FALL PREVENTION: Protect your patient in bed

Fall prevention is a frequent topic for nursing home staff, and rightfully so.  Unfortunately, nursing home residents frequently fall, and the older adults that survive a nursing home fall are likely to sustain injuries that hinder quality of life or cause permanent disability. ¹

Most fall prevention plans include bath safety items, mobility aids such as walkers, canes, and wheelchairs, and devices to assist patients from a sit-to-stand position.

What are YOU doing to protect your patient while in bed?

A staggering 48.5% of nursing home residents have Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias.² If you've cared for a patient with Alzheimer's than you are likely familiar with the frequent midnight walkabouts and Houdini like escape tactics.  Since nursing homes are prohibited from using full bed rails and restraints due to the risk of entrapment and harm reported to patients, alternative safety measures must be implemented to minimize the risk of injury if a fall were to occur.

Here are a few recommended products to help minimize fall prevention injury while in bed:

 1.  Pressure Sensitive Patient Alarm System

The Patient Alarm utilizes a pressure sensitive pad and connected battery powered alarm that alerts caregiver with audio sound when patient gets out of a chair or bed.  If your nursing home patient exits the bed you will be alerted to assist them and help prevent them from falling.

2.  Defined Perimeter Universal Mattress Cover

When a patient is prone to exiting the bed unassisted or to falling out of the bed, Drive Medical's defined perimeter cover is a great solution. When installed on a standard bed, the soft foam bolster cushions surround the edge of the bed to promote a safe bed environment, without the need for confining side rails.

3. Safety Beveled Edge Solid 1 Piece EVA Foam Fall Mat

The Safety Care fall mat is constructed from the highest quality high density EVA compressed foam designed to provide a safe environment for patients at high risk of falling out of bed. EVA (Ethylene-vinyl acetate) is a revolutionary foam with rubber like qualities used in the manufacturing of various products such as running shoes, orthotics and sporting goods. EVA is resistant to moisture and stress cracking making it a very durable material to absorb and redirect impact forces during a fall. The mats have tapered beveled edges allowing equipment to roll over with ease along with a non slip bottom to keep the mat secure and help prevent accidental tripping. The solid core design is easy to clean and is anti bacterial to avoid cross contamination between various patient room.

Since 1997 Allegro Medical has been a leading supplier of medical supplies and fall prevention medical equipment to healthcare providers and consumers.  If you need assistance purchasing fall prevention products, rely on AllegroMedical.com for all of your patient care needs.

¹^{Rubenstein LZ, Robbins AS, Schulman BL, Rosado J, Osterweil D, Josephson KR. Falls and instability in the elderly. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 1988;36:266–78.}

²^{http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nsltcp/long_term_care_services_2013.pdf}