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Medical Issues in Nursing Homes
Bed injuries
Between 1993 and 1996, there were 74 reports of death from strangulation or suffocation involving hospital beds. The federal General Accounting Office has concluded that many deaths go unreported.
Some siderails extend the full length of the bed; others, called half rails, are about 2-1/2 feet long. Some are metal, others plastic. Most can be raised or lowered.
Siderails are divided, either vertically or horizontally, with slats spaced about six or more inches apart. This space can trap an elderly person's head, causing him or her to strangle; or, to allow a thin, frail person to squeeze between the rails and fall to the floor.
Often mattresses fit loosely in the frame, leaving gaps large enough to trap the resident between the mattress and siderail, also leading to suffocation.
Click on any of the links to the right to find out more information about other medical issues that can occur in nursing homes.
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