Bed Rails and the Elderly

Also known as side rails or cot sides, simply choosing the right bed rails and the elderly greatly reduce their risk of falling out of bed.

Although not suitable for everyone, they can be very effective when used with the right bed, in the right way, for the right person.

Bed rails become such important parts of our lives in our later years.
Attaching bed rails to the bed of an elderly loved one who is at risk of falling out of bed is an excellent safety measure.

 

So who is a bed rail for ?

 

 

 

Things to Consider Before Buying a Bed Rail for the Elderly

 

What type of bed will the bed rail be fitted to ? ( adjustable bed / hospital bed )

What is the base of the bed ? ( slatted or divan )

A slatted base gives your mattress plenty of ventilation for the air to circulate and keep the mattress fresh, unlike the divan base which structure is covered with fabric.

What is the size of the bed ? ( single or double / king-size ? )

Is the rail to be fitted on one side or both ?

Is the person able to adjust the bed rail themselves ? ( or do they need a family member or carer )

Some types of bed you can’t attach a bed rail to, these include the following –

Waterbeds – Rather than comfort materials and foam core and an innerspring system, the waterbed as the name suggests is a mattress filled with water.

Sleep Number beds  – Sense your movements then automatically adjusts firmness, comfort and support for you. You are able to choose what ever setting you prefer.

Platform or Cabin bed – There support systems feature a built in foundation that will consist of either a slat support system, or may include a solid panel foundation.

Types of Bed Rails for the Elderly

 

Single-sided grab rail

This is sometimes known as a ‘bed lever’ and attaches under the mattress or to the bed frame.

It has a metal support to allow the user to help them get safely in and out of bed.

(lying position to a sitting position / sitting to standing / sitting position to a lying position)

 

There are many different shapes and sizes to consider but here’s a selection of different single-sided bed rails to choose from –

 

The Aidapt Solo Height Adjustable Bed Transfer Aid is a perfect addition for transferring in and out of the bed, without affecting other occupants at the time.

 

It has a height adjustable hand grip for support, and a large stable base that fits easily under the mattress. It has a maximum weight limit of 127Kg (20 Stones).

Depth: 680 mm (26 3/4 inches) Handle width: 325 mm (17 3/4 inches).

 

 

 

 

If your looking for a slight variation in the handle design shape then the Patterson Medical Single Easy-Rail Bed Rail is worth looking at. It is ideal for any size bed, but only suitable for use with a slatted base. 

Many of Patterson Medical’s products have been developed in association with healthcare professionals, and end users to produce their own design and exacting standards. This ensures that they offer user suitability and quality products at all time.

If you have a metal framed static or profiling bed, you could use the Patterson Medical Elland Bed Rail . It has two heavy duty screw clamps that fix directly to the bed’s metalwork.

Although neat and easy to fit, the height of the grab handle is fixed at 650mm which may not be the optimum ideal height for every user, and you might need the flexibility of another grab rail.

 

A safety bed rail with integrated storage pocket is ideal to store your phone, remote control, reading book  or anything at all you want all within easy reach once in bed.

Easy to assemble the rail slides underneath the mattress, held in place by straps.

It has a push button adjustment to allow you to choose the desired height you want, and a soft foam covered comfortable grab handle.

Height – 86cm -112cm / 34″-44″
Width – 35cm / 14″
Depth – 71cm / 28″

Weight – 2.7kg / 6lbs

 

 

Double-sided grab rail

They have supports on both sides of the bed which allows the user to alternate which side they get in and out of. It also enables a person to re-position themselves once in bed.

A double sided grab rail is especially useful if there are two occupants in bed who both require additional support when transferring on and off the bed. This saves the expense of purchasing two separate grab rails.

The NRS Healthcare Adjustable Width Bed Stick has a durable telescopic frame, adjustable from a minimum width of 940 mm (37-inch) up to a maximum width of 1560 mm (61.4-inch).

 

 

It is designed to be used with single, double and king size divan beds.

 

 

 

 

The frame fits easily under any mattress but unfortunately is not suited for slatted, hospital or profiling beds.

Full Length Bed Rails for the Elderly

Bed rails extend along the side of the bed and can be used singularly, or in pairs. They help prevent the user from rolling out of bed onto the floor.

