View The Best Bed Rails for Seniors in 2023!

The older generation are most prone to accidents around the home. Therefore, it’s more important than ever to make sure that solutions are used to increase their safety as much as possible. The most common accident is falling, and 15% of all falls are out of bed. Falls might be seen as being inevitable, or common in those who have mobility issues but if you do not do everything you can to stop them, then you increase the chances of a serious injury occurring. If you want to do everything you can to protect your loved ones, then it would be wise to invest in bed rails where possible. When you do, you will soon find that you can give your loved ones the help they need when getting in and out of bed, while also making sure that you are preventing injury as much as possible.

Table of Contents

Why do the Elderly Sometimes Fall out of Bed?

⇨How can Falling out of Bed be Prevented?

⇨Bed Rails- An Invaluable piece of Equipment

⇨Why would you Need to Use a Bed Rail?

⇨When a Bed Rail for Seniors Isn’t Suitable

⇨What Conditions can a Bed Rail Help With?

How to Make the Most out of your Bed Railing for Seniors

⇨About Bed Safety Rails

⇨What Bed Assist Rail Should You Choose?

⇨Assistive Bed Rails

Things to Consider when Buying a Bed Rail

⇨Positioning Assistance

⇨Transitional Assistance

⇨Fall Prevention

⇨Portability

⇨Ease of Use and Comfort

⇨Durability

⇨Storage

Frequently Asked Questions about Bed Rails for Seniors

⇨What are Side Rails Used For?

⇨Is a Bed Rail for Elderly Individuals Safe?

⇨What’s the Purpose of a Bed Assist Rail?

The Four Best Bed Rails for Adults in 2022

⇨Conclusion

Why do the Elderly Sometimes Fall out of Bed?

There are so many influencing factors that can cause someone who is elderly to fall out of bed. A lot of older individuals tend to struggle with getting in and out of bed, and it’s the unsteadiness that ends up leading to a fall. A lot of older individuals also take medication as well, and this can contribute to the struggle. With most medications having some kind of drowsiness side effect, this can lead to loss of balance or disorientation. It’s not just getting in and out of bed that can lead to a fall, as it can also happen when they are asleep. Dreams can cause sudden movement, and this can lead to someone falling out of bed. Even turning over, or rolling can cause a senior to become confused or simply unaware of how close they are to the end of the bed. As mentioned above, falling out of bed can easily lead to very serious injuries, but it is very easy to prevent accidents like this from happening. If you want to find out more about bed rails for seniors then simply take a look below.

How can Falling out of Bed be Prevented?

Just the thought of your older relative falling out of bed can make you worry. Bed rails are completely designed to keep the individual safe, providing them with security while they sleep while also giving you the peace of mind you need. Bed rails can provide support when getting in and out of bed, while also stopping them from falling out of bed when they are asleep. It’s important to know that there are so many types of bed rails available to choose from, and choosing the right one will ultimately determine how safe the individual is. The bed loop rail for example, clamps right onto the base of the bed and it offers support when the individual is climbing in or out. It does not however, really stop the individual from falling out of bed, and they are most commonly only applied to one side. Greater safety can be achieved if you were to opt for a full-length side rail. If you combine this with an overlay mattress then you will soon find that this can give your loved one the support they need to stay in bed without having to worry about them having an accident. The rail sits on top of the bed rail that’s already there, and provides extra height and safety. Telescopic sides can be raised or lowered depending on the amount of safety that the individual needs, so keep that in mind.

Bed Rails- An Invaluable piece of Equipment

A bed rail can easily be an invaluable piece of equipment if you know that you are experiencing mobility issues or if you know that you have a disability that is relative to age, then a bed rail can be a very cost-effective option and it also makes it much easier for you to get in and out of bed. This is especially the case if you feel as though you, or your loved one needs some kind of support when standing up or sitting down from a wheelchair or the bed itself. The great thing that you need to know about bed rails is that they come in a huge range of styles so there is bound to be something that suits your individual needs. The bed rail can be fixed to the side of the bed in various ways. Some of them are fixed into position through the use of straps and others rest between the base of the bed itself and the mattress. Some will attach to the frame of the bed, and some are fully secured underneath. If you want to make sure that you are getting the best result out of the bed rail you have or if you want to make sure that the bed rail you’re choosing is suited to your needs, then you need to do a good amount of research so you can make the best decision possible.

Why would you Need to Use a Bed Rail?

