How to Pick the Best Bed Rails for Seniors?

Why Use Bed Railings for Seniors?

Bed rails for seniors are extremely useful to have. They provide protection and help prevent the elderly from falling out of bed. The primary purpose of bed rails is to prevent people from rolling out of bed in their sleep. In addition to this, bed rails also help seniors shift positions while still in bed. This is especially beneficial to seniors who wake up with stiff limbs or have agility issues.  

Here is a quick list of the numerous benefits that elderly bed rails offer:

- Assistance – Bed rails assist the elderly when they need to turn their bodies or re-position themselves in bed. 

- Transitioning – Bed rails provide something firm to grip while getting in and out of bed. This gives the elderly support and stability and helps them transition in and out of bed safely.

- Prevents Falls – Bed rails go a long way in preventing falls in seniors overall.

Picking the Best Bed Rails for Seniors 

When selecting the right bed rails, there are some crucial aspects to consider:

1. Compatibility – First, one must consider the compatibility of the bed rails with the bed itself. The other things to consider before selecting the type of bed rail are length, width, and location of the bed.

2. Height adjustability – Height adjustability is an important aspect to consider as well. If your bed rails are adjustable, you will be able to use them much longer, even if your living situation changes. 

3. Foam for a better grip – Foam padding over the railing is always a good idea. This prevents accidents like unexpected bumps and bruises. It also allows for better grip and reduces the risk of slipping.

4. Storage compartments – Having bed rails with a storage compartment makes things very convenient. You can store things that you use frequently so that you don’t have to keep getting up to fetch them.

5. Price – When looking at the price, you need to see that you are getting the best deal possible. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you are getting the cheapest option available. Price works in conjunction with the other parameters when selecting bed rails.

Challenges with Standard Bed Rails

While bed rails are designed to allow seniors to live a safe and independent life, unfortunately, they do have some drawbacks. Bed rails can sometimes bother when seniors need to get in and out of bed frequently. For instance, seniors who need to make frequent visits to the bathroom might find it bothersome to deal with the bed rail so often. Bed rails can also get in the way and cause seniors to get "trapped." This can lead to a panic attack or anxiety.   

Seniors who are cognitively impaired should not use bed rails. Elderly folks who lack muscle control and/or suffer from restlessness should not use bed rails.

In these cases, a bed step stool may be a better solution. Bed step stools are mobile. You can easily wheel away when not in use. They also do not block access to the bed, as a bed rail would. Large or small, bed step stools also come with handrails, making it easier for the elderly to safely get on and off the stool.

Advantages of Step2bed

When fastened to the side of the bed, the step2bed acts as a bed rail and prevents the sleeper from rolling out of bed. It has tall perpendicular grab bars that offer support for sitting up in bed.

Step2bed and all its variants are made with reinforced steel, making them extremely sturdy and safe to use. The step2bed XL can withstand up to 800 pounds, while the step2bed mini can take 200 pounds. 

You can adjust the height of the step2bed as and when required. The step2bed also comes with a motion sensor light so that you can see it in the dark. The handles are padded for better grip, while the stepping platform is coated with a non-slip coating.

The step2bed can be safely strapped onto any bed with Velcro straps that are easy to remove when needed.

Final Thoughts

Simply put, bed rails are useful in some cases, while in other cases, they are not. The key is knowing what you need and, more importantly, what works for you. Your safety should always be your highest priority.