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

5 min

What Are Side Rails Used For in Nursing Homes?

According to the FDA, improper use of bed rails has been linked to numerous serious injuries and deaths. Understanding what are side rails used for in nursing homes is critical for ensuring resident safety, dignity, and independence.

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4 min

Where Should Restraints Be Tied To? Understanding Regulations and Safety in Senior Care

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the appropriate use of restraints is permitted only when required to treat a resident's medical symptoms, not for discipline or convenience. While the question of where should restraints be tied to might arise in specific medical contexts, it's more critical to understand the regulations governing their use and prioritizing restraint-free care.

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4 min

Why can't bed rails be used in nursing homes? Understanding the serious risks

According to the FDA, over 800 incidents of bed rail entrapment, including 480 deaths, were reported between 1985 and 2009, highlighting the severe dangers. These concerning statistics are a major reason **why can't bed rails be used in nursing homes** without strict protocols and why facilities prioritize safer alternatives. The risks, particularly for frail or cognitively impaired residents, often outweigh the perceived benefits, leading to stringent federal regulations on their use.

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5 min

What are safe practice guidelines for using side rails?

According to a study published by the FDA, bed side rails, while seemingly beneficial, are associated with a risk of patient entrapment, falls, and injuries. Understanding **what are safe practice guidelines for using side rails?** is therefore crucial for caregivers and healthcare professionals to ensure patient well-being and mitigate potential hazards. This guide provides an authoritative overview of these essential safety protocols.

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5 min

Are Side Rails Allowed in Nursing Homes? Regulations and Safety

According to the FDA, bed rails, while sometimes helpful, pose serious safety risks like entrapment and falls, necessitating strict regulation in long-term care facilities. Addressing the question, **are side rails allowed in nursing homes?**, requires a deep look at federal rules, safety assessments, and patient rights.

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5 min

What are the fall precautions for CNA? A Comprehensive Guide

According to the CDC, over 800,000 patients are hospitalized each year due to a fall injury, making fall prevention a critical aspect of healthcare. For Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), understanding what are the fall precautions for CNA is not just a duty, but a foundational element of quality patient care.

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5 min

Why do hospitals have bed alarms? An In-depth Look

According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, approximately 700,000 to 1,000,000 patients fall in hospitals each year. To combat this critical safety concern, hospitals have bed alarms to alert staff when a patient attempts to exit the bed unassisted. While a common tool, the use of bed alarms is a complex topic involving patient safety, staff efficiency, and potential drawbacks like alarm fatigue.

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4 min

When assisting a resident to use a bedpan, urinal or commode, what two things should you give them before leaving the room?

Ensuring the safety and dignity of older adults is a cornerstone of compassionate care, with patient satisfaction often directly tied to their sense of autonomy. So, when assisting a resident to use a bedpan, urinal or commode, what two things should you give them before leaving the room? The answer centers on communication and privacy, two things that directly impact a resident's comfort and well-being.

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