URGENT UPDATE: A new study has revealed alarming findings regarding wheelchair provision in nursing homes, suggesting a potential link to increased fracture risks among residents. As reported in the JMA Journal, switching from multifunctional wheelchairs to standard ones upon admission may jeopardize safety for many older adults.
The study analyzed data from 215 older adults in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, who previously rented multifunctional wheelchairs—designed for enhanced support—under the country’s long-term care insurance system. However, upon entering nursing homes, these residents lost access to such wheelchairs, leading to significant safety concerns.
Approximately 40% of participants had used multifunctional wheelchairs before admission. Disturbingly, five individuals from this group experienced fractures after switching to standard wheelchairs in the nursing home environment. In contrast, none of the residents who had used standard wheelchairs prior to admission suffered fractures, indicating a troubling trend.
While the study does not conclusively establish a causal link between the switch in wheelchair types and the risk of fractures, it highlights the pressing need for continued access to appropriate mobility aids in long-term care settings. The lead researcher, Ai Suzuki, emphasized the potential implications of these findings, stating the research represents the first quantitative assessment of its kind.
“Ensuring that residents have access to the right wheelchair is crucial for their safety and mobility,” Suzuki said. The study underscores the urgent need for nursing homes to reevaluate their wheelchair provision practices to protect vulnerable populations.
Next steps include conducting questionnaire-based surveys to gain a clearer understanding of wheelchair practices within nursing homes and their broader health implications. The ultimate objective is to develop a care system that guarantees ongoing access to suitable wheelchairs for residents, preventing further incidents of falls and fractures.
This developing situation calls for immediate action from healthcare authorities and care facilities to prioritize the safety of nursing home residents. With the aging population on the rise, addressing these concerns is more critical than ever.
For further details, refer to the study by Ai Suzuki et al. in the JMA Journal, DOI: 10.31662/jmaj.2025-0194.
Stay tuned for more updates on this pressing issue as authorities work to improve care standards for residents in nursing homes.
