

My daughter is coming home to stay. She is 9 years old and has cerebral palsy and is also legally blind. I live in a town house. I am looking for a bed that would confine her, just in case she woke up in the middle of the night and I didnt hear her then she would be safe from the staircase.

Answer 1

with ceberal palsy i'm thinking she really isn't going too far. why not just get a gate for the bedroom door and a baby monitor

Answer 2

I would get 2 baby gates for her bedroom door.  That way she can't step/fall over the bottom gate.  I would put it on her bedroom door because she could even get in trouble in other area for example the bathroom if she wandered off.  Also, a baby monitor is a great idea b/c that will let you know if she is upset and trying to get out to go to the bathroom.

Answer 3

If you receive any assistance for her because of her disabilities, check with them to see if they help pay for things like that.

Any good orthopaedic Appliance store should have what you need.

When I lived in Texas, (Last year) I got awesome help from West Texas Rehabilitation REHAB) I don't know where you live, but State Rehab programs have their own sources, and you get top quality product. The one in Texas, would actually modify their stuff to suit the needs of the clients.

Answer 4

We have a neighbor with a son who is also legally blind and has CP.  They use a baby monitor to be sure they can hear him at night.  No special bed - but they are sure to have up gates to keep him from falling down stairs.

Answer 5

I don't know how severe her cerebral palsy is....will she be able to defeat a baby gate(they have lots of different mechanisms)? You could wall mount 2 baby gates, one above the other to create a barrier at the bedroom door. You'll have to make sure her room is safe for her abilities and maturity. All kids will occasionally get up and play during the night at some point.

I don't think you should confine her to the bed itself.

Answer 6

If you cant afford any beds, try easter seals or salvation army.  They might have some in good conditiion

Answer 7

Why not put a gate on the stairs, that way your daughter wont feel like she,s sleeping in a cage

Answer 8

She is fine in A regular bed, just add side rails.

Answer 9

her doctors should be able to help you find a bed that is suited for her needs, a hospital supply store is your best bet...

Answer 10

I take care of a 24 year old guy that has the same exact thing. He sleeps in a bed that's like a hospital bed. I has rails on each side, so that he doesn't roll out of bed.

Answer 11

Has she been staying in a specail school?  What do they use?  They may be able to help you. Or, call your local drug store.  Quite often the larger ones rent or sell special beds.  if they dont they can direct you to the right place.

Answer 12

SPecial needs or home care beds are pricey.

But, here are a few places to look:

http://www.ocelco.com/store/pc/viewCat_h...

http://www.ariamedical.com/home-care-bed...

http://www.sleepsafebed.com/sleepsafer.h...

http://www.babeetenda.com/crib.htm

http://home.comcast.net/~ncfurniture/wsb...

Answer 13

talk to her therapist for ideas.

Answer 14

you people have really grown tragically sick.  Lay off the meds and re-think things already...

Answer 15

try a medical supply.  i used to work with special needs kids and most of them slept in cribs.  If you dont want a crib you should try to confine her to her room with a door k**b cover like used for babies.

Answer 16

Ask the people at the place where she's been staying. I'm assuming here that she's been in hospital or care of some sort. find out what they used.

You could get a bed rail and an ordinary bed. this is what the son of a woman I know had. Her son also had a physical disability (we met through the school he was at as we were both working there.)

The bed rail would give her the sense that she is safe but she would not feel like she is in a cage.

Can she walk, get out of bed on her own. If so I'd put gates on the stairs or on her door. More for the fact that as she is legally blind and has probably not got used to your house yet she may not know where she's going and fall down the stairs because she doesn't realise that they are there.

Last thing whereabouts are you?

the links I'm giving you are australian but most of the stuff is from overseas anyway and even if it's not it's probably available there anyway