Injuries sustained from a fall out of bed can be rather serious, especially for the elderly and the disabled, and can have a profound effect on a person’s sense of self-confidence in the long run. However, if you have the proper equipment and implement the right strategies, you may simply prevent it.
Assisted living in Palm Bay, FL can assist the elderly to stay safe in bed by following the precautions that we will be covering in the article below.
Why People Fall Out of Bed
Older adults frequently experience injuries from falling out of bed due to a variety of causes like the following:
- A mobility-impaired individual is more likely to tumble out of bed throughout the night. The inability to control one’s movements makes falling out of bed far more likely after a traumatic event such as a stroke, an operation, or any other form of impairment.
- Strange dreams are only one side effect of taking certain medications, which can also implicate your overall quality of sleep. Persons experiencing this type of disturbed sleep are also more likely to fall out of bed.
- People with dementia are also more likely to fall out of bed because of their impaired cognition and muddled perception.
Utilizing Positioning Supports
The use of positioning supports and cushions to create a barrier at the edge of the bed is an important safety feature in assisted living communities to prevent residents from slipping out of their beds. Cushions in the form of wedges or cylinders are used to make it more of a challenge to roll out of bed. This can serve as a gentle prompt to the residents that they are getting close to the side of the bed and should shift to the center. It is also a lot more challenging to turn over and accidentally fall.
Using Low Beds that Are Height-Adjustable
Low-level beds are also used to lessen the severity of injuries sustained in the case of a fall from the bed. Naturally, side rails can be added to these beds to further reduce the risk of falling out. However, the risk of harm can be reduced even more by combining a low bed with fallout mats. The mats are designed to absorb some of the impact if residents happen to roll out of bed.
Installing Side Rails
Beds with built-in side rails are also useful for this purpose. It can be considered as a more long-term option to ensure bed safety. People who are prone to falling out of bed can benefit from having side rails installed on both sides of the bed. They can be raised or lowered as needed to facilitate getting in or out of bed with greater ease. Of course, we are aware that some people may find bed rails to be too impersonal or hospital-like. People with dementia may also try to climb over the rails if they feel trapped, which can cause a great deal of distress. Hence, retirement communities have to really analyze the situation of each resident to ensure their safety while maintaining their comfort.
