Hospital bed rails are a crucial safety feature for elderly and disabled individuals in Canada. They provide vital support and stability for people who have a hard time getting in and out of bed or who are at risk of falling. There are many different types of bed rails available in the market. Each bed has unique features and benefits.
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Half length hospital bed rails bed rails are the most popular type of hospital bed rail. They extend only half the length of the bed. Half rails are typically used to provide support for sitting up or getting in and out of bed. They also assist in providing a barrier for patients to avoid falling of their beds during sleep time. These half rails for hospital bed are useful for patients who have difficulty with mobility but still want to get in and out of bed without help from caregivers.
Full length side rails for hospital bed are another common type of rail. They extend the full length of the hospital bed. The biggest reason why caregivers will opt for long rails versus half rails will be to prevent patients from falling out. These rails are especially important for patients who experience cognitive decline. Individuals with Alzheimer’s or any type of dementia may try to exit their bed unsafely.
A set of long rails – as long as they are deemed safe for the patient – will create a deterring barrier for that individual. Long rails also prevent a person from rolling out of bed if they become agitated during sleep. Full length hospital bed rails should always be used under the supervision of a knowledgeable caregiver.
Another useful kind of half-rails is the flip-up bed rail. Typical half-bed rails that can only go up and down. In contrast, flip-up rails can go from a horizontal, fixed position to a vertical, cane-like position. These types of rails offer the best of both worlds as they can be used in their horizontal position for protection during sleep. Plus, when in their vertical position, they function as a cane that helps the individual independently get in and out of bed.
Trapeze bars are overhead bars that can be used to assist patients in changing positions or getting in and out of bed. These bars are attached to the head of the bed or are provided in free-standing models. They provide one stable point for patients to pull themselves up and out of bed. They are especially useful for those with limited upper body strength.
Bed Canes are attached to a hospital bed to help patients to get in and out with extra support. Some models that can attach to regular beds, too. Bed Canes usually consist of a narrow tube with a sturdy, ergonomic handle at the top. Patients can hold on to the handle to enter and exit their beds independently. They can also re-adjust positioning during rest time.
In addition to providing support and stability for patients, bed rails for hospital beds also offer peace of mind for caregivers and family members alike. Knowing that a loved one is safe in bed can take a lot of worry and stress away from the caregiving experience.
It is of utmost importance to remember that rails in hospital beds are designed to maintain the safety of a patient. As such, they should only be used under the guidance of an informed caregiver. If the patient lives in a retirement community or long term facility, caregivers must ask additional questions. They must first check with the administration about any applicable requirements or regulations in regards to bed rails.
Getting in and out of bed is something most of us take for granted. When the alarm clock goes off, we jump up, throw on our slippers, and start the day. But as we get older, this seemingly simple task may require a bit more work.
“The aging process causes a variety of physical changes,” said Brittany Ferri, an Occupational Therapist, and an Advisor at Medical Health Solutions, BCN. “Things such as joint pain, loss of muscle tone, and balance problems can make it hard to move from a lying to sitting position.”
Enter the bedrail for adults. The right bed rail can improve nighttime safety, reduce the risk of falls, and help everyone in your home get more restful sleep.
Consider buying an adult bedrail if your loved one:
Needs help turning or repositioning themselves in bed
Has poor balance and needs to hold onto something to get out of bed
Has a history of falls
Uses a wheelchair, cane, or walker and isn’t steady on their feet
A bedrail won’t prevent accidents altogether, but it can reduce the risk of falls, bruises, and broken bones.
Adult bedrails can be beneficial in certain situations, but they aren’t for everyone. For example, a railing may present safety hazards if your loved one has a neurodegenerative condition, like Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
“Sometimes, dementia causes confusion or agitation, especially in the evenings (a side-effect known as sundowning),” Ferri said. “If your loved one experiences periods of confusion or restlessness, they might get their arm, leg, or head stuck in the railing.”
Even if a bedrail isn’t right for your situation, several other bedroom safety tips exist for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
There are various factors to consider when choosing a bedrail for adults. However, Ferri recommends focusing on four things in particular.
There are two main types of bed rails for adults –– portable bed rails and hospital bed rails. Portable bed rails can be detached from the bed, but hospital bedrails are part of the frame.
“Both types of bedrails have different features,” Ferri said. “For example, some have crossbars. There are bedrails that go on only one side of the bed and others that go on both sides of the bed. Some bedrails fold down and slide up, while others can be removed during the day or when they aren’t in use.”
Bedrails for seniors aren’t “one-size-fits-all,” so it’s important to research and gather all the necessary information first. Before you start shopping around, write down the following:
The brand and size of your loved one’s mattress (measure both the length and width)
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Medical Bed rails. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
The height of your loved one’s bed
Whether your loved one uses a box spring (some bed rails require one)
Pro tip: A bedrail should always be flush with the bedframe, regardless of type. Even a tiny space between your loved one’s bed rail and mattress may increase the risk of an accident or injury.
All adult bedrails have an estimated weight capacity. The bedrail you install should be able to support your loved one whenever they get in or out of bed.
Concerned about weight being a factor? Don’t be! Many manufacturers produce bariatric bedrails specifically designed for larger patients.
Adult bedrails come in various lengths. Some cover the entire mattress, while others leave room for users to swing their legs over the side of the mattress and sit up.
“Keep in mind why you’re looking for the bedrail in the first place,” Ferri said. “Your loved one’s needs can help you make the right decision. If you’re worried about them rolling off the mattress, a full-length bed rail makes sense. If they’re still relatively mobile but have sore knees in the mornings, a half rail can help them start the day off right.”
At Carewell, we’re proud to carry the Half Length Bed Side Rail from Drive Medical. This adult bedrail fits most hospital-style beds with a steel frame and features a knob that makes folding it up and down easy.
Drive Medical - Half Length Bed Side Rail
The unique design prevents limbs from getting trapped between the bars
30 ½ long
18 inches high
Made of steel
If you have questions about this bed rail from Drive Medical, please contact our friendly Care specialists at (800) 696-CARE or .
In certain situations, adult bedrails make a lot of sense. If you’re concerned about your loved one rolling out of bed or falling at night, a bedrail can help you sleep better and provide peace of mind.
Ferri encourages family caregivers to take their time and focus on the four most important factors:
Weight capacity
Length
Bed compatibility
Bedrail type
She also recommends scheduling an appointment with your loved one’s doctor, especially if it’s been more than a year since their last checkup. A physician can identify any underlying health problems that might make using a bedrail unsafe.
“Adult bedrails can enhance your loved one’s safety and help them maintain their independence, but not everyone can benefit,” Ferri said. “An occupational therapist or similar expert can ensure you make the right choice.”
Yes. When installed correctly, an adult bedrail can improve the safety of aging adults. However, some railings have bars where limbs can get stuck. Therefore, choosing a bedrail that aligns with your loved one’s physical capabilities is essential.
It depends. Some beds, like hospital beds, have rails built into the frame. In comparison, portable bedrails can attach to any sized bedframe (i.e., twin, full, queen, or king).
Adult bedrails come with various features, including LED night lights for fall prevention, built-in storage pouches, and contoured ergonomic grips. With so many options available, you can make your loved one’s bedrail as high or low-tech as you want.
Are you interested in learning more about Hospital Bed Casters? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!