A bed rail can be a fantastic piece of kit. This is especially the case if you need some help when you are getting in and out of bed, or if you need some support standing up because you have weak limbs or lack of balance. A bed rail can give you a lot of additional support and it can also give you the confidence to live independently. There are many other reasons why you might choose to use a bed rail, some of them include:

- If you’re struggling to get enough support when you are getting out of bed.

- You feel breathless or unsteady when trying to get out of bed

- You find it hard to change position in the middle of the night

- You struggle to go to the bathroom at night because you can’t get out of bed

A bed rail will essentially give you the leverage you need to get in and out of bed comfortably. Bed rails can also help you to sit when you are in a lying down position and it can also help you to stand up from the side of the bed. As if that wasn’t enough, it can give you some support when you are trying to change position in the middle of the night or if you need some more support in general.

When a Bed Rail for Seniors Isn’t Suitable

There are times when using a bed rail is not a suitable choice. If you want to find out more about that then take a look below.

- If you or the person using the rail experiences memory loss, then the rail could be used improperly

- If you experience seizures or involuntary movements

Ultimately, all bed rails will attach to the side of the bed but some of them have a different connection when compared to others. If you want to get the best result out of your system, then you’ll need to take a look to see which one is most suited to your individual needs.

What Conditions can a Bed Rail Help With?

A bed rail can help with the following conditions:

- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

A bed rail can give you the extra support you need to make sure that you don’t lose balance yourself when you are getting in or out of bed.

- Multiple Sclerosis

If you feel like your joints and your muscles are stiff in the morning, then a bed rail could be just what you need to swing your legs out of bed.

- Parkinson’s Disease

Moving difficulties and stiffness can make it very difficult for you to move yourself in and out of bed.

- Chronic Kidney Disease

Common symptoms of chronic kidney disease include dizziness and fatigue. This makes it very easy for you to lose balance when you wake up first thing in the morning.

- Stroke

Post-stroke symptoms can be mentally challenging, and it can also be physically draining as well. People who have suffered from a stroke often find the mornings most difficult, so a bed assist rail could be helpful here.

How to Make the Most out of your Bed Railing for Seniors

If you want to get the best result out of your bed rail, then you need to make sure that it is around 320mm away from your headboard. The mattress should rest against the handle of the rail when it is fitted, as this reduces the chance of any limbs getting trapped between the mattress and the frame of the bed.

About Bed Safety Rails

If you have never even thought about buying a bed rail before then you may think that there are just so many options to choose from. This can be frustrating, but if you take your time then you will certainly see that it’s easier than ever to find something that suits your needs and requirements.

Bed safety rails are otherwise known as assist rails or even assist bars. A lot of them are portable and some are designed to be a permanent attachment. Although bed rails cover a broad category, including longer rails and those that are built into hospital beds, the most common ones that are purchased are short, assistive rails. These rails are used as living aids to both the young and the old, helping to maintain safety while also helping people to get in and out of bed.

What Bed Assist Rail Should You Choose?

Every bed rail is designed to do three different things:

- Assist the user when they are lying in bed

- Reduce the chances of a fall

- Provide sturdy support when transitioning from bed

A quality design will help you to stop any bed entrapment. Manufacturers often make sure that their bed rails meet any safety requirements so that the patient won’t have to worry about being trapped between the bed and the rail. Of course, bed and mattress combinations can all present different levels of risk. Additionally, each combination needs to be examined in context for the patient using the bed.

Additional Bed Rail for Elderly Use Accessories

- Bed Rails

Designed to stop a patient from falling out of bed, and gives them support when either getting into bed or getting out.

- Gap Fillers

Can include rigid plastic inserts that narrow openings or stuff pads. These are plastic-coated pads which decrease the open space between the rail and the mattress, or the footboard.

- Pads and Wedges

Rail bumper wedges are elongated pads which address any openings between the bed rail and the mattress. They also cover any openings that might be present in the bed rail.

- Drapes, Covers or Shields

Rail coverings are usually made out of fabric and they slip over the rail to make sure that any openings are closed. Entrapment shields are plastic devices which attach to the rail, occluding all openings that may be at the side of the bed.

