Long-Term Care

Study: Removing bed rails doesn't increase fall risk

Contemporary Long-Term Care Weekly, May 3, 2007

The removal of bed rails in nursing homes does not increase the risk of falls, according to a study published by the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society this month. The author of the study, Dr. Elizabeth Capezuti of New York University's College of Nursing, said restrictive side rails are still routinely used in some facilities, despite evidence they cause injuries and even death from entrapment.

Capezuti and her researchers stated removing side rails had no effect on fall rates in 75% of the nursing homes her team studied. The study suggested shorter side rails with hand-holds, lower beds, and physical therapy to improve strength and balance as better alternatives to restrictive rails.

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