Nursing home staff can keep an eye on residents more easily when they are in public areas. Accidents when they are in their rooms may go unnoticed for a while. So, it’s important that management and staff take precautions to limit the risk of them occurring.
Bed falls are one of the risks that residents face when in their rooms. Options to reduce the chance a resident falls out of bed include:
Lower beds and leave a soft landing
The further someone falls from their bed, the greater the potential for damage. The harder the ground, the more likely the landing is to injure them. Care homes can reduce the risk of injury by covering the ground around the bed with soft materials such as rugs and carpets and keeping the beds lower to the ground. This will also make it easier for residents to get in and out unaided.
Install guard rails
Guard rails make it more difficult to fall, allowing residents to toss and turn in their sleep without fear of rolling over the edge. The downside is they can feel a bit reminiscent of a child’s cot, which some residents may find demeaning or embarrassing.
Use soft furnishings as a barrier
Pillows, cushions and blankets can be used to make a softer version of guard rails. They are less effective, but much more subtle. Residents are unlikely to feel embarrassed about them and may enjoy the coziness they bring.
If an elderly relative falls out of bed and suffers an injury, you may want to investigate what measures the nursing home took to prevent it. If you feel they did not do enough, you can learn how to hold them responsible for their negligence.
