 |
 |
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 >