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Low Profile Beds
In health care, patient safety is the top priority. Low beds are one way to ensure that a patient stays safe. Here we will discuss the advantages of low beds and other ways to assure patient safety.
Low profile beds are beds for frequent fallers. Falls are the biggest health risk for virtually every patient. Patients can break bones, sustain cuts and bruises or experience other injuries when they fall. Low beds help prevent injuries because they are so low to the ground, often as low as 14 inches. If the patient did fall out of bed, injuries would be minimal.
Reasons to use a low profile bed
Low Beds reduce the number of patient falls and injuries. In elderly medicine Falls account approximately 75-86% of hospital admissions.
Low Beds are much safer for heavily medicated patients to use. Patients who are heavily medicated often become confused, lose their balance and become at risk of falling. Low profile beds reduce the risk of an injury from a fall from bed. Low beds also help make patients transfers from ward to ward safer for the elderly, paediatric, and post-surgery patients.
Patients often find it easier to get into and out of a low bed, thus they have more independence. They do not have to wait for a caregiver to supply their needs. They also feel more secure, knowing that there is not far to fall.
Low beds for medical use are available in a variety of lengths to suit children and adults of varying heights. Most low beds use standard hospital mattresses. There are also low-air-loss mattresses available to prevent pressure sores. Adjustable height models make it easier for caregivers to change bedding and provide patient care without straining their backs. However, if the patient has been known to be confused, it is best to use a nonadjustable low bed or an ultra low bed to avoid injuries.
Reducing falls risk for patients in low profile beds
If a patient can get into and out of a low bed alone, it is best to take extra precautions. For example, make sure the bed's rails stay securely in place as the patient tries to boost him or herself. However if the patient is confused it is best to keep the bed rails down as leaving them up could cause suffocation if the confused patient tries to exit through the rails.
When providing care to patient in a low bed you should make sure the floor surrounding the bed is kept free of clutter and debris, so the patient does not trip. Bed linens that drag on the floor should be tucked safely under the mattress.
Patients who are able to get out of bed should wear socks with rubber grips on the sole so prevent falls, especially on non-carpeted floors. If the patient needs a cane, a walker or a wheelchair, it should be kept within easy reach, along with the light switch and nurse call alarm.
Patients who receive physical therapy will likely receive training in how to fall so as to minimize injury. By practicing these techniques, patients will be more confident when they do leave their beds.
Ultra low beds
Ultra low beds are available the ultra low profile beds can go as lower to 10 inches from the floor. Ultra low beds are used for patients with serve confusion who are restless in bed. The ultra low beds means that the patient is so close to the floor that a fall would not injury them. It also nurses and care givers to raise the patient up to a suitable height when they necessary. This means they do not have to work at floor level as used to be the case.
To the untrained eye, low beds may look unusual at first because they are so much closer to the ground than standard beds. However, the unusual appearance is more than offset by the increased safety and the increased independence of the patients who use them.
Cheaper low bed solutions
Just as with other hospital beds, there are manual and electric models, so patients can get the correct positioning. Manual beds are less expensive but electric and semi-electric units make it easier to provide patient care. The beds can be adjusted to raise the head, the foot, the knees and the spine for optimum comfort.
Many low beds are made of lightweight PVC piping, which is durable and safer than a metal bed frame. PVC bed frames are also very easy to keep clean. Beds made of PVC are also inexpensive and easy to store when not in use.
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