6 Things Assisted Living Communities In Morganton, NC, Do To Protect Your Aging Parent From Falling Out Of Bed

Falling out of bed is a serious concern for the elderly. It can result in injury and even death. There are ways to prevent this, such as using a bedside commode or getting your aging parent a walker.

But what if you need to figure out whether or not your loved one will use these safety devices? Fortunately, assisted living communities in Morganton, NC, take care of this problem with these six innovative solutions that can make life easier and safer for your parents.

1. Offer Fluffy Blankets

The first step to preventing falls is ensuring that your parent has a soft, fluffy blanket. The ideal blanket for an assisted living community is one that’s washed regularly, dry, routinely cleaned, and changed when stained.

The next thing you want to do is ensure that the blanket isn’t too heavy or too thin. A too-heavy blanket will make it difficult for your aging parent to move their arms; too thin will allow them to slide out from underneath it quickly (and cause them to fall).

2. Provide Proper Padding

A padded headboard can help prevent your aging parent from falling out of bed. A padded top of the bed will also help prevent falls, especially when used with other padding items in this list. 

The mattress’s sides must have a thick foam lining or other material. This lining will provide additional protection against injury. That’s especially true if your parent rolls over during sleep, and they might hit their head on something hard.

The side rails on an assisted living facility’s beds should also have ample padding. They often have plastic pieces at either end, which are uncomfortable when they hit someone’s legs while sleeping, so make sure those have padding too! Some soft material should also cover the footboard so it doesn’t hurt anyone who may hit their feet against it while lying down or standing up from bed.

3. Add Anti-Slip Sheets

Anti-slip sheets are a simple way to prevent falls. These sheets come with a rubber or silicone coating that helps prevent your parent from slipping out of bed, especially if they sleep on their back or side. You can place anti-slip sheets under the mattress itself or on top of the fitted sheet. Either way, they’ll keep your loved one safe while they sleep.

Anti-slipping products come in many forms: some have an adhesive backing, so they stay in place. In contrast, others stick together when you put them down (like puzzle pieces). You can also find anti-slip pads and mattress protectors if you’re looking for something simpler than adding another layer under your existing mattress coverings.

4. Offer Extra Bedsheets

You might think a second sheet is overkill, but it’s not. Your aging parent may be more comfortable with an extra layer of protection between their skin and the mattress. Plus, if they’re prone to sweating or night sweats, having additional sheets will help them stay dryer while they sleep.

5. Safety Rails

Safety rails are suitable for older people who need to get up and down from the bed. They can also be helpful for people who have dementia, as they can help prevent falls from the bed.

Safety rails are essential to any assisted living community because they prevent injuries and falls. Suppose your loved one falls while trying to get out of bed. In that case, they could break bones or suffer other serious injuries that may require hospitalization and surgery.

6. Adequate Lighting

Good lighting can help you avoid tripping over things and falling. Good lighting also makes it easier to see what you are doing, which can help prevent accidents.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many ways to keep your aging parent safe from falls. The most important thing is to choose an assisted living community that offers these solutions or will help you install them in their apartment. Remember that there is always time to start making changes!