Written by Heather Collins, MSN, RN, CNOR
Mobility and balance can decline as we age, making us more vulnerable to falls and other injuries. Falls are the leading cause of injury and death among older adults, with over 36 million falls occurring annually in the United States. Bed rails are often used to prevent falls and support the elderly or individuals with mobility impairments. However, the question remains - are bed rails safe for the elderly? In this article, we'll explore the potential benefits and risks of using bed rails and provide top picks to consider when selecting bed rails for the elderly. Adding bed rails allows individuals to maintain greater independence with less assistance while aging in place. It's crucial to choose the appropriate type of bed rail based on individual needs and preferences and to use them safely and effectively to avoid injury or accidents.
A bed rail is an auxiliary device designed to prevent people from falling out of bed, especially older adults or individuals with mobility impairments. Bed rails are typically made of metal or sturdy plastic and attach to the side of a bed frame to create a barrier that prevents someone from rolling or falling out of bed. They can be used on either or both sides of a bed and come in various sizes and shapes to fit different beds and mattresses. Bed rails are a helpful aid for individuals at risk of falling out of bed, providing them with greater safety and security while they sleep or rest.
Bed rails improve the quality of life and independence for the elderly by providing stability and safety when repositioning and getting in and out of bed. Falls can cause serious injuries, so prevention is essential to avert hospital stays and declining health status. Benefits of bed rails include providing support to hold onto, a sense of security, easy access to personal items and bed controls, and reducing the risk of falls.
However, bed rails may not be appropriate or safe for everyone, especially those with cognitive impairment, confusion, lack of muscle control, restlessness, or dementia, as they may be at risk of entrapment and falling. Bed rails may be harmful in these situations as individuals may try to climb over them, leading to increased injuries. In such cases, alternative measures such as bed alarms, roll guards, foam bumpers, or lowering the bed and placing a foam mat on the floor should be considered to provide a safer and more secure environment. Bed rails should not be used as a substitute for proper monitoring.
.jpg&newwidth=365&maxheight=200 "Hospital Bed Rail with Full Length and Gap Reduction for Patient Safety and Entrapment Prevention") | Hospital Bed Rail with Full Length and Gap Reduction for Patient Safety and Entrapment Prevention View Product |
The Invacare Reduced Gap Full-Length Hospital Bed Rail Pair is a top-of-the-line bed rail option that offers excellent safety and security for individuals requiring extra support. These bed rails feature a reduced gap design, which helps prevent entrapment and reduces the risk of injury. The sturdy steel construction provides maximum support and durability, while the easy-to-use trigger releases make it simple to adjust or remove the rails as needed.
One of the standout features of this bed safety rail is the convenient length. These bed rails extend the entire bed length, offering a secure barrier that helps prevent falls and provides additional support for individuals who may have difficulty getting in and out of bed. Additionally, these bed rails are compatible with most homecare beds and are easy to install without tools, making them a versatile and user-friendly choice for caregivers and individuals.
 | Halo Safety Rings for Beds by Halo Mobility Solutions View Product |
These bed safety rail options provide added safety and security for individuals who require versatile grip options. These bed rails are sturdy steel and support up to 1,000 pounds without issue, making them ideal for residential and institutional use. The bed rails mount directly to the bed's frame to guarantee uncompromising stability and safety. Rotating handles allow for easier bed entry/exit and comfortably accommodate a multitude of patient positionings. Each style is available in either single or double quantities, enabling patients to have customizable safety. Installation is seamless, with minimal time needed. It's important to note that the Halo Safety Rings and Halo Safety Wings are incompatible with adjustable beds.
One of the notable features of the Halo Safety Rings and Halo Safety Wings is that they effectively eliminate the four most critical entrapment zones, including the neck, head, and chest exit points. These assistive devices increase environmental independence and meet FDA patient transfers and therapy guidelines. They prevent the risk of lateral mattress movement, making them an ideal option for individuals in wheelchairs. Additionally, they are easy to remove, allowing for simpler patient transfers and better accessibility during bed therapy.
 | Hospital Bed Support Handles - EZ Click Safety Bed Rails by Stander View Product |
These bed rails are ideal for those requiring extra support and fall protection in a hospital or long-term care center. With a 500-pound capacity, these bed rails accommodate patients of all shapes and sizes. The bed rails come in a pair and feature a heavy-duty clamping system that ensures easy installation, making it simple for caregivers to provide patients with much-needed assistance. The ergonomic design of the bed rails makes it easy for patients to move to and from the bed while ensuring stability and protection.
These bed safety rails work with most institutional bed types, preventing entrapment and falls no matter the angle or position of the bed. They also feature a built-in phone holder that offers convenient user access and storage at their bedside. With the EZ click-release button, caregivers can easily remove the bed rails. For patient safety and protection, these rails must be used with a 6-inch to a 9-inch firm mattress. It is essential to note that using these bed rails with an extra-soft bed could increase the risk of entrapment, falls, or injury.
 | Bed Rail for Standard and Adjustable Beds - Freedom Click Extendable Bed Rail by Stander View Product |
This innovative bed rail provides fall prevention and support for users weighing up to 300 pounds. With a length of 23 to 30 inches, this bed rail is suitable for adults of any age with temporary or permanent mobility impairments. It comes with a handle that supports sit-to-stand transfers to and from the bed while helping prevent accidental rolling out of bed at night. The compact design of the bed rail allows it to be easily attached to most regular or adjustable platform beds using the included screws and safety straps.
The Easy Click button makes rail removal from the base effortless. The bed rail is perfect for seniors aging in place at home or any adult needing extra support for transferring to and from the bed, moving around within the bed, and staying safe while sleeping. The bed rail is attractive, with a bronze finish that will complement any decor. It also includes a cup holder and a leather-look storage pouch to keep personal items organized and accessible.
Yes, bed rails can be used with adjustable beds, but it depends on the specific model of bed rail. It's important to check with the manufacturer to ensure compatibility before purchasing a bed safety rail for an adjustable bed.
Yes, there are alternatives to bed rails, such as bed wedges, concave mattresses, and bed alarms. These options can serve a similar purpose depending on the patient's needs, though they do not provide the same level of assistance when it comes to getting in and out of bed.
In most instances, bed rails are generally easy to install, as they typically attach to the bed frame or underneath the mattress. However, the level of complexity may vary depending on the specific model, so it’s important to check beforehand to ensure that you are comfortable with the installation process.
It's important to have access to the right resources and information when caring for elderly loved ones. With our selection of bed rails and the additional resources available at Caregiver University, you can have peace of mind knowing you're making informed decisions and providing the best care possible. Don't wait - shop now and take the first step towards improved safety and independence for your loved ones.
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Heather Collins, MSN, RN, CNOR
Heather is a registered nurse and freelance health writer with a Master's degree and over 24 years of nursing and leadership experience. Heather cares for patients of all ages in various healthcare settings, including inpatient acute care nursing, GI procedural nursing, cardiac lab, infertility clinics, pediatrics, and surgical services. Heather is dedicated to providing high-quality care and sharing reliable, evidence-based information that empowers people to make informed decisions about their and their loved ones' health.
