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Why Are Bed Rails Not Allowed in Nursing Homes?

Nursing homes have a duty to provide safe and supportive care for their patients, so why are bed rails not allowed in nursing homes? In this blog post, we’ll explore this question in detail and discuss why bed rails may not be the best choice for addressing safety concerns in nursing homes. 

What is a Bed Rail?

Bed rails are a type of safety device that is used to provide support and stability to an individual in a bed. These rails, which can be either stationary or moveable, are often used to prevent an individual from falling out of bed and are usually found in hospitals, nursing homes, and other assisted living facilities.

Why are Bed Rails Not Allowed in Nursing Homes?

Though bed rails provide support and stability to individuals in bed, they are not allowed in nursing homes for a variety of reasons. 

  • They can create a false sense of security which may lead to an increased risk of injury. 
  • Bed rails can create entrapment hazards and make it difficult for an individual to move in and out of the bed. 
  • They are often associated with a higher risk of pressure ulcers due to the lack of circulation when an individual is sleeping or lying on bed rails. 
  • They can interfere with the normal movement of a patient’s body and can potential cause contractures. 
  • They can be difficult to install correctly and safely and require regular maintenance and upkeep to meet safety standards. 

What are the Alternatives? 

Since bed rails are not allowed in nursing homes, other alternatives must be considered. Some of the most common alternatives include bed alarms, positional devices, mattresses, and non-slip flooring. 

• Bed alarms are devices that are installed around the bed and emit a loud sound when a patient attempts to get out of bed. These devices are designed to alert caregivers if a patient attempts to leave the bed unassisted. 

• Positional devices are designed to help position a patient properly in bed and can help reduce the risk of skin breakdown. 

• Mattresses can help redistribute pressure and provide support for a patient in bed. There are a wide variety of mattresses available that are specifically designed for nursing home settings. 

• Non-slip flooring can help reduce the risk of falls and make it easier for a patient to move safely around their room. 

FAQ : Why bed rails may not be the best choice for addressing safety concerns in nursing homes

Q1. What is a STEM major? 

A1. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. STEM majors provide students with the technical knowledge, skills, and understanding of how the sciences, math, and technology work jointly to solve complex problems. 

Q2. Why is nursing not a STEM major? 

A2. Nursing is not considered to be a STEM major primarily because it does not meet the criteria of the foundational disciplines that compose STEM. Science and technology serve as the basis for almost all STEM careers, and nursing relies more on compassionate care, problem-solving skills, and interpersonal communication than on theories and laws of science or mathematics. 

Q3. What makes nursing unique? 

A3. Nursing provides a unique level of care that is tailored to the patient’s specific needs. Nurses are educated in a variety of areas, including pharmacology, physiology, anatomy, medical terminology, and procedural coding. In addition to providing specialized care that other career paths may not, nursing also offers a unique set of management skills. Nurses are equipped with the skills necessary to assess patient needs, create patient care plans, and manage patient records. 

Conclusion

Bed rails are not allowed in nursing homes due to the potential hazards associated with their use. Alternatives such as bed alarms, positional devices, mattresses, and non-slip flooring are a much safer option for providing support and stability to individuals in nursing homes.

These options provide a safe and supportive environment for patients while still allowing them to maintain a sense of independence. 

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