URGENT UPDATE: A new study reveals a troubling link between switching wheelchairs in nursing homes and a heightened risk of fractures among residents. Conducted in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, the research highlights critical safety issues for the elderly who transition from home care to institutional settings.
The study, published in the JMA Journal, analyzed data from 215 older adults who had relied on multifunctional wheelchairs equipped with supportive features before entering nursing homes. Alarmingly, approximately 40% of these individuals experienced significant mobility changes upon admission, often being required to use standard facility-owned wheelchairs that may not meet their needs.
Among the residents who switched wheelchairs, five individuals suffered fractures after their admission, raising urgent concerns about the continuity of wheelchair provision. In contrast, no fractures were reported among those who had used standard wheelchairs before entering nursing homes.
This research underscores the critical need for proper wheelchair matching to ensure safety and mobility for nursing home residents. The abrupt discontinuation of wheelchair rental services under Japan’s long-term care insurance system leaves many vulnerable as they transition to nursing home care.
While the study could not definitively establish a causal relationship between the change in wheelchair type and the occurrence of fractures, it represents the first quantitative assessment of its kind, highlighting the potential risks involved.
“Our findings suggest that maintaining access to appropriate wheelchairs is vital for the safety of nursing home residents,”
stated lead researcher Ai Suzuki.
Looking ahead, future investigations will involve detailed questionnaire-based surveys to delve deeper into wheelchair provision practices within nursing homes. The ultimate goal is to develop care systems that ensure continued access to appropriate wheelchairs for residents after admission, aiming to mitigate risks linked to mobility changes.
This urgent issue not only impacts the physical health of elderly residents but also has broader implications for their overall quality of life. Families and caregivers must be aware of these findings as they navigate care options for their loved ones.
For more information on this developing story, refer to the study by Ai Suzuki et al. in the JMA Journal, DOI: 10.31662/jmaj.2025-0194.
