Preventing Falls Out of Bed in Nursing Homes

Imagine lying in bed, drifting off to sleep, only to be jolted awake by the fear of falling. For many, especially the elderly and individuals with certain health conditions, this scenario is a nightly reality. Falling out of bed is not just a childhood fear; it’s a major concern that can lead to injuries and compromised well-being for residents in Atlanta nursing homes. But what if it didn’t have to be this way? With proper “falling out of bed prevention” strategies, concerns about quality of care in nursing homes can be significantly reduced. If they don’t and your loved one is hurt call our Atlanta nursing home neglect attorneys.

Key Takeaways

• Bedside safety measures, hospital beds and mattress adjustments can help reduce the risk of falls from bed.
• Low profile beds and fall mats provide essential components to reducing injury risks when a fall occurs.
• Caregivers of dementia patients should observe triggers, establish routines and modify sleep environments for safe sleeping.

Bedside Safety Measures

When we think of falling, we often visualize a stumble on the sidewalk or a trip on the stairs. Rarely do we consider the risk of falling out of bed. However, for many, especially older adults and those with health conditions such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, this risk is very real. Adopting preventive measures like using bed rails and body length pillows can substantially lower this risk, helping to prevent falling and making the sleeping environment safer.

Hospital beds are a common sight in healthcare facilities, but their benefits extend beyond these settings. These beds are fitted with rails that aid people in moving from a reclining to a seated position, which lessens the likelihood of falling. However, not everyone requires a hospital bed. For these people, modifying the mattress, such as adding foam wedges, can secure the head pillows from sliding and uphold a safe sleep environment.

Body-length pillows, the unsung heroes of bedside safety, provide a comfortable boundary along the edges of the bed. They:

• Reduce the risk of rolling out of bed and causing a head injury, especially for older adults
• Aid in fall prevention
• Instill a feeling of safety, promoting restful sleep.

Hospital Beds: Built-In Protection

Hospital beds, often associated with sterile healthcare settings, are unsung heroes in the quest for a safer sleep environment. They come with built-in rails and adjustable mattresses, elements that reduce the risk of a patient falling out of bed and sustaining a serious injury. In fact, certain beds like hospital beds are specifically designed to provide safety and comfort for patients.

While hospital beds offer significant safety benefits, they may not be suitable for everyone. Some people may find them restrictive, particularly those who experience claustrophobia. In such cases, a new bed with a lower profile or an alternative design may offer a more comfortable solution.

Irrespective of personal choices, the advantages of hospital beds are tangible, particularly for those with restricted movement. The adjustable mattresses and safety rails provide enhanced security, making hospital beds a valuable asset in preventing falls.

Mattress Adjustments

At times, the secret to a safer night’s sleep lies not in a new bed, but in a few simple adjustments to the existing one. Foam wedges and pool noodles, common items that you might not associate with a good night’s sleep, can make a world of difference. Positioning these items around the bed forms a barrier that can lower the chance of rolling off the bed.

Pool noodles, those colorful foam cylinders more commonly seen at the poolside, can be used to prevent falls from bed. Here’s how to use a pool noodle for this purpose:

1. Tuck the pool noodle under the mattress pad or fitted sheet.
2. Make sure the pool noodle is positioned along the edges of the bed.
3. Adjust the height and angle of the bed if necessary to further reduce the risk of falls.

Combined with other adjustments, like height and angle changes, this simple DIY method can significantly lower the risk of a fall during sleep.

Body Length Pillows: Comfortable Boundaries

Body-length pillows are more than just a comfort accessory. They serve a vital purpose in ensuring a safer sleeping environment, especially for those at risk of falling out of bed. They establish a physical boundary between the person and the bed edge, lowering the fall risk and instilling a sense of safety.

Specialized body-length pillows are available for individuals with specific conditions, including dementia or mobility issues. These pillows are designed with the user’s comfort and safety in mind, providing adequate support for the neck, head, and spine, ensuring a stable and safe sleep.

Reducing Injury Risks When A Fall Occurs

Despite our best efforts, falls can still occur. However, the impact of these falls can be significantly reduced through preventive measures. One such measure is the use of a low-profile bed, where the mattress is situated closer to the floor, thereby decreasing the distance of the fall. Yet, a low-profile bed alone is not enough. Including a barricade and a fall mat can additionally absorb the impact of a fall, lessening injury risk. Unfortunately, many Georgia nursing homes do not follow these simple preventative measures and their residents suffer preventable injuries. If that is your case or your loved ones you need to contact a Nursing home abuse lawyer in Georgia from the Turnbull Law Firm.

Fall mats play a crucial role in this strategy. They provide a softer landing in case of a fall, reducing the risk of serious injuries. The type of fall mat used can vary, but the most effective ones include Bedside Safety Mats with Alarm, Low Profile Fall Mats, and Impact-Reducing Fall Mats.

Low-profile beds, on the other hand, minimize the distance between the bed and the floor. This design reduces the severity of injuries if a fall does occur, making them an essential part of any fall prevention strategy. Each of these strategies work together. Unfortunately, many nursing homes do not do this in which case you need to pursue a case for nursing home neglect in Georgia.

