Ensuring that the right wheelchairs are provided to residents in nursing homes is essential for their safety and mobility. A recent study published in the JMA Journal indicates that switching from multifunctional wheelchairs to standard facility-owned models may increase the risk of falls and fractures among older adults in long-term care.
In Japan, the long-term care insurance system allows residents to rent multifunctional wheelchairs with various supportive features at a low cost for home use. However, access to these rental services ceases once individuals enter nursing homes. Consequently, many residents who had utilized multifunctional wheelchairs before admission find themselves relying on standard wheelchairs that may not align with their functional needs.
The research, conducted in Ibaraki Prefecture, analyzed data from 215 older adults who had previously used wheelchair rental services. Notably, about 40% of these individuals had employed multifunctional wheelchairs prior to their nursing home admission. Among this group, five residents experienced fractures after entering the facility, while none of the individuals who had used standard wheelchairs prior to admission reported similar injuries.
It is important to clarify that the study did not identify the specific wheelchair models used after admission or the precise circumstances surrounding the fractures. This limitation means that while there appears to be a connection between discontinuing the use of multifunctional wheelchairs and an elevated fracture risk, a direct causal relationship cannot be established.
This research marks the first quantitative assessment highlighting the potential effects of wheelchair continuity on fracture risk in nursing home residents. As the study progresses, future investigations will involve questionnaire-based surveys to gain insight into wheelchair provision practices in nursing homes. Researchers aim to explore broader health outcomes linked to interrupted wheelchair use.
The ultimate objective is to develop care systems that guarantee residents continued access to appropriate wheelchair options following their admission. Understanding how to effectively support mobility among long-term care residents remains a crucial concern for health professionals.
For further details, refer to the work of Ai Suzuki et al., titled “Type of Wheelchair Used before Nursing Home Admission and Fall-Related Fractures after Nursing Home Admission,” published in the JMA Journal in 2025.
