Benefits of bed rails for the elderly: Where to find them?

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You know that saying, “We become babies again as we get older”? It’s so true in many ways. Just like when we were toddlers, many elderly folks need a little extra safety and support in their daily lives. That’s where bed rails can make a big difference.

Bed rails are like the crib sides we had as kids—they provide that same sense of security and protection. For seniors, they can help prevent falls, make it easier to get in and out of bed and give them an overall feeling of comfort. It’s a simple solution that can significantly impact quality of life.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the key benefits of bed rails for the elderly, including their types, costs, and where to find high-quality options. Let’s get started!

What are the types of bed rails?

There are several common types of bed rails that serve different purposes:

Standard Bed Rails: These are the primary side rails that attach to the bed frame to prevent the user from falling out of the bed. They come in different lengths and heights.
Padded Bed Rails: These are similar to standard rails, but with added padding to provide a softer surface and reduce the risk of injury if the user bumps into them.
Adjustable Bed Rails: These can be raised, lowered, or even removed as needed to accommodate the user’s needs and mobility.
Bed Rail Canes: These handles attach to the side of the bed and assist the user in repositioning themselves or getting in and out of the bed.
Bedrail Handles: These are handles that attach to the side of the bed to assist the user in repositioning themselves or getting in and out of the bed.
Bed Rail Conversion Kits: These allow you to convert an existing bed into one with bed rails by providing the necessary hardware and attachments.

How much do bed rails cost?

The cost of bed rails can vary greatly depending on several factors, including:

Material:

Metal: Steel or aluminum bed rails are typically more affordable, ranging from $20 to $100 per rail.
Wood: Wooden bed rails can be more expensive, with prices starting at $50 and going up to $200 or more per rail.
Plastic: Plastic bed rails are a budget-friendly option, often costing $15 to $50 per rail.

Size and Style:

Full-length rails: These provide full-length support and are generally more expensive than shorter rails.
Half-length rails: These offer support for one side of the bed and are typically more affordable.
Adjustable rails: These can be adjusted to fit different bed sizes and are often priced higher than fixed rails.

Brand and Features:

Brand name rails: These may be more expensive but often offer higher quality and durability.
Features: Rails with additional features like built-in handles or lights will typically cost more.

Where you Purchase:

Online retailers: You can often find bed rails at lower prices online compared to brick-and-mortar stores.
Department stores: Prices may be higher at department stores, but you can benefit from in-person assistance.
Specialty stores: Stores specializing in medical equipment may offer a more comprehensive selection of bed rails, but prices may be higher.

Average cost of bed rails:

Basic metal rails: $20 – $100 per rail
Wooden rails: $50 – $200 per rail
Plastic rails: $15 – $50 per rail

What are the benefits of bed rails for the elderly?

Bed rails offer a range of benefits for elderly individuals, contributing to their safety, comfort, and independence. Here’s a breakdown:

Safety and security:

Reduced Fall Risk: Bed rails act as a barrier, preventing the user from rolling out of bed and significantly reducing the risk of falls, which are a major concern for older adults.
Increased Stability: They provide a sense of security and stability, giving the user confidence when getting in and out of bed.
Easier Transfers: The rails can support the user in holding onto while getting in and out of bed, making transfers easier and safer.

Comfort and independence:

Enhanced Sleep Quality: By providing a sense of security, bed rails can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality for those who worry about falling out of bed.
Increased Mobility: They can help users maintain their independence by allowing them to get in and out of bed more easily without needing assistance.
Peace of Mind for Caregivers: Bed rails provide caregivers with peace of mind, knowing their loved ones are safe while sleeping.

Additional benefits:

Reduced Caregiver Burden: Bed rails can reduce the need for constant supervision, preventing caregiver burnout and allowing them to focus on other tasks.
Improved Quality of Life: By promoting safety and independence, bed rails can contribute to a better quality of life for elderly individuals.

Best bed rails for the elderly: Key considerations

Before choosing a bed rail for older adults, we should consider some key factors to ensure maximum safety and convenience.

Here are the key considerations while choosing bed rails for the elderly:

Stability & Sturdiness
Adjustability
Safety Features
Ease of Use
Compatibility with Bed
Caregiver Needs

Amazon bed rails for the elderly

Here are some of the best Amazon bed rails for the elderly:

Drive Medical Adjustable Bed Rails – can fit most standard and hospital beds. They are height-adjustable and have safety straps for extra security.
Vive Bed Rail – easy to install and remove and fits most beds. It has a padded, non-slip design for comfort and safety.
MOBB Home Mobility Bed Rail – has a sturdy steel construction and can hold up to 300 lbs. It comes with safety strap restraints.
Stander EZ Adjust Bed Rail – has multiple height adjustments and can fit beds from twin to queen size. It has padded arms for comfort.
Carex Bed Rail Assist – attaches easily to most beds and provides support for getting in and out of bed. It also has a non-slip grip surface.
HealthSmart Adjustable Bed Rail – telescopes to fit different bed sizes and has a safety strap for added security.

