Hospital bed safety rails are used by patients to assist with repositioning and to help getting in and out of bed.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website defeng.
Caregivers must carefully select the appropriate bed rail for the loved one’s age, size, weight and medical condition.
It is important to remember that all hospital bed side rails, frames and mattresses are not interchangeable.
Loose side rails can lead to falls or entrapment injuries. It is essential to follow the manufacturer’s specifications for installation and maintenance for bed frames and bedside rails to keep loved ones safe.
Family members often believe that full-length side rails will ensure patient safety. However, full-length side rails should not be used to keep confused patients from climbing out of the bed.
Loved ones may attempt to climb over the side rail and suffer severe injuries due to falling from the greater height. Other options are more effective for protecting loved ones from getting out of bed without assistance.
Electric high-low beds lower the bed frame to just a few inches above the floor, preventing injury in case the loved one rolls off the mattress. Floor pads may be placed on either side of the bed as well for added protection.
Upper half-length side rails are used for repositioning and do not prevent loved ones from entering or leaving the bed. They are a convenient location for bed controls and TV remotes to prevent them from falling to the floor.
Solid plastic rails with grip handles are preferred to chrome rungs to reduce the risk of entrapment. The side rails should be securely mounted to the bed frame to help prevent injuries when loved ones get in and out of the bed.
Assist bars are similar to half length side rails and are designed to help loved ones get in and out of bed. The narrow shape makes them less helpful for loved ones to reposition themselves in the bed.
Assist bars allow loved ones greater visibility of their surroundings and reduce the feeling of being trapped in the bed. Some assist bars come with storage bags for TV and bed remote controls. Assist bars must also be securely mounted to the bed frame.
Side rails should never be used as a substitute for careful monitoring of loved ones, especially those at risk of entrapment or falls.
Even though side rails may be perceived as proven safety devices, sprains or broken bones, or strangulation may occur if body parts become wedged between the mattress and side rail.
Gaps between the mattress and side rails can form when loved ones sit or lay on the bed, increasing the risk of injury.
Older model beds with full-length rails, replacement parts and soft mattresses have the highest risks for entrapment.
Gap guards, foam bumper pads, and concave mattresses can help reduce the risk of entrapment between the side rails and mattress.
Photo Resource: FDA
Caregivers should regularly assess the bed for potential fall and entrapment hazards.
Rigid plastic inserts may be placed into bed rail openings to prevent loved ones from inserting arms or legs into them.
Side rails should never be used as a substitute for careful monitoring and supervision of loved ones. Caregivers should always consult with a physician before selecting side rails for home hospital beds.
At HomeCare Hospital Beds, we always want you to feel informed before you make a purchase.
If you have any doubts on which bed is fit for you, please contact HomeCare Hospital Beds team, so we can help you make the right choice.
Are you interested in learning more about Medical Bed rails? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
Call us today toll free at 877-414- or us at .
Learn more about Hospital Bed Safety here.
Seniors often live with multiple health conditions that can increase their chances of experiencing a fall. Medications, vision loss, neurological disorders and reduced mobility can all make older adults vulnerable to falls, including from bed.
Not only can falling out of bed cause serious physical injuries, but it’s a frightening experience for the senior and their family members. This can trigger other issues such as depression and anxiety. Seniors afraid of falling out of bed may be reluctant to use their bed, preferring to sleep in a recliner chair instead.
A bed rail is one of the most common solutions for seniors at risk of a fall from bed, as well as those who need help with transfers and repositioning. These low-cost devices are widely available without a prescription and, when used correctly, can provide peace-of-mind to seniors and their caregivers.
Unfortunately, a report published by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSE) linked bed rails to a number of injuries and fatalities among seniors. The report revealed that between January and September , there were 155 bed rail-related deaths among adults. About one-third of these accidental deaths occurred in the victim’s home, and rail entrapment was the leading cause of these tragic fatalities.
Since that report was published, the FDA and other safety authorities have released recommendations on reducing the risks associated with bed rail use among the elderly.
In this guide, you’ll find five simple safety tips that can help you keep your loved ones safe while using bed rails.
Before purchasing a bed rail or using one gifted to you, check if the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website lists it.
The CPSC is the federal agency responsible for researching product hazards, publishing recalls and promoting the development of safe consumer products.
Although a prescription isn’t needed to purchase an adult portable bed rail, it’s a good idea to check with your loved one’s medical provider before using any assistive device. Bed rails may not be the best option for seniors at high risk of entrapment due to advanced dementia or those with certain medical conditions.
You may also want to consult with an occupational therapist who can advise you on what type of bed rail to use, as portable bed rails come in a wide range of styles.
Keep in mind to never use bed rails as restraining devices to prevent a senior from getting into or out of bed.
Installing a portable adult bed rail usually involves lifting the mattress to secure the straps across the box spring and under the frame. This can be an awkward task that might tempt you to skip it, especially if your loved one is trying out a bed rail for the first time.
Once you’ve installed the bed rail, recheck it regularly. Verify that you tightly fastened the straps so that there are no gaps between the rail and the bed that could entrap your loved one.
As with any assistive device, using a bed rail can take some getting used to. When you first install the bed rail, spend some time with your loved one to ensure they’re comfortable using the device. Check that you positioned the bed rail where they need it to be and that it remains secure when in use.
Some bed rails for seniors include stabilizer legs that extend down to the floor. If you’ve selected this bed rail style, verify that you positioned the legs to prevent the senior from tripping. Also, secure any excess strapping well out of the way.
Who Shouldn’t Use a Bed Rail?
A bed rail might not be safe for a senior with advanced Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia. These conditions can make it difficult for the senior to recognize that the bed rail is an assistive device rather than a restraint, which can increase agitation and confusion.
Bed rails may also be inappropriate for seniors with medical issues that cause uncontrolled body movements, as well as those who need one-on-one assistance to transfer in and out of bed.
What Are Some Alternatives to a Bed Rail for a Senior?
Bed rails can help reduce the risk of falls from bed while serving as an assistive device during repositioning and transfers. If your loved one needs a bed rail to reduce their chances of falling from bed, the alternatives include bed bumpers, roll guards or a concave mattress. If they need something to grab on to while getting in and out of bed, you may want to consider a bed trapeze or a bed ladder.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Hospital Bed Casters.