Technology has made it possible to improve living conditions at nursing homes in New Mexico and across the country, but in some cases, the latest advancements and developments have proven dangerous. Recently, the ECRI Institute uncovered some risks associated with the use of electric low-profile beds that are commonly found in assisted living centers, senior communities and nursing homes.
Risks associated with electric low-profile beds in nursing homes
Several risks have been identified with electric low-profile beds that have overbed tables in nursing homes, including:
- The risk of becoming trapped by the overbed table. If an individual were stuck between the bed and the overbed table, they could suffer a range of injuries that may have serious consequences. The risk is particularly high if the bed is lowered or elevated while the table is still attached. This can result in serious injuries, or possibly even death.
- Another risk associated with these tables is that the attachment may not be secure, and the tables can easily tip over. This can cause items to spill onto the floor, which can become a slip-and-fall hazard. In addition, the spilled items may be hot, such as a hot coffee or soup. If the hot items land on the patient, the patient could suffer from a burn.
How can senior care providers minimize these risks?
Those who work at assisted living facilities or nursing homes should make an effort to minimize the risks associated with electric low-profile beds that have overbed tables attached. Any employee, such as a nurse or caretaker, should make sure that all overbed equipment is removed from the area before the beds are lowered or elevated. The height of the bed should never be adjusted while the overbed table is attached.
In addition, it’s important that employees and caregivers prevent the patients from accessing the height adjustment tools. Patients should not be able to adjust the height of their own bed without the assistance of a nurse or care provider. The patient may inadvertently put themselves in a position which is harmful to their health or which may cause an injury. By not allowing senior citizens to access the height adjustment tools, they cannot mistakenly trap themselves between the overbed table and the bed itself.
Tips for selecting the right nursing home for your loved one
If you are in the process of selecting a nursing home, you will want to use these tips to make the safest choice possible for the person that you love:
- Schedule a consultation appointment so that you can meet the staff and tour the facilities. Talk to them about the equipment that they use and the risk management plans that they have in place.
- Visit another time without scheduling an appointment. Observe the care that is being provided on a daily basis.
- If possible, involve the person who will be residing at the facility in the decision. Talk to them about what is important to them and find a facility that will meet their personal needs.
Sadly, far too many people take advantage of the elderly. Sometimes, no matter how much research you do and how much effort you put into choosing a nursing home for your loved one, they still become the victims of malpractice or negligence. If someone that you love has been injured due to negligence while residing at a nursing home or senior care facility, then you need to work with an attorney who specializes in this niche area of the law. This is the only way to get the compensation that you need and the results that you deserve.
Contact us today to set up a consultation appointment with one of our qualified attorneys.
