Falling out of bed is something that parents of babies are typically very alert to the risk of. As the baby grows up the likelihood of a fall and the consequences of one typically reduce.
The risk ramps back up in the final years of life, however, as reduced bone density means a fall could easily result in a bone break. Reduced strength and mobility could mean that a person is unable to get themselves back up even if no bones are broken.
This is of particular concern in nursing homes, as one of the reasons many people enter these is because they are not fully capable of caring for themselves. Therefore these establishments must take steps to reduce the risk of bed falls. Things they could do include:
Using bed rails
Bedrails offer a lot of security. The downside is that they can feel rather undignified for the person in the bed. They might remind them of the cots that babies are kept in.
Using cushions
The careful positioning of cushions around the bed can form a barrier that, while not as secure as a rail, may offer the resident a more dignified solution.
Panic buttons
A panic button cannot prevent a fall but it could allow someone who has fallen from bed to call for immediate help from the care home staff. Provided of course that it is set up in a way that the resident can reach it from the floor and that they are conscious enough to press it.
If your loved one suffers an injury due to a bed fall, you may want help to look into what precautionary measures the nursing home took and, if you believe they were negligent, to seek compensation for your loved one.