Walmart bed rails for elderly

Here are some of the best Walmart bed rails for elderly:

Drive Medical Dual Sided Bed Rail – can be installed on either side of the bed and features safety straps for added security. It’s made of sturdy steel.
Medline Bed Side Rails – designed to fit most standard beds and have a padded safety handle for comfort. They are easy to install.
Stander Bedside Assistant Rail – attaches to the side of the bed and provides support for getting in and out. It has a non-slip grip.
Graham-Field Assist-A-Tray Bed Rail – includes a built-in over-the-bed table tray for added functionality. It’s made of durable steel.
Essential Medical Supply Deluxe Bed Rail – height-adjustable and can fit beds of different sizes. It has padded arms for comfort.
EZ2care Bed Rail – features a safety strap and extra-wide design for stability. It’s easy to install on most beds.

Does Medicare cover bed rails for the elderly?

Medicare does not provide coverage for bed rails intended for regular, non-hospital beds. However, it may cover bed rails that are deemed medically necessary accessories to a hospital bed.

Suppose the patient already has a hospital bed, but it does not include bed rails. In that case, Medicare may approve attachable side rails to be used as an accessory to the existing hospital bed. It would be covered under the durable medical equipment (DME) benefit of Medicare Part B.

The key requirements are:

The patient must have a hospital bed, either provided by Medicare or the patient already owns one
Attachable side rails must be deemed medically necessary by the patient’s healthcare provider
The side rails must be used as an accessory to the hospital bed

In these cases, Medicare Part B would cover 80% of the approved cost of the attachable side rails after the patient has met their Part B deductible. The patient is responsible for the remaining 20% coinsurance.

What are the alternatives to bed rails for the elderly?

While bed rails are a popular choice for enhancing safety and independence for elderly individuals, there are other alternatives to consider.

Bedside Safety Mats: Alarm when user steps off but may not prevent falls entirely.
Bedside Motion Sensors: Detect movement under the mattress but may not work for restless sleepers.
Bedside Comforts: Soft cushions and blankets for a secure feeling but may not be enough for those prone to rolling.
Adaptive Beds: Adjustable heights, rails, etc., but expensive and may need professional help.
Professional Care: Constant supervision, but costly and may not be feasible for everyone.

Final thoughts

The benefits of bed rails for the elderly are significant. They provide crucial support and stability, enabling seniors to get in and out of bed safely and independently. Doing your research to identify the best options on the market is time well spent. Carefully measuring the bed dimensions, understanding the user’s specific needs, and reading thorough product reviews will help you make the most informed choice.

We hope this guide has provided helpful insights to assist you in finding the optimal bed rails for your loved one. If you need more information or guidance, do not hesitate to get in touch with us!

FAQs

How to install bed rails?

Here are the key steps for properly installing bed rails:

Measure the bed: Accurately measure the dimensions of the bed, including the height, width, and thickness of the mattress. This will help you select bed rails that fit properly.
Choose compatible rails: Match the bed rails to the specific type and size of the bed. Ensure they are designed to securely attach to that bed frame.
Identify attachment points: Locate the best spots on the bed frame to mount the rails, typically along the sides. Many rails have clamps or brackets for this.
Assemble the rails: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to assemble the bed rails. This may involve connecting pieces, adjusting height, etc.
Attach the rails: Securely fasten the rails to the bed frame using any screws, clamps, or hardware provided. Make sure they are stable and won’t shift.
Test for stability: Once installed, test the bed rails by applying pressure and ensure they are firmly in place and don’t wobble.
Educate the user: Make sure the elderly user and any caregivers understand how to properly use and adjust the bed rails for maximum safety and comfort.

Do nursing homes have bed rails?

Nursing homes usually install bed rails on both sides of the bed to maximize patient safety and support. The rails are often adjustable, so they can be raised or lowered as needed.

Certain guidelines govern the appropriate and safe use of bed rails in nursing homes. Overuse or improper installation can present entrapment risks, so nurses are trained to monitor their usage.

Are bed rails safe?

The safety of bed rails is a nuanced topic – they can provide important benefits but also present some risks that need to be carefully managed. Here’s a more balanced look at the safety considerations around bed rails:

Potential benefits of bed rails:

Help prevent falls and injuries from patients rolling or climbing out of bed
Assist patients in safely getting in and out of bed
Provide a sense of security and independence for elderly or disabled users

Potential risks of bed rails:

Entrapment hazard if users become caught between the mattress and rails
Strangulation risk if users become caught in the rails
Increased agitation or disorientation in some patients
Decreased mobility and independence if overused