URGENT UPDATE: New research has revealed a concerning link between switching wheelchairs in nursing homes and an increased risk of dangerous fractures among elderly residents. This alarming finding underscores the critical need for properly matched wheelchairs that cater to individual physical capabilities.
A study published today in the JMA Journal analyzed data from 215 older adults in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. It highlights a gap in wheelchair provision that could compromise the safety of residents requiring long-term care. Under Japan’s long-term care insurance system, multifunctional wheelchairs are available for rental at low costs for home use. However, once individuals are admitted to nursing homes, access to these essential rental services is abruptly cut off.
The research shows that approximately 40% of participants had used multifunctional wheelchairs prior to their nursing home admission. Alarmingly, among these individuals, five experienced fractures after switching to standard facility-owned wheelchairs. In contrast, no fractures were reported among those who utilized standard wheelchairs before entering the nursing home.
While the study could not definitively establish a causal relationship between wheelchair type and fracture risk, it marks a significant step in highlighting the potential dangers associated with discontinuity in wheelchair access. The research team, led by Ai Suzuki, emphasizes that this is the first quantitative assessment of its kind, indicating the urgent need for further investigation.
Authorities are now calling for improvements in wheelchair provision practices within nursing homes to ensure residents can continue using suitable, multifunctional wheelchairs post-admission. Future studies will involve questionnaire-based surveys to explore broader health outcomes linked to disrupted wheelchair use and to support the development of care systems that prioritize continuity of access.
This study serves as a wake-up call for nursing home administrators and policymakers, stressing the importance of tailored mobility solutions for elderly residents. The implications are profound, as ensuring appropriate wheelchair access could significantly reduce the risk of falls and fractures, leading to safer living conditions for vulnerable populations.
As this story develops, it is essential for families and caregivers to advocate for their loved ones’ mobility needs, ensuring that nursing homes provide the necessary equipment for safe and effective care. More information can be found in the research article 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).
Immediate action is needed to address these findings and enhance the safety protocols within nursing homes across Japan and beyond.