Fall Mats: Cushioning The Impact

Picture this: a loved one stumbles out of bed, but instead of a hard floor, their fall is cushioned by a soft mat. This is the reality with fall mats. These mats are designed to offer a soft surface that absorbs the fall’s force, consequently decreasing the chance of severe injuries like hip fractures.

Fall mats are not one-size-fits-all. Different types of fall mats are suited to different environments. For example, in a hospital setting, the Drive Medical Tri-Folding Bedside Mat, NYOrtho Bedside Floor Mat, and Drive Medical Primemat 2.0 Impact Reduction are ideal choices. These mats are designed to mitigate the risk of serious fall injuries for patients.

Several factors need consideration when choosing a fall mat. These include:

• The thickness of the mat
• The material it’s made from
• Whether it has a non-slip surface
• Its size
• How easy it is to clean

It’s also important to consider the specific needs of the individual who’ll be using the mat.

Low-Profile Beds

Low-profile beds offer a simple yet effective solution for reducing the elevated risk of injuries from falls. By lowering the height of the bed, these designs help prevent falls and lessen the severity of any injuries that may occur.

Low-profile beds offer several features that prioritize patient safety, including:

• Adjustable bed height
• Bed rails
• Side assist rails
• Low-height design

These beds are also made from materials that are easy to clean and maintain, creating a hygienic and secure environment for patients.

Tailored Care For Dementia Patients

Caring for dementia patients presents unique challenges. These individuals are often more susceptible to falls due to conditions like sundowning, a phenomenon characterized by agitation, behavioral problems, or difficulty sleeping. As the sun sets, these patients may experience increased confusion, leading to an inability to settle properly and safely in bed, which can result in a fall.

Fortunately, multiple strategies are available to handle sundowning in dementia patients. These strategies encompass:

• Establishing a regular routine
• Maintaining a calm atmosphere
• Promoting relaxation
• Giving reassurance and comfort
• Limiting caffeine and sugar consumption

Establishing a secure sleep environment is another important aspect of dementia patient care. This involves:

• Minimizing potential hazards
• Enhancing lighting
• Providing unobstructed pathways
• Creating a tranquil atmosphere
• Developing routines
• Promoting physical activity
• Restricting daytime naps
• Providing appropriate meals at the appropriate time
• Ceasing liquid intake after a specific hour.

Sundowning Strategies

Sundowning is a phenomenon that can be particularly challenging for caregivers of dementia patients. As the sun sets, these patients may experience increased confusion, anxiety, and agitation, which can lead to risky behaviors and potentially falls.

There are effective strategies for managing sundowning, including observing and minimizing potential triggers, establishing and adhering to routines, and modifying the sleep environment. For instance, avoiding drinks with caffeine or alcohol late in the day can help reduce confusion and anxiety.

Understanding the behavioral issues related to sundowning is also critical. These can include:

• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Pacing
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Confusion
• Increased agitation
• Challenging behaviors such as wandering or yelling

By understanding these issues, caregivers can better anticipate and manage the risks associated with sundowning.

Safe Sleeping Environments

A safe sleeping environment is essential for dementia patients. This involves not only ensuring that the bed itself is safe but also that the surrounding area is clear of potential hazards.

Nightlights can have a significant role in crafting a secure sleep environment. Here are some types of nightlights that can help:

• Low-intensity nightlights
• Motion-activated night lights
• Plug-in nightlights
• Portable nightlights

Bedside lamps can also increase visibility, facilitate orientation and navigation, reduce anxiety, and foster independence.

Devices to prevent wandering can also be a useful instrument in averting falls in dementia patients. These devices notify caregivers when a dementia patient attempts to leave a designated area, enabling them to intervene and prevent a potential fall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some effective ways to reduce the impact of falls if they occur?

Fall mats and low-profile beds are effective ways to reduce the impact of falls if they occur. They provide a cushioned surface that absorbs the force of the fall and minimize the distance between the bed and the floor.

How can I manage sundowning in a dementia patient?

You can manage sundowning in a dementia patient by establishing a regular routine, creating a soothing atmosphere, providing comfort and reassurance, and minimizing caffeine and sugar consumption.

How can I create a safe sleeping environment for dementia patients?

To ensure a safe sleeping environment for dementia patients, assess potential hazards, enhance lighting and pathways, create a tranquil atmosphere, develop routines, promote physical activity, restrict daytime naps, provide appropriate meals, and cease liquid intake after a specific hour.

Summary

Falling out of bed is more than just a childhood fear; it’s a real risk, especially for the elderly and those with conditions like dementia. Yet, as we’ve seen, there are several strategies that can be implemented to mitigate this risk, from basic bedside safety measures like body-length pillows and bed rails, to more specific interventions like fall mats and low-profile beds.

Falls can be frightening, but they don’t have to be inevitable. With the right knowledge and strategies in place, we can create a safer sleeping environment for our loved ones, ensuring that they can sleep soundly and safely each night.

If your loved one has been injured due nursing home neglect or abuse, reach out to The Turnbull Firm today.