News (August 2006)

Aim to Reduce Bed Falls

By Athan Bezaitis

Bed Safety is a priority when it comes to fall prevention for older adults.  Metal bedrails that run along the side of the bed are commonly misused as a means to protect people against falls.  Due to the difficulty associated with getting into and out of the bed, bedrails often lead to entrapment and other hazards. 

Many people have little or no knowledge about dangers in and around the bed that give seniors and people with disabilities a false sense of safety.  The Food and Drug Administration along with the Centers for Medicare/Medicaid Services want the use of ineffective products such as bedrails to be eliminated when safer, more effective alternatives are available.

Falls are the leading cause of unintentional death for those 65 and up.  Last year, according to the Center for Disease Control, there were 1.8 million emergency room visits and over 420,000 hospital admissions of those 65 and over from falls. Beds are second only to stairs/steps as the leading cause of fall deaths according to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). 

Builders, designers and those working with government agencies and providers need to be aware of safety issues around the bed. An effective home modification strategy is the best means to deal with the problem.  There is no one-size-fits-all solution.  However, some universally designed products can work towards a safer, healthier living environment. 

Educate to stop the use of ineffective, cheaply made devices that lack integrity and have safety issues. When it comes to bed safety, the status quo should not be based on speculation and theory.  Instead bed protection should be based on universally designed products that benefit the user.