Mobility issues in general are misunderstood and lack appropriate solutions to address the problem. One issue is why, do people fall out of bed and why is it such a healthcare mystery. You may wonder how beds and bed rails equal a mobility issue until you understand a century old misconception.
Many bed falls are mobility related. The most common solutions were to confine the person or restrain them with bed rails, sometimes both. Today's focus is on individual needs and keeping people mobile without confining or restraining them.
Rails For Beds
One myth is that the elderly fall out of bed because the bed rails are not raised. Yet we never hear what caused them to "fall out of bed" so informed decisions are rare. Exploring the reasons why the elderly and others fall out of bed will help us make better mobility decisions now, and in the future. Bed fall examples:
1. Accidental, rolled off the bed while reaching for a TV remote or glass of water on a night stand, usually an accident. Is this a balance or mobility issue, both or just an accident?
2. Fell off the edge of the bed. If the person was properly placed in bed they may not fall off the edge. This person could have a mobility issue and needs various mobility aids or more assistance. Proper in-bed placement could be important.
3. Rolled off the edge of the bed attempting to roll on ones side and got too much momentum. Could proper in-bed placement alleviate the issue or would a restraint free mobility tool be beneficial.
4. Another type of bed fall is transferring out of bed or getting into bed. Common mistakes and mobility gaps are the improper use of walkers and canes. Often people need a helping hand to complete a task but lack the additional mobility aid needed to complete it safely and with less stress.
Rolling into bed rails is painful and an entrapment risk. They are confining and restrictive causing the user to constantly bump into the rails creating bruising and possibly skins tear issues. The user often blames themselves for injuries not understanding it's the confining and restrictive device causing the problem not them. This is an example of using or recommending the wrong tool.
We are also realizing many mobility aids like walkers and canes are poorly designed creating risks and that bed rails are not mobility aids. We cannot address needs without understanding the cause and circumstances prior to recommending a solution. We should also understand mobility aids and the effects they have on the user.
This is a new way of thinking about the mobility needs of seniors, the disabled, and the elderly. We cannot continue to throw inappropriate mobility aids and partial solutions at the problem and expect positive outcomes. Each person has individual needs based on their own set of conditions that we need to understand before we make life changing choices. We are just beginning to understand mobility issues and falls. New ideas, new knowledge and new actions can have positive outcomes.
References (partial list): National Safety Council, Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), FDA Hospital Bed Safety Workgroup (HBSW), Hospital Reporting Of Deaths Related To Restraint And Seclusion (September 2006: HHS Office of Inspector General), Older Consumer Safety: Phase I (CPSC December 2005), Preventing Falls and Injuries While Reducing Siderail Use: E. Capezuti, Aim to Reduce Bed Falls: A. Bezaitis (Fall Prevention Center of Excellence, August 2006)
Cyber Monday STRUCTURES by Malouf Heavy Duty 6-Leg LINENSPA Adjustable Metal Bed Frame with Double Center Support and Rug Rollers - UNIVERSAL (Cal King King Queen Full XL Full Twin XL Twin) 2011 Deals
Dec 02, 2011 12:44:45
Click for larger image and other views
Cyber Monday STRUCTURES by Malouf Heavy Duty 6-Leg LINENSPA Adjustable Metal Bed Frame with Double Center Support and Rug Rollers - UNIVERSAL (Cal King King Queen Full XL Full Twin XL Twin) Feature
- Easily Adjusts to Fit Cal King, King, Queen, Full XL, Full, Twin XL and Twin Mattresses
- Four 2-1/2" Extra-Wide Locking Rug Rollers
- 2-1/2" Center Support Bar with Two Support Glides
- Universal Headboard Brackets and Gunmetal Black Matte Powder Coating
- Easy Assembly in Under 10 Minutes - No Additional Tools Required
Cyber Monday STRUCTURES by Malouf Heavy Duty 6-Leg LINENSPA Adjustable Metal Bed Frame with Double Center Support and Rug Rollers - UNIVERSAL (Cal King King Queen Full XL Full Twin XL Twin) Overview
STRUCTURES by Malouf Heavy Duty 6-Leg LINENSPA Adjustable Metal Bed Frame with Double Center Support and Rug Rollers - UNIVERSAL (Cal King King Queen Full XL Full Twin XL Twin)SAVE NOW on Cyber Monday offers below!
Available In Stock. |
| This Cyber Monday STRUCTURES by Malouf Heavy Duty 6-Leg LINENSPA Adjustable Metal Bed Frame with Double Center Support and Rug Rollers - UNIVERSAL (Cal King King Queen Full XL Full Twin XL Twin) ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping. |
Price : Click to Check Update Prices Please. |
Limited Offer Today!! STRUCTURES by Malouf Heavy Duty 6-Leg LINENSPA Adjustable Metal Bed Frame with Double Center Support and Rug Rollers - UNIVERSAL (Cal King King Queen Full XL Full Twin XL Twin) Cyber Monday and Black Friday 2011 Deals
Tv Dinner Tray Table Walnut Side Tables Nikon Digital Camera Lens