Low Bed and Floor Mat Placement Verification

Shift inspection for verifying that resident low beds are in the lowest position and floor mats are correctly placed for residents at high fall risk with the intervention documented on the care plan.

Inspection Setup

• Inspection date and shift recorded
• Unit, hallway, or resident area identified
• Residents included in this verification identified
  Select the residents or rooms reviewed during this shift verification.

Low Bed Position Verification

• Low bed is in the lowest position
  Verify the bed is lowered to the lowest available position for the resident.
• Bed controls or adjustment mechanism are functioning
  Confirm the bed can be lowered and raised normally and is not obstructed or damaged.
• Bed is positioned to support safe resident transfer and egress
  Verify the bed placement does not create an additional fall hazard and allows safe access for care.
• No clutter or equipment blocks access to the bed
  Check that walkers, chairs, cords, or other items do not obstruct the resident's path or staff access.

Floor Mat Placement Verification

• Floor mat is in place for residents with a high fall risk intervention
  Confirm the floor mat is present for residents whose care plan includes this fall-prevention intervention.
• Floor mat is positioned adjacent to the correct side of the bed
  Verify the mat is placed where it will reduce injury risk if the resident exits or falls from bed.
• Floor mat is flat, secure, and not creating a trip hazard
  Check that the mat does not curl, buckle, overlap, or shift into a walkway.
• Floor mat surface is clean and in good condition
  Inspect for tears, wear, contamination, or damage that could reduce effectiveness or create a hazard.

Care Plan and Documentation Verification

• High fall risk status supports use of low bed and floor mat intervention
  Verify the resident's fall risk status and care plan support the environmental intervention being used.
• Low bed and floor mat intervention is documented in the care plan
  Confirm the intervention is listed in the resident care plan and matches current practice.
• Any deficiency was communicated to the responsible nurse or supervisor
  Document whether issues were escalated for immediate correction and follow-up.