height-adjustable beds and absorptive floor mats

by Rein Tideiksaar, PhD

Fall prevention can be easier with an adjustable height bed and absorptive floor mats can cushion falls that 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" beds designed 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