Freda’s story: Safe bed transfers and lowered fall risk

Description of case:

Freda is an 81-year-old lady who lives alone and is independent with all activities of daily living. Freda values her independence greatly and is determined to retain this. Freda was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis approximately 3 years ago which causes her pronounced pain and restricted range of movement in her hips and knees; this greatly affects Freda’s transfers. Freda is just 5 feet tall and weighs approximately 70kg; the majority of Freda’s weight is around her abdomen. The combination of the additional weight, mass and poor muscle tone in her abdomen, increases the problems Freda experiences with bed mobility and transfers.

Main issues:

Freda contacted her Occupational Therapist and explained that when sitting on her profiling bed at the lowest point, she was unable to retain contact with the floor. Not only did this reduce her stability, but her poor abdominal strength and the soft surface of the mattress, also led to difficulty shuffling back on to the bed to obtain a more supported, seated position. As a result, Freda remained near the edge of the bed as she attempted to lift her legs into bed, which not only required huge great effort but had resulted in Freda slipping off the edge of the bed on three occasions, fortunately all without Freda sustaining any significant injuries. However following the falls, she struggled to stand and reported feeling embarrassed and anxious about carrying out further bed transfers.

Intervention:

A FloorBed was put into place for a trial.

Outcomes:

The floor-level function of the FloorBed enabled Freda’s feet to retain contact with the floor once sitting on the bed. This allowed Freda to maintain a safer, supported seated position and enabled her to use her feet to assist with shuffling back onto the bed. Once Freda was safely sitting on the bed, she lowered the bed even further, making it possible for her to slide her legs into bed with minimal effort.

The provision of the FloorBed not only reduced the risk of a bed fall injury, it significantly reduced Freda’s difficulties with all aspects of bed mobility and transfers caused by the rheumatoid arthritis, decreased her anxieties and assisted Freda to continue to transfer in and out of bed independently.