Written by Hulet Smith, OT
Safety devices comfortably protect patients from situations that could be risky or detrimental to their health. Since almost 30 percent of older adults report having suffered a fall, and falls are the leading cause of injuries among older adults, fall prevention is a priority in any elderly patient care plan.
Whether aging in place at home or cared for in a facility, mobility and balance issues make the elderly especially vulnerable to falls. Medical devices that reduce the risk of a fall are important tools for maintaining long-term health and well being.
Whether being used primarily by a patient or by a caregiver, devices that are uncomplicated and easy to use will deliver the most value. The whole purpose of having a safety device is to make life easier and more comfortable, and that is accomplished by equipment that can be pressed into service as needed without too much of a learning curve to master.
Some equipment is transitional. Perhaps today it is used by the patient to make activities of daily life easier and safer, but in the future could be a benefit to a caregiver should the patient need more assistance down the line. Or perhaps it might get some use now, but will be relied on more heavily in the future. Incorporating equipment into a daily routine while it is still optional makes transitioning easier if it becomes a requirement at some point.
Space is a consideration, especially if health issues restrict a patient’s mobility and keep them from safely getting around in large spaces. If the space being navigated daily is limited, the space available for any medical equipment is also limited. Be sure to evaluate available space and how it matches up with equipment that meets patient safety needs. Without enough room to be safely accommodated, a patient safety device can actually contribute to fall risk by cluttering up a small space.
For anyone who is at risk for a fall, the safety devices on our Top 5 list benefit patients and caregivers by helping to create and maintain a safer environment.
 | 5) Medline Electric Hoyer Lift - Adjustable Base and 6-Point Cradle View Product |
 | 4) Human Care FloorLine Long-Term Care Low Bed View Product |
If you are bed-bound, the durable Tilt Top Hospital Overbed Elevating Table by Independence Medical at number 5 on our list gives you more independence and security. Finished with a neutral wood-grained laminate top, this rolling overbed table helps accomplish activities in bed like eating, reading, working on the computer, or playing a game.
Since this table ensures the things you need are within reach, you don’t have to get out of bed, which reduces your risk of a fall. The elevating table height is easy to adjust and lock. The table can hold 25 pounds and with a light touch can be raised, lowered, and angled in either direction. This durable and very useful table comes with a three-year limited warranty.
Overbed tables with wheels slide right over the bed, providing a flat support surface that can be used with regular, low, and hospital beds. The Tilt Top Hospital Overbed Elevating Table with wheels is ideal for home use as well as professional care settings, and it will hold its value for years to come while providing a convenient surface to hold items you want to keep within reach.
If you need extra protection from falling out of bed, the30 Inch Security Adult Bed Rail for Electric Style Beds by Mobility Transfer at number 4 on our list will not only keep you in bed, but when it’s time to get out of bed, you’ll have extra leverage to keep your balance and rise safely.
In addition to the elderly, those with chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, back pain, or any condition that causes dizziness or balance issues will benefit from bed side rails.
These bed rails for adults can be ordered with single or double sides and they fit hospital beds and adjustable “Craftmatic” style beds at home. The 30-inch rail length exceeds standard safety bed rails by a foot, and the 20-inch high rails are easy to lower with snap button controls.
All-steel tubular frame construction makes these bed rails strong, providing full protection from a fall out of bed. For single-sided rails for a double bed, a nylon strap fits between the mattress and the box spring for support. Queen and king size beds use an additional strap. Double sided systems fit queen size beds and are secured by a connector tube. Two single-sided bed rails can be used for king sized beds.
No matter what size adjustable bed you have, this rail system will keep you positioned comfortably in bed, then make it easy and safe for you to get out of bed without the risk of falling.
At number 3 on our list of best patient safety devices is the multi-function SystemRoMedic QuickMove Patient Lift by Handicare. This assistive device supports you while you’re sitting and standing, it can be used as a walker, it assists with rehabilitation, and is customizable for a perfect fit.
This patient lift by Handicare is a fully manual sit-to-stand piece of equipment, powered by your own strength, and it provides support while you transfer to a standing position. It’s a self-contained strength-building mobile therapy device. With an adjustable base, cushions, and brace, it simulates a natural mobility pattern to enhance your rehabilitation efforts.
