Fall prevention can be easier with an adjustable height bed and absorptive floor mats can cushion fallsthat do occur enough to prevent injury.
Height Adjustable "hi-low" Beds for Fall Prevention
Keeping the bed at a low height may not always be the safest position for patients/residents since individuals with stroke, Parkinson's disease or arthritis of the knees experience great difficulty getting up from low height beds. A safe bed height is accomplished when a patient/resident is able to sit on the edge of the mattress with both feet planted firmly on the floor. A bed height safe enough to support transfer activity can easily be obtained with the use of height adjustable "hi-low" bedsdesigned to be about 8 inches off the ground and raised to a standard bed height when providing nursing care.
Absorptive Floor Mats to Cusion Falls
In those patients/ residents with repeated bed falls, absorptive floor mats are sometimes used to prevent injurious falls.
Some absorptive floor mats are designed for use in conjunction with a bed exit alarm mat.
The downside of absorptive floor mats, especially those that are thick, is that some patients/ residents with poor balance can experience even more unsteadiness, which can increase their risk of falling.
Height adjustable hi-low beds kept in the low height position can be used as an alternative to using absorptive floor mats.
Bedside Floor Mat Tri-fold bedside absorptive floor mat features:
- 30" x 66" x 2"
- Latex-free
- Tri-fold for easy storage
- Mildew-resistant
- High-density, high-impact foam
- Flame-retardant
- Slip-resistant on both sides
- Easy to clean
- One-Year Warranty
Bedrails: Restraints vs. Enablers
Bedrails are viewed as restraints when they restrict a patient's/resident's freedom of movement or ability to leave the bed when desired. However, when used properly, bedrails offer real benefits as they can support safe bed transfers. Appropriately placed half-rails can function as assistive devices (sometimes referred to as "enablers"), which help residents with poor sitting and balance to transfer in and out of bed in a safe manner. Used as enablers, bedrails also provide confidence, thereby lessening fear of falling.
Adjustable height hi-lo beds, absorptive floor mats and enablers can reduce the risk of falling, prevent falls and help patients avoid injuries when they do fall.
Posted October 2005
Updated October 2009
