| Frequently believed to be without risk, Beds give | | | | prevention programs often recommend a bedside |
| cause for concern... Did you know that falls from bed | | | | lamp but lack the knowledge to address the bed |
| are the second leading cause of fall deaths-after | | | | safety issue involving the action of reaching for the |
| stairs and steps?*( | | | | lamp. |
| Little attention is given to this fall risk and few | | | | Seniors aren't the only ones at risk. Caregivers need |
| understand the risks. A lot of focus is given to using | | | | to recognize the dangers to those they care for and |
| the toilet while the greater bed fall risk is unknown | | | | to avoid injury to themselves while caregiving. |
| and unaddressed. The statistics may surprise you | | | | According to the statistics, bed falls are a serious |
| when it comes to the bed verses using the toilet. | | | | threat. Most injuries happen due to a lack of |
| According to the *CDC difficulty performing activities | | | | appropriate information about the risks. Bed safety |
| of daily living among Medicare beneficiaries, ages | | | | plays a role in Fall Prevention programs but is |
| 65+(2006 figures of Non-institutionalized beneficiaries) | | | | currently overlooked or unknown. Unfortunately, Fall |
| Getting In/Out of Bed/Chair 11.9% | | | | Prevention programs don't address bed falls because |
| Using Toilet 4.8% | | | | EMS, healthcare professionals and other experts lack |
| As you can see getting in and out of bed can be | | | | training and are not familiar with bed fall issues. |
| difficult for many over 65. To address the safety | | | | Too often when the bed is addressed the assistive |
| issues we first need to understand the risks and learn | | | | aids used restrict freedom of movement and create |
| about bed falls. | | | | other safety issues. Restricting freedom of |
| Types of Bed Falls | | | | movement is a safety issue along with the risk of |
| Have you ever thought about bed falls, what a bed | | | | entrapment from commonly used assistive aids. In |
| fall is or beds fall causes? Chances are you have | | | | 2006, the FDA published guidelines from the FDA |
| heard "they fell out of bed" in reference to some | | | | Hospital Bed Safety Workgroup(HBSW). The |
| who is elderly. Unfortunately the outcome is often a | | | | guidelines address entrapment risks associated with |
| hip fracture requiring hospitalization with permanent | | | | bed accessories often used in the home and in fall |
| mobility limitations. The causes can vary yet you can | | | | prevention programs. |
| have the same outcome. Here are some examples: | | | | Prevention is about reducing risks so it is important |
| 1. A fall while transitioning from a sitting to a standing | | | | that you don't reduce one risk and create another. |
| position from bed--is a bed fall. To avoid losing your | | | | This is often what happens due to not understanding |
| balance or misjudging how far the floor is, make sure | | | | how ineffective and/or unstable products create |
| your feet are flat on the floor prior to standing. | | | | safety issues. |
| Walkers, canes or furniture are unstable and should | | | | Don't wait for a fall to happen because one fall can |
| not be used for balance while transitioning. | | | | change a life forever. It can also change an entire |
| 2. Rolling off the bed reaching for something bedside, | | | | family forever. One thing we know is that falls can |
| such as a lamp, is a bed fall. Items must be close | | | | be prevented! |
| enough to avoid rolling off the bed while reaching. Fall | | | | |