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Bed rails can add a sense of security and safety for people as they age, especially those with mobility or agility issues. Also known as side rails, bedside rails and safety rails, they come in various styles, types and sizes. Many options offer features for added safety and convenience, such as height adjustability, foam for a better grip and storage compartments.
People use bed rails to prevent rolling out of bed or falling. Bed rails also provide support, security and stability when shifting positions or getting into and out of bed. Adding bed rails can allow you or a loved one to live more independently, needing less help from others while aging in place.
Why Use Bed Rails?
Bed rails should be used to enhance independence and quality of life, says Jennifer Kimball, registered nurse and owner of Proactive Nursing Solutions, a nursing consultancy located in Shreveport, Louisiana. “If using bed rails allows someone to reposition, get on and get off the bed easier, more safely, with more stability and without the help of someone else, that certainly enhances quality of life,” she says.
Benefits of Bed Rails for Seniors
There are several safety and convenience factors that make bed rails appealing to people aging in place, including:
- Assistance with turning and repositioning in bed
- Additional support and something to hold onto when getting in or out of bed
- A sense of security and comfort
- Reduced fall risk, especially during transport or when getting in and out of bed
- Easy access to bed controls and personal items when necessary
When to Not Use Bed Rails
Bed rails are designed to provide safety and security for the person using them, but they can come with risks for people with certain health conditions. For example, people who are cognitively impaired from taking certain medications or have Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia are at greater risk of entrapment and falling when using bed rails. Other conditions that may put users at higher risk include confusion, lack of muscle control and restlessness.
When bed rails aren’t appropriate, consider alternative measures for a safer and more secure environment, such as roll guards, foam bumpers or lowering the bed and placing a foam mat on the floor in case of falls. A concave mattress can also reduce the risk of rolling off the bed. If you’re a caregiver, know that bed rails shouldn’t be used as a substitute for proper monitoring.
What to Consider When Choosing Bed Rails
Before choosing bed rails, evaluate the health conditions of the person who will be using them to determine whether bed rails are appropriate. “People who don’t have the ability to understand how to use bed rails, have poor safety awareness or are unable to understand their deficits are highly likely to entangle or injure themselves,” says Kimball. “For someone with cognitive impairment, bed rails may not be a good idea.”
If you decide that bed rails can enhance the person’s ability to move freely and improve their quality of life, choose bed rails intended for their unique needs. To increase mobility, for instance, consider a quarter-length bed rail that provides support and assistance for entering or exiting the bed. Meanwhile, for someone with thin skin that bruises easily, you may want bed rails that are partially covered with foam to help prevent skin damage. And someone with weakness on just one side of their body from a stroke may need only one-bed rail.
Consult your doctor or healthcare team for advice on whether bed rails are appropriate and which type and style could work best for your situation.
Types of Bed Rails
There are two distinct types of bed rails for seniors: portable bed rails and hospital bed rails.
- Portable bed rails for adults are attachable, removable and not designed by the bed manufacturer to be part of the bed. Rails are installed separately along the side of the bed and include the following styles:
- Bed rails with legs are L-shaped and can be adjustable for height and length, with one end tucking under the mattress and two support legs resting on the floor.
- Legless bed rails tuck under the mattress and often come with a safety strap for additional stability. Legless bed rails typically come in an L-shape and are best suited for queen and king-size beds because the heavier mattress weighs down the bed rails and keeps them secure.
- Fold-down bed rails fold down for easier access and can be disassembled for travel.
- Crossbar bed rails can be height adjustable and offer multiple handhold locations for assistance with rolling over or standing up. Crossbar bed rails are often used to prevent the possibility of suffocation or entrapment.
- Dual bed rails are installed on both sides of the bed, with crossbars connected for support beneath the mattress.
- Hospital bed rails are attached to a hospital or medical bed and are adjustable. Hospital bed rails are generally part of a hospital bed and can be an accessory for other FDA-regulated beds.
Bed Compatibility and Location
One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to bed rails because not all bed rails are compatible with all mattresses and bed frames. Before purchasing bed rails, check with the bed rail, mattress and bed frame manufacturers to ensure a proper and safe fit. Avoid bed rails that require the person to climb over them to get in and out of bed, as climbing can lead to falls.
Once installed, check the bed rails regularly for signs of loosening, shifting or gaps that could allow entrapment of the head, arms, legs or feet. No matter the width, length and/or depth of the mattress, there shouldn’t be any gap between the bed frame, bedside rail and mattress that’s wide enough to trap a person’s head or body, according to the Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
Length
The length of bed rails range from as short as 18 inches to as long as 4 feet, depending on the type and style.
Weight
Most bed rails weigh less than 10 pounds, with some bed rails being as light as 2 or 3 pounds. Larger bed rails may weigh more than 10 pounds.
Price
The price of bed rails can range from $30 to $150, depending on the type, style and features included. The average price for bed rails is around $50.
Accessory Features
Depending on bed rail type and style, many come with additional features, such as:
- A height-adjustable grab bar
- A safety strap for additional bed rail stability
- An adjustable bed step stool
- An LED night light for fall prevention
- A storage pouch
- Contoured ergonomic grips for multiple gripping positions
Where to Purchase Bed Rails
You can purchase bed rails from online retailers and at medical supply stores. Large home goods and hardware stores, such as Menards, Lowes and Walmart, may also carry bed rails.
How to Pay for Bed Rails
Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of bed rails because they aren’t considered durable medical equipment (DME) prescribed by a doctor or healthcare provider. However, Medicare does cover hospital beds prescribed by your doctor, which can include a hospital bed with rails already attached. If you have a health insurance plan with a private insurer, check with the company to see whether your policy offers coverage for bed rails.