Wi-bo bed eliminates falls risk for vulnerable resident

Finding a balance between preventing a fall yet maintaining an individual’s freedom and dignity, is a common issue in our Aged Care facilities.

Staff at Bainswood on Victoria in Rangiora had a particularly challenging case on their hands regarding one gentleman, in his 80s, who was falling multiple times a night from his bed.

“Prior to coming into care he was an active person in the community, however unfortunately he had a stroke,” explained Bainswood’s General Manager, Sharon Evans. “He was non-mobile and unable to communicate. It was particularly challenging for us because he would continuously throw himself out of the bed.

“He was having five or six falls a night and was suffering skin tears and bruising. It was very distressing for him, his family and our staff. As an interim solution we had to put his mattress on the floor which was not ideal. It was also very difficult to use a floor hoist to move him in the mornings when he was down so low.”

Thankfully, a solution presented itself when Bainswood staff attended the New Zealand Aged Care Association (NZACA) annual conference in Wellington last year. They saw the Wi-bo Sentida 5 bed on display and knew it would be perfect for the gentleman concerned.

The Sentida 5 model can be lowered 25cm from the floor, making it ideal for residents who are at risk of falling. The SafeFree sideguard rails are divided into sections and allow for different adjustment heights. They can be raised vertically in a single motion and hide beneath the bed’s attractive wood finish so there’s no risk of skin tears or the bed looking too clinical.

Since the new bed was introduced, there has been no further falls for the resident.

“This gentlemen’s bed is up against a wall, so we just put the head section side guards up on one side at night. I think it makes him feel more secure and he seems happier. He’s not falling anymore and he’s probably sleeping better,” says Sharon.

"I think it makes him feel more secure and he seems happier. He’s not falling anymore and he’s probably sleeping better.”

The divided rails of the Wi-bo bed range not only help to prevent falls but can also help maintain a resident’s dignity and independence by promoting mobility. Using only the head-end rails, provided assurance and orientation to him, while also preventing him falling. The side guard did not limit his movement or restrict him in anyway, so is not a restraint. It gave him something to hold onto, to independently reposition in bed.

“Having one railing up at the head-end only means he can also use it as an enabler to bring himself forward on the bed,” explains Sharon.

Other smart features of the Wi-bo bed range include a SafeSense bed exit assistant. This sensor panel alerts carers when a resident leaves the bed and automatically activates a night light so the resident can safely orientate themselves.

“It gives our staff peace of mind. We know as soon he lifts his bottom off the bed that he’s on the move. This is a great feature as the resident cannot fiddle with it or override it like other sensor systems.

“It gives our staff peace of mind."

“The bed is super low but can be raised up when we are caring for him. It looks very homely, and the controller is easy to work. The resident is very comfortable and we will definitely be purchasing these beds again moving forward.”

The Sentida 5 bed has a 270kg safe working load and is available in single and king single sizes.

Get in touch

Get in touch with our team to discuss safe fall prevention strategies or any challenges you’re experiencing. Call us on 0800 656 527, or email [email protected]