Preventing falls from low beds

[BoopetteRN]

i have a question regarding the use of pads or mattresses on the floor next to low beds. our facility does not use any kind of pad next to low beds which are only about 10 inches from the floor. we found that by using them more falls and accidents happen, especially to wondering residents who do not see the mat on the floor and then trip over it and staff tripping over them when going to give care. i just want to know if other facilities use them or not. the only time i would think they would be needed if the resident was a constant faller even with a low bed

[Dixiecup]

In missouri it's a state regulation that you MUST use a mat if a pt is in a low bed. We found some smaller, less cumbersome ones that aren't quite as bad though.

[kdhnursern]

We just started using some new mats beside low beds that are beveled at the edges, only about 1 1/2 inches thick, and are not moved at all. They're made of some foam-type material that you can drop an egg from 3 feet and not break it (DON demonstrated this several times). They stay put and you can roll wheelchairs and walkers over them without problems. And they are HEAVEN to stand on. Not sure how much the facility paid for them but they seem well worth the money. Way better than the tile floor for residents to land on!!

[achot chavi]

we just started using some new mats beside low beds that are beveled at the edges, only about 1 1/2 inches thick, and are not moved at all. they're made of some foam-type material that you can drop an egg from 3 feet and not break it (don demonstrated this several times). they stay put and you can roll wheelchairs and walkers over them without problems. and they are heaven to stand on. not sure how much the facility paid for them but they seem well worth the money. way better than the tile floor for residents to land on!!

whats it called?

we tried (inspiration from this) to put a strip of velcro on the floor and one sewn into the floor mat so that it wont slip and move. the situation is better but your solution sounds even better- i dont care what it costs.