Yes, here I am again, on my soap box. Today’s topic is side rails, bed rails, enablers, or whatever you choose to call them. As our risk management team travels around the country visiting senior living communities, it has become more common for them to identify communities using these devices. We aren’t quite sure what has happened because bed rails have been associated with injuries and deaths. In the past, most communities opted out of using devices that attach to beds. It may be time to take another look at bed rail risks.
A recent Consumer Reports article examining deaths and injuries associated with bed rails reported that bed rails have been associated with hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries and remain readily available for purchase. Consumer Reports also found during its testing that hazardous bed rails designed for adults and children remain widely available despite more stringent standards and numerous recalls.
The article provides sobering examples. In June 2024, a staff member at an Iowa nursing home found a resident lying on her stomach in bed with her neck wedged between the mattress and a portable bed rail. In another case, a family purchased a bed rail after a resident with dementia had fallen out of bed. The resident later suffocated after becoming trapped between the mattress and the rail.
These incidents are not a new concern. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has previously considered a petition requesting a ban or standard for adult portable bed rails. The FDA has also published clinical guidance for the assessment and implementation of bed rails in hospitals, long-term care communities, and home care settings to address appropriate assessment and decision-making surrounding their use.
Research continues to examine these devices as well. A recent NIHR Open Research study explored the use of bedrails for people living with dementia in different care settings. All of these resources provide another reason to consider how and why these devices are being used.
At the end of the day, WE need to be looking closely at anything that may put our residents in harm’s way. My opinion, right or wrong, is that bed rails can present significant risks. Please take the time to do some intentional rounds. Look in rooms and watch for devices that may put a resident at risk. Talk to families about the dangers of bringing in devices without first discussing them with staff.
Reviewing bed rail risks really isn’t easy, I get it. However, it is definitely worth the effort if we can prevent even one injury or death.
Stay well and stay informed!