Assistive Bed Rails

Most assistive bed rails are compatible for use with either standard home beds or hospital beds. Hospital beds often have their own built-in rails. Portable bed rails tend to be used on regular beds or in assisted living facilities. People take them on vacation as it means that they can use them when they are away from home as well. At the end of the day, there are a huge range of features that you need to check out if you want to choose the best one. At first glance, bed rails can be quite similar, but when you inspect them more closely, you will see that they all have their own unique and differentiating features which will support you when you come to make your choice. Bed rails for elderly individuals and safety rail for seniors are all very effective when it comes to making sure that your loved ones are as safe as possible at all times.

Things to Consider when Buying a Bed Rail

Bed safety rails and handles help to make sure that you have a sturdy level of secure support. They are ideal for anyone who finds it difficult to get in and out of bed and they are also ideal for those who experience some kind of challenge when it comes to moving around. Bed rails for seniors are also suited to those who can get out of bed independently or those who try and reposition themselves in bed, but find it difficult because they are not able to get the support they need. If you are ready to make the decision in regards to bed rails for seniors, then here’s what you need to know.

Positioning Assistance

A bed guard rail for adults can help you to position yourself while in bed. If you are buying bed rails for seniors then you have to make sure that you choose a durable rail that is strong, as this will safely support your weight. Moving around and repositioning yourself in bed will require you to have something that is strong enough to hold up to any repetitive movements and it also needs a good amount of grip if the rail itself is going to withstand long-term use. Steel construction is the ideal choice here if you want durability, but there are other options on the market that could be suited to your needs. Take a look below to find out more about bed rails for seniors.

Transitional Assistance

If you need a secure hand-hold for exiting or entering the bed, then you need to choose a safety bed rail that can be adjusted in terms of height. A good bed railing for seniors will usually come with this option.

Safety bed rails for seniors and bed rails for the elderly need to accommodate your weight, as you will be leaning on the rail or the handle when you get up out of bed, and when you lower yourself into bed. Models that come with a handle that swings out are often much preferred, as they give you a much-needed level of support whenever you lower yourself into the bed, and when you are engaging in a sit-to-stand transition.

Fall Prevention

Even though a lot of safety bed rail designs are small when compared to full bed rails, the placement of them can easily stop any accidental falls from the bed. Some configurations of bed rails for the elderly come with extension options. This provides you with much longer support across the bed as an individual and they are ideal for those who are considered to be high risk. Some even come with rails on both sides of the bed as this enhances protection even more. Bed safety rails can help you to drastically reduce the chances of a fall that comes from getting up, or getting out of bed.

Portability

A bed guard rail for adults can also come in a portable form. They take up very little space and they are the ideal alternative to those who don’t want to take their bed rail down all the time. When you buy your bed guard rail for adults, you need to make sure that you are using your support rail well so that you can find out the best model for your needs. If you know that you are going to have to move your rail around then take the time to find one that comes with a very portable configuration. If you are only using it for one bed all the time, then a permanent option may be much more suited to your requirements.

Ease of Use and Comfort

It’s helpful to look for various features which can add comfort. This can include adjustable heights, padded grips and even ergonomic handles too. People won’t use the support you are giving them if they don’t find it comfortable, so it’s vital to find designs that make the system very easy to operate. Simpler formats are more ideal for those who suffer from dementia or confusion. More adjustable and versatile options are more suited to those who require a lot of change throughout the day.

Durability

When you buy bed railing for the elderly or a standard bed assist rail, you should know that people rely on this kind of device for body support. For this reason, you have to make sure that the rail itself is of a sound construction. A lot of manufacturers will build their rails based on this. If you want some help choosing your rail then you need to choose a handle that is able to withstand repetitive use, as well as having a safe operating capacity.

Storage

As an additional feature, you should look out for added storage. It’s a very useful feature on some bed safety rails and the added pockets help the individual to keep any personal items they may need, right by their side. This convenience is appreciated by those who have some degree of mobility impairment and it also reduces the risk of falling injuries or even bending injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bed Rails for Seniors

If you are thinking about buying some kind of bed rail, then you may benefit from reading some of these top frequently asked questions.

What are Side Rails Used For?

Hospital bed rails for elderly patients and bed rails for adults are primarily used to try and promote safe bed mobility and they are also used to try and greatly reduce the risk of falls as well. They do tend to vary in both length and size, and they can also be used as a gripping support for those who want to reposition themselves in bed. If you need help getting in and out of bed, then they are the ideal option for that as well. The rail can be installed on the longer side of the bed and they also attach in a huge number of ways. Most designs are easy to detach and they are also very portable.

Is a Bed Rail for Elderly Individuals Safe?