The legs have caster wheels that move inward and outward to accommodate chairs and wheelchairs of all sizes. Take off the footplate and the seat cushions and you have a walker. The seating cushions swing out for easy entry and exit.
If your upper body can bear weight, but you are lacking in lower body strength or have balance issues and need extra assistance with sitting, standing, and walking, the Handicare QuickMove patient lift is a versatile aid that will serve you well. For information on how this patient lift stacks up against similar devices, click here.
Number 2 on our list of best patient safety devices is theElectric Patient Lift with Power-Adjustable Base by Medline. With either a 450 pound or 700 pound weight capacity, this electric lift facilitates easy transfers from as low as the floor for patients with severely limited mobility.
It moves you safely from bed to chair to toilet to the bath and more. Its convenience comes from low profile base legs that slide under furniture, easy-to-operate controls, and quick efficient lifting. This lift has a six-point cradle compatible with a variety of slings. Allowing for a wider weight distribution makes it extremely stable. It reduces the risk of patient falls and caregiver injuries, with minimal strength required.
The accompanying remote control has a simple interface and allows for opening and closing of the base legs to adjust for wheelchairs or other furniture. This lift has a removable battery that is chargeable with a regular outlet and has up to 100 lifts per charge.
Options include white glove delivery and set up. A certified, insured technician will come to your home, deliver and set up this patient lift, then dispose of the packing materials. , wherein a certified, insured technician
An off-board charging station is another purchase option so you can keep a fresh battery on hand.
This electric patient lift accommodates users up to 700 pounds, safely transferring them without risking a patient fall or a caregiver injury. It is adjustable and easy to operate and takes very little effort or strength to facilitate a safe transfer. It made our list of top safety devices because of its versatility, stability, and the minimization of a fall risk when lifting from as low as the floor.
The exceptionally low height of the FloorLine Long-Term Care Low Bed by Human Care greatly reduces the chance of injury from a fall out of bed and has landed this bed at number 1 on our list.
At 3 feet, 7 inches high, this bed prevents falls from bed. It also reduces the physical effort and injury risk that comes with manual lifting and transferring patients. The welded steel frame is extra durable and can be counted on for long-term service. Its one-piece design allows it to be conveniently stored when not in use.
The frame is easy to clean and can accommodate users up to 330 pounds. For comfortable positioning, the electric height adjustment smoothly elevates the bed height to help get into and out of bed to take part in daily life activities. The simple-to-use handheld control also adjusts the backrest, footrest, and auto-contour. The bed also has a knee break, so you can find the most comfortable position.
Professional in-home assembly is available with a certified insured technician that will put the bed together for you and remove the packing materials.
High beds are a safety concern. One of the best ways to ensure your safety is to minimize as many fall risks as possible. This bed landed at the top of our list because its design, features, and benefits greatly reduce the chance of a fall out of bed, providing comfort, safety, and peace of mind.
About 10 percent of falls among the elderly result in a fracture, and fall associated fractures are a common cause of morbidity and mortality.
In addition to the physical perils of a fall, fear of falling and loss of confidence can also have a significant negative effect on mobility and other quality of life issues. Lower levels of activity can be detrimental to strength and balance as well as reduce social activity and life satisfaction.
Devices that decrease the risk of a fall are valuable tools in caring for those who are in danger of sustaining fall-associated injuries. The items on our list of best patient safety devices greatly reduce the fall risk, especially for elderly patients, and add to a comfortable, safe, and healthy environment.
Ensuring patient safety is an essential component of delivering quality care. Whether care is being provided at home or in a treatment or therapeutic environment, reducing risks and preventable adverse situations is a cornerstone of care. When patient safety is ensured, attention can be turned to other patient needs.
Removing fall hazards is one of the best ways to create a safer environment for seniors.
A significant element of healthy aging is avoiding fall-induced injuries. There are some easy things you can do to minimize your risk of a fall.
Co-founder/CEO of Rehabmart, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, husband, and father. Passionate about connecting special needs kids with superb nutrition, sensory integration, and complementary health strategies. Excited about Rehabmart's mission to become the premier online educational platform which empowers caregivers by spotlighting innovative devices and interventions to achieve optimal patient response and recovery.
