UPDATE: A new study has just revealed that switching wheelchairs in nursing homes significantly increases the risk of dangerous fractures among elderly residents. Researchers stress that properly matching wheelchairs to the physical capabilities of residents is critical for ensuring safety and mobility.
This urgent finding comes as Japan’s long-term care insurance system, which allows residents to rent multifunctional wheelchairs equipped with various supportive features, cuts off access to such rentals once individuals enter nursing homes. Without these specialized wheelchairs, residents are often forced to use standard, facility-owned models that may not meet their functional needs, raising the risk of falls and associated injuries.
Published in the JMA Journal, the study analyzed data from 215 older adults in Ibaraki Prefecture who had utilized wheelchair rental services before their nursing home admissions. Alarmingly, approximately 40% of these individuals had been using multifunctional wheelchairs prior to their admission. Among this group, five residents suffered fractures after transitioning to standard wheelchairs, while no fractures were reported among those who had used standard models prior to entering the nursing homes.
While the study highlights a concerning correlation between the discontinuation of multifunctional wheelchairs and an increased fracture risk, researchers caution that they could not confirm the specific wheelchair models used post-admission or the exact circumstances of the fractures. Thus, while the results suggest a potential link, a definitive causal relationship remains unproven.
This groundbreaking research marks the first quantitative assessment to spotlight the impact of wheelchair continuity on fracture risks among nursing home residents. As the healthcare community grapples with these findings, future investigations will focus on exploring wheelchair provision practices within nursing homes and assessing broader health outcomes related to disrupted wheelchair use.
In light of these findings, the ultimate goal is to develop care systems that ensure continued access to appropriate wheelchairs for residents after their admission to nursing facilities. This critical step could potentially save lives and improve the quality of care for countless elderly individuals.
What’s Next: Stakeholders in the nursing care sector are urged to review their wheelchair policies immediately. Increased awareness and strategic adjustments could help mitigate fall risks and enhance the safety of vulnerable residents.
For more detailed insights into wheelchair use and fracture risks among nursing home residents, refer to the study by 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 (2025).