A bed assist rail is safe for absolutely anyone to use. This includes children, adults and even the elderly. The only safety concern is that poorly constructed rails can easily cause entrapment, so you need to make sure that the rails fit closely to the bed and that they do not pose as a risk where possible. Some users may need to be supervised when the rail is first installed but most are able to get in and out of bed very safely in the intended way. This will augment the safety in getting up and down, as well as moving around.

What’s the Purpose of a Bed Assist Rail?

A bed assist bar will provide support to those who need to reposition themselves in bed as well as offering stability to those who need help getting up and down from bed as well. Bed assist bars can also help residents in care facilities to stay safe while the bed is in use, and it provides some secured support when exiting the bed in general.

The Four Best Bed Rails for Adults in 2022

If you are in the market for a bed assist rail, then this guide will help you.

1) - Roscoe Full-Length Bed Rail Pads

Price: $24.74

Roscoe’s line of full-length bed rail pads can easily protect your patients from experiencing an injury. The floor mats can also be added to try and stop anyone from rolling off the bed accidentally. The pads are constructed from a very high-compression foam and the mats also provide you with a form support surface. This can be placed next to the bed to provide a much safer environment for patients who are considered to be at-risk. Another great benefit of these pads is that they can deter a patient from trying to exit the bed without assistance, so you won’t have anything to worry about there at all.

Some of the features include:

-Designed for cushioning and protection.

-Deter patients from exiting the bed unassisted.

-Wipe-clean vinyl cover for easy disinfecting.

-Pads don’t interfere with the operation of the bed rail.

-Three hook and loop straps for easy application and/or removal.

2) - ProBasics Reduced Gap Full-Length Bed Rail

Price: $46

The ProBasics full-length bed rail will stop patients from falling out of bed and it’s also ideal as it comes with less entrapment hazards too. It fits any standard-sized bed, and it comes with everything you need to get started. The construction is made out of steel, but it also has an attractive brown finish. It’s self-adjusting and spring-loaded with four crossbars. This is ideal if you want to keep your patients safe and it also means that you can adjust it depending on the ever-changing needs of the individual. If you want a rail that is going to last you a very long time, or one that can be adjusted to meet any changing health needs then this is one that you should certainly be looking into.

Some of the features include:

- Conveniently fits any standard-sized bed.

- 55” in length.

- 13.5” when raised and just “4.5 when lowered.

3) - Stander: EZ Adjust Bed Rail (OUR FAVORITE!)

Price: $142

This rail is very easy to adjust and it is two-in-one as well. This means that it can be used as a fall prevention bed rail or it can be used as a standard bedside handle if you want. It’s completely adjustable, ranging from adjustable to collapsible and even installable types as well. The EZ Adjust Bed Rail functions as a bed and a bed handle. This means that you can blend comfort with the feeling of your home. This all comes down to the patented design, and the rail can also be extended in length too. This fits most regular and adjustable beds.

Some of the features include:

- Completely fold the rail to the side of the bed

- Fall prevention feature

- Safety strap that buckles to the bed frame

- Organiser pouch included

4) - North Coast Medical: EZ Adjust Bed Rail

Price: $118.50

This bed rail is being advertised as the only one that actually extends in length after it has been installed. The adjustable rail allows it to be used as a bed rail and it can also be used to try and stop you from tumbling out of bed. The handrail is a very useable option, and it can also help you to get in and out of bed as well. The bed rail folds down and it also allows space for changing linen. This is a very useful feature, and it can be used on both sides of the bed as well. The dual-safety strap secures onto the bed rail and onto the bed frame, and this makes the whole thing very easy to use and adapt to whatever purpose you have.

Some of the features include:

- Dual safety strap which secures the rail to the frame

- Handy organizer pouch

- Three adjustment settings

- Easy to assemble

Conclusion

So there really are so many options available when you want to choose a safety bed rail, and you would be surprised at how easy it is for you to find something that meets your requirements. When choosing your rail, it’s very important to make sure that you find one that comes with all of the features you need and that you also make sure that it can support the weight of the person using it as well. If it doesn’t, then you may find that you end up struggling and that the rail is not fit for purpose. If you follow this guide however then you will soon find that you are able to find one suitable for your needs, while also finding one that is catered to your exact requirements. If you are not quite sure which rail you need, then remember that there are adjustable options out there that you can invest in, so you can keep your rail versatile for any patient or health condition.