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

5 min

What are bed rails used for in nursing homes?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), bed rails can be an important assistive device in certain situations, but their use requires careful assessment. In nursing homes, understanding what are bed rails used for is crucial for ensuring resident safety while also considering the significant risks involved.

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4 min

Are Bed Rails a Last Resort for Someone Who Is at Risk of Falling Out of Bed?

According to the CDC, over 36 million falls are reported among older adults each year, many occurring in the home. This alarming statistic brings to light the critical question: **Are bed rails a last resort for someone who is at risk of falling out of bed?** The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no, involving a comprehensive evaluation of both risk and benefit.

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4 min

Understanding Why are Bedrails Not Allowed in Nursing Homes?

According to the FDA, hundreds of deaths have been reported from incidents where residents became caught or trapped in bedrails. This stark fact underscores the critical reasons behind why bedrails are not allowed in nursing homes for routine use, prioritizing resident safety over a long-held but dangerous assumption of protection.

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4 min

When to take side rails off bed? A guide for safe senior care

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), bed rails pose a significant risk of entrapment, injury, and death, particularly for older adults with certain conditions. Knowing when to take side rails off bed and when to use safer alternatives is a critical aspect of providing safe and compassionate senior care.

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4 min

Understanding Patient Safety: Why side rails are not used when a patient is restrained in bed?

According to the FDA, over 800 incidents of patient entrapment in beds with side rails were reported between 1985 and 2009, highlighting a significant risk factor, which is precisely why side rails are not used when a patient is restrained in bed. Healthcare providers avoid this practice to prevent serious injury and comply with established patient safety protocols.

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5 min

Are bed rails safe for the elderly? Understanding the risks and finding alternatives

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were at least 284 entrapment deaths involving adult portable bed rails from January 2003 to December 2021. This raises a critical question for many caregivers and families: **Are bed rails safe for the elderly?** The answer is complex, as these devices offer benefits but also carry significant, sometimes life-threatening, risks, especially for individuals with cognitive impairments.

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4 min

When should you not use bed rails? Understanding the risks and alternatives

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), bed rail entrapment, suffocation, and falls from climbing over rails have led to hundreds of deaths and serious injuries. Understanding **when you should not use bed rails** is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of a loved one, especially older adults with specific health conditions.

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6 min

What type of device is a bed rail? A comprehensive guide to its function and uses

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), bed rails are responsible for numerous injuries and even deaths due to entrapment. So, **what type of device is a bed rail**? It is an assistive or safety device, installed along the side of a bed to aid mobility, provide support, and prevent falls.

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5 min

What are the three points to consider during a risk assessment for bed rails?

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), bed rail entrapment incidents have resulted in hundreds of deaths over recent decades, demonstrating their serious risks. Therefore, a comprehensive risk assessment is crucial for patient safety, identifying what are the three points to consider during a risk assessment for bed rails to mitigate potential harm.

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