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Articles related to focusing on healthy aging, prevention, mobility, cognition, nutrition, independence, and caregiving support.

5 min

Understanding Safety: Can Mattress Overlays and Bedrails Be Used Together?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), deaths and injuries have been reported involving adult portable bed rails, with most cases related to entrapment. This highlights the critical importance of understanding whether and how safely can mattress overlays and bedrails be used together in a home or clinical setting.

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4 min

What is the main cause of death from bed rail use?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), bed rail entrapment is the main cause of death from bed rail use, with reports citing entanglement, asphyxiation, and strangulation. This risk is particularly high for frail, elderly, or confused individuals who may become trapped in gaps between the mattress and the rail. Despite their intended use to prevent falls, bed rails can introduce significant hazards, leading to fatal accidents when not properly installed or monitored.

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5 min

What Type of Restraint Is a Bed Rail?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), over 800 incidents of bed rail entrapment, entanglement, or strangulation were reported between 1985 and 2009, with 480 resulting in death. This highlights the critical question: **what type of restraint is a bed rail?** The answer is not simple, as it depends on the patient's condition and the specific use of the device.

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5 min

What are 8 point restraints? Understanding Their Use and Risks

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), physical restraints are only permissible as a last resort in emergency situations. This authoritative guide explains what are 8 point restraints, the strict regulations governing their use, and the serious risks involved, particularly within senior care.

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