How to Buy the Right Hospital Bed Rails - Caregivers Guide

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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Types of Rails for Hospital Beds

Half-Length Bed Rails

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 Bed Rails

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.

Flip Up Half Bed Rails

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.

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Trapeze Bars

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

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.

Important questions to ask about Hospital Bed Rail Options

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.

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The Bottom Line on Hospital Bed Rails

Well, my mother has taken a tumble out of her bed, resulting in a strained neck, visit to X-ray etc. No permanent damage, thank goodness, but I'm trying to decide what to do for the best. She needs to ge up several (well more than several) times a night, so a bed rail on both sides wouldn't work. I was thinking of getting a rail that fits on one side - if it's sturdy enough, it could also help her to get into position on the bed. However, I have been reading a leaflet on the Independant Living site which seems to suggest that every other alternative should be explore first, due to potential dangers. I could get the bed moved to one wall, but I'm also concerned about her getting trapped between the wall and the bed. So has anyone fitted a bed rail, or chosen not to fit one?

Jennifer Bed Rails

Hiya Jennifer

With regards to your question about bedrails, I would like to say that if your mum is able to sit up and get out of bed without assistance then I would not recommend a bed rail. She may become frustrated at not being able to get out of bed and attempt to climb over the rail. As you can imagine, this could have tragic consequences.

Because of other medical conditions (chest problems, etc) I purchased an electric Profile Bed which has a safety rail fitted, to prevent mum rolling out - she no longer has the strength to pull herself up and get out though once up she can move about with assistance.

I know how worrying the falls problem is. I have the same problem when I put mum on the loo. If i move away there is the risk that she will get up and fall - her mobility and balance is very poor and its happened once.

Before I had the bed rail I had a bed lever supplied by the O/T. This was like a small bed rail that slotted between the base of the bed and the mattress. You position it so that when mum sits up to get out she can grab hold of it and balance to stand up. It might be worth you trying this if you haven't already done so. You could also put a bolster or a rolled up duvet between the bed and the wall so she doesn't trap her legs.

Hope you manage to sort something soon.