safety and the upcoming babyboomers

[jrbl77, RN]

I work in a small unit, mostly rehab type beds. We have many of the hi low beds, but not always enough to go around. Apparently, the management has gathered and decided that all pts 65 and above will need these beds. We will need many more for our unit. The really ironic thing is, the government is telling the baby boomers that we now have to work until 67 or 70 would be better. But if you are over 65, risk being put in a low- to the floor bed. It seems as you go over the magic age of 65 yr, your chances of falling increase. But yet we want you to keep working as our staff as you have been for the past 40 yr. Sounds to me like a lot of speaking out of both sides of the mouth or the old too many chefs and not enough Indians. Will be interesting to see how this turns out.

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

I love the high/low beds. They don't have to be in the lowest position but are great if you need to put the patient as close to the floor as possible.

[jrbl77, RN]

I agree, they are great, but I don't want to be put in one just because I'm 65.

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

As long as I have control of the height of the bed, I don't care. I am more concerned that some do-gooder will think I need a NAS low cholesterol low fat diet when I'm in my 80's.