Seniors fall out !
Falls are among the main causes of injury among seniors across the world. As such, in care giving in geriatrics, it is of the utmost importance to prevent the occurrence of seniors falling out of bed.
Seniors might fall from their beds for a large variety of reasons. Bear in mind that seniors might either tumble out of their beds while they are sleeping or fall whilst attempting to rise from their beds. Both situations carry a serious risk to the health and overall well-being of seniors. Here are some underlying reasons for which seniors may fall out of bed:
- Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, which may result in adults of any age falling out of bed
- A recent event of medical trauma that resulted in a mobility change, with examples including cardiac arrest or a stroke
- A recent major surgical procedure, which can also result in a mobility change
- A modification in one’s medication routine, where it could either be a change in the medication taken or a change in the frequency of the administration of the medicine .
- A modification in one’s sleeping quarters or conditions, such as modifications with respect to the bed, bedding, clothing, lighting, other furniture, or even the side of the bed on which the senior assumes a sleeping position.
- Due to incontinence, which will result in the need to use the bathroom as quickly as possible and hence the tendency to move more haphazardly than normal, which will result in falling from bed.
- The phenomenon of sun downing in seniors who are living with dementia, which is a medical condition that results in increased levels of fatigue and confusion in the later parts of the day
- Positional vertigo, which causes dizziness in seniors and is a leading reason for falls
What Are the Associated Risks for Seniors Falling Out of Their Beds?
Very serious injuries can be sustained by seniors who have had a falling accident. In the same vein, falling is a threat not only to seniors’ wellbeing and overall health but is also a risk to their own personal autonomy and independence.
A major fall could limit a senior’s capability of being independent. Falls are able to cause serious bone breakage in the bodies of seniors. Fractures of the hip are commonplace among seniors who have sustained serious falls. Sadly, fractures in bones may carry extensive, long-term consequences for seniors.
Lowered levels of mobility and a decrease in one’s ability to independently take care of the tasks of daily living can be the result of a bone fracture, and in seniors, it is very difficult to reverse these results. Falls may also cause traumatic brain injuries in seniors, and this can be especially serious if the senior is taking blood-thinning medication.
When older adults fall out of bed, the consequences can be dire. Let’s not wait until our loved ones has sustained an injury before we address the risk of a senior falling out of bed.
Precautions to prevent fall from bed
- Bed rails
Bed rails prevent fall from bed .Simon’s bed rails can be fixed on both sides of the bed. If the bed is very close to a wall , one side could be be protected withy bed rail. There are two types of bed rail-with legs and without legs.If the elder person is physically weak , bed rail with legs would be preferred.
- Lowering of bed
In most cases this could be a good preventive strategy. There are specially made beds with shorter legs or withy adjustable legs.
- Bed alarm
Bed alarms are inexpensive and a fantastic way for you to “monitor” your senior loved one.It’s wireless and cord free making it as safe as possible (no cords to get tangled in).The bed alarm is a pad that is placed on top of the mattress, under the fitted sheets. It is placed directly under the shoulder blades of the person laying on the bed. Once the person in the bed starts to get up, the pad sets off the alarm.
- Placing stand closer to bed
Very often elders fall while attempting to keep or take out stuff from stand close to bed. It could be phone or glasses or books or water bottle. This kind of fall can be prevented by placing stand closer to a close where hands can reach easily.Even light/alarm switch could be placed close by.
Message for all children
Please get yourself educated about eldercare.
Never forget your responsibility and accountability