They come in different designs and heights, often adjustable with a folding mechanism to lower the rail when the user gets in and out of bed.

• If a thick mattress is used as when the user needs pressure relief, extra high bed rails can be used to ensure that the rails are a correct and safe height.

 

The Patterson Medical Cot Sides Home Bed Rails are suitable for divan beds in either single, double or 3/4 sizes. Made of chrome plated steel, they are hard wearing and easy to adjust.

They have adjustable cross braces that fit under the mattress to ensure they are secure.

The spring loaded buttons on clamps allow the user to alter the rails to the desired height.

These Chrome Bed Rails are also available with an extra high version (height of 530mm / 21″), made by NRS Healthcare, to ensure the user is more secure and safe in bed.

 

Some bed rails are length adjustable and can be fitted to any hospital or home bed.

They can either be used as a half bed handrail assist, or be extended to a full-size bed rail for fall protection at night.

 

The Stander EZ Adjustable Bed Support Rail is the only length adjustable bed rail on the market and offers four different positions for support.

Main Features

Adjustable rail lengths  –   660mm (26″)  /  863mm (34″)  /  1066mm (42″).

Rail can be pivoted down to the side of the bed
(two clips release button).

Allows the users to swing their legs over to get out of bed, or provides space for making the bed.

A safety strap allows the rail to be attached on either side of the bed.

A simple button mechanism, on the top rail, allows for quick and easy adjustment of the rail, making it perfect for the carer who requires easy access to the user.

 

 

Bed Rails for the Elderly Accessories

 

Bumpers

These are cushion supports that attach to headboards, foot boards and bedside rails which prevents the user injuring themselves on the hard metal.

The NRS Healthcare Bumpers for Wooden Bed Rails protect against any injuries from the cot sides.

Designed for profiling beds. The fit to bed side rails/cot sides that have two bars on each side.

 

 

 

 

Bed Side Wedges

These are triangular shaped foam cushions which help prevent the user accidentally rolling out of bed.

NRS Healthcare Bed Side Wedges are suitable for any single bed, and as an alternative to traditional side rails.

 

They are placed along the edges of the bed attached to a draw-sheet. Using release buckles and straps the draw-sheet is held in place against the bed.

 

Bed Rail Storage Pouch

Able to be attached onto any bed rail or headboard.

The Bedside Caddy Storage Organiser has numerous pockets to fit almost anything, all within easy reach.

The Bedside Storage Bag has 8 various pockets that can fit almost anything including iPads, Kindles, iPhones, remote controls, flashlights, notebooks, pens, tissues etc.

Safe Use of Bed Rails for the Elderly

Bed rails successfully prevent many falls, but their incorrect use has resulted in the serious injury or even deaths of bed occupants by asphyxiation through entrapment in gaps.

Risk assessment is key to ensure the safe use of rails. This should start with the bed occupant and include the proposed equipment, bed and mattress.

Important Issues to Consider Before using a Bed Rail

 

• If the person is likely to fall from their bed, are bed rails an appropriate solution ?
• Is the bed rail height appropriate for the bed occupant ?
• Does the person’s physical size present a risk ?
• Does the person’s behaviour present a risk ?
• Can the person’s head, neck, chest or body become trapped between the bars of the bed rails ?
• Are gaps created by the bed, rail, mattress and head / foot board combination a risk to safety ?
• Is the bed rail fitted correctly ? ( Is it likely that the rail will move away from the side of the mattress or bed during use ).
• Bed rails designed for adults should not be used for children

 

 

If either the bed, mattress, bed rails or condition of the bed occupant changes then a new risk assessment should be carried out.

 

Bed rails and the elderly – things to avoid when fitting

Any gaps that could cause entrapment of the head, neck or chest when the mattress is compressed between the end of the bed rail, and the headboard or foot board.

Using bed rails which are not compatible with the bed base.

Using insecure fittings that let the bed rail drop down, or move away from the side of the bed.

Bed rails with missing parts.

Using bed rails that have not been maintained regularly.

 

Hopefully the above provides a guide to the different types of bed rails for the elderly that are available.
As with any product it is up to the individual and their specific needs.

If in doubt users should consult a health care professional or seek medical advice prior to purchasing. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at mark@elderlyfallsprevention.com and I will be happy to help.