Legless bed rails tuck under the mattress and often come with a safety strap for additional stability.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.Rails are installed separately along the side of the bed and include the following styles: Portable bed rails for adults are attachable, removable and not designed by the bed manufacturer to be part of the bed.There are two distinct types of bed rails for seniors: portable bed rails and hospital bed rails. And someone with weakness on just one side of their body from a stroke may need only one-bed rail.Ĭonsult your doctor or healthcare team for advice on whether bed rails are appropriate and which type and style could work best for your situation. 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. To increase mobility, for instance, consider a quarter-length bed rail that provides support and assistance for entering or exiting the bed. 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. “For someone with cognitive impairment, bed rails may not be a good idea.” “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. What to Consider When Choosing Bed Railsīefore choosing bed rails, evaluate the health conditions of the person who will be using them to determine whether bed rails are appropriate. If you’re a caregiver, know that bed rails shouldn’t be used as a substitute for proper monitoring. A concave mattress can also reduce the risk of rolling off the bed. 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. Other conditions that may put users at higher risk include confusion, lack of muscle control and restlessness. 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.
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