The public’s focus on safety for
everyday activities such as driving, medications and even walking has grown
significantly over the past three decades. Keeping people safe has become a
slogan for companies who do business in most markets or industries. We see
daily public service announcements about seatbelt safety, texting and
driving—even ads about eating your vegetables. Very rarely is anything
communicated about sleeping safety. After all, sleeping is part of our nature.
It’s instinctual. Getting to sleep is difficult for some, and sleeping
disorders like sleep apnea affect millions. Sleep is not always an easy
activity for the majority of Americans.
How can you parlay safety into
sleeping? First, we need to understand that the average 65-year-old spends
almost nine hours a day in bed (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2011). This number
rises depending on medical conditions and activity levels. It is the most time
spent on one activity in the average 65-year-old’s daily routine. Bed safety
starts with comparison to the national average. The more time a person spends
doing something, the greater the risk of an accident or injury.
We then address the kind of bed a
user is sleeping in. Most seniors are sleeping in traditional beds with box
springs and a pillow-top mattress. Many have found solace sleeping in
adjustable beds, while some have been provided with medical or hospital beds
due to an illness or positioning needs. The different style beds present
different challenges. Compounding those challenges are personal traits and
capabilities, medical diagnosis, strength and cognitive ability. Deciding which
bed is best for you can be simple and should ultimately be discussed with your
doctor.
Whichever bed you use, it should be
a benefit to your life, not just a fixture in your life. The top of your
mattress should be at a height that allows you to comfortably get in and out. If
you are at risk of falling out of your bed, keep in mind that a lower bed helps
reduce the severity of injuries, but can be very difficult to get out of when
transferring. Beds that you or your
caregiver can simply adjust in height to make transfers easy are a good choice.
Pay particular attention to the mattress
you are using, especially if your medical condition is one that results in
fragile skin or poor circulation. Long
periods of time resting on a basic mattress can lead to skin breakdown and
pressure ulcers. If you are using a hospital bed, consult with your provider
about different options for your mattress.
There are a multitude of optional
accessories for a bed that, when used properly, can make your bed experience
more comfortable and more practical. The most prominent of accessories, and one
that is typically used with a hospital bed, is a set of side rails. The most
basic and common use of the rails is to keep you from rolling out of the bed
and falling. Rails come in all shapes and sizes and perform different functions.
It is imperative to understand this simple fact—if accidentally rolling out of
the bed is not a concern, then you may not need rails on your bed. Again
consult your doctor and Savon Medimart to decide if rails are right for you.
The US Food and Drug Administration
and the Consumer Product Safety Commission issued warning as early as 1995 and
as recent as 2012 about the risks associated with bed rails. In 2006, the FDA
published voluntary guidelines that detail different measurements of the rails.
These measurements only pertain to entire bed systems which include the bed,
rails, and mattress. If you have a hospital type bed, it is critical to
research where your bed system is from and if it meets these guidelines. The
components of the bed system should all come from the same manufacturer. Rails
that are marketed as universal and for use with any type of bed may be harmful
if not mounted properly. Carefully follow the installation instructions and
read all warnings in the owner’s manual. More information on bed rail
entrapment can be found at www.fda.gov or invacare.com/bed safety.
Bed wedges have grown in popularity
as an alternative to using a hospital bed. These foam wedges are easy to slide
behind your torso, so the wedge elevates your head. These wedge pillows can be
used in any type of bed, and, by propping up your head and torso; you can
breathe easier, simplify eating in bed, and comfortably watch television. Bed wedges also alleviate fatigue while
sitting up to talk with others in the room.
Fall mats have traditionally only
been found in places like nursing homes and hospitals. Today, designer mats for
home use can be placed next your bed as a mode of decor. These mats provide
functionality, cushioning from a fall while adding style to the room. A low
height bed used in conjunction with a fall mat may reduce the need for side
rails.
Over the bed tables have a base that
rolls under your bed, while the top makes it easier to grab a bite to eat, hold
the telephone and television remote, as well as your favorite book or computer
tablet. Keeping these items within reach
reduces fidgeting and unnecessary transfers. If you need help with transfers or
repositioning, trapezes can be installed to offer the user a convenient handle
bar within reach. Positioning with a trapeze employs the assistance of your
upper body strength.
Using the proper bed, the proper
mattress and the proper accessories can help minimize the risk of injury, but
there are a few other best practices to form safe habits in your life. Know if
you need help transferring in and out of bed. If you cannot transfer on your
own, build schedules around toileting, bathing and eating so someone can be
there when you have to get out of bed. Look for obstacles on the floor. Power
cords, telephone wires, shoes, even side tables or over bed tables. The walkway
to the kitchen, bathroom or front door should be clear to prevent falls. If you
need a mobility device such as a walker or cane, keep it close to the bed so
you can use it as a transfer aid. If you are still independent, build a network
of caregivers, friends and family who can develop a monitoring program that
includes daily visits and frequent phone calls. Finally, if your condition
should change at any time, consult your doctor about your sleeping habits and
the bed system you may need to use.
If your bed is electric—which
includes most beds that have adjustable heights—have someone periodically
assess the condition of the power cord. Frayed or damaged cords—mostly from
vacuum cleaners or patient lifters—can lead to risk of shock or fire. Check for
any missing, damaged or non-functioning parts. Refer to the owner manual instructions,
warnings and cleaning tips.
While
it’s unlikely that we will ever see a Super Bowl commercial concerning bed
safety, we all have a responsibility to acknowledge the dangers, understand the
causes and do our best to minimize the risks. Awareness begins with the
individual user, who knows the best possible environment surrounding their own
bed and bed safety practices. Consult your doctor, physical therapist,
caregiver or Savon Medimart for the proper solutions. Select the right type of
bed to fit your individual needs and diagnosis. If you are using a hospital
type bed system, confirm that it meets FDA guidelines. Look to simple
accessories to enhance your experience, and be cognizant of falls. All of these
components can help create a pleasant and functional bedtime experience where
users can be capable of enjoying their rest.
Article
re-printed from Home Care magazine.
Author - Phil Cunningham, Invacare
