Rita....

My mom lives in an assisted-living-home and each of the 6 private
rooms sports a bed with a side rail.

We moved mom there from a "senior's residence-apartment/hotel" two
weeks ago <a nightmare- move, and another story> in Los Angeles,
California.

Sooooo, I'm presuming that the state has mandated that this type of
residence HAS to provide their residents with side-rails on their
beds 'cause ya don't get something for nothing in THIS state!

Barb Mallut
[log in to unmask]


-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Tuesday, February 23, 1999 8:34 AM
Subject: Non PD: nursing home regs


>Rules and regulations established by states are sometimes beyond my
>comprehension.
>
>Side rails on beds in nursing homes:  because of a few strangulation
deaths
>from patients getting "tangled or caught" on their side rails,
nursing homes
>can no longer use side rails on the beds of patients........subject
to fine
>($500 per bed per day in Minnesota) by state inspectors if they are
not
>removed.
>
>We have had a short (1/2 length) side rail on my mother's bed for
the past
>eighteen months.  This not only prevents her from falling out of the
>bed.....but enables her to grasp the side when she wants to turn,
pull herself
>up or is being put to bed (she is not ambulatory....wheel chair,
assists
>needed into/out of bed.  She can stand for only a few
seconds.....but not
>without assistance.
>
>We asked if we could sign a release for the nursing home to maintain
the 1/2
>side rail since it allowed for some independence in movement for her
(with
>nothing to grasp to pull....she is unable to reposition herself
>easily).....plus warranted concern about her falling from bed when
she is
>disoriented.
>
>My sister and I have medical power of attorney....we can refuse
oxygen,
>feeding tube,  and drugs.......(or okay the same).
>The state of Minnesota will not accept our permission for a side
>rail......."the patient has a right to fall".
>
>Even though nursing home staff definitely feel that the 1/2 rail is
an
>assistance for Mother and improves her quality of life, allowing
some freedom
>of movement.......the state inspectors say "no rails".
>
>In Minnesota, staff and families are fighting to use side rails with
family
>permission.
>
>Are any other states encountering these problems with new
regulations?
>
>Rita Weeks  54/9
>