Safety bed rails are available for one side or both sides. For seniors who sleep alone, it is better to have bed rails on both sides for additional safety and protection. Sturdy and reliable, these adult bed rails provide sound sleep to the user and peace of mind to the caregiver. When selecting bed safety handles and rails for the elderly and weak, it is important to keep all possible safety aspects in mind along with the physical and mental status of the user. Which bed safety product to use will be dependent on these factors.
For example, if bed rails are used for both sides and the patient suffers from dementia or confusion, there is a possibility that he or she may try to jump over the rails. Some of the rails are not meant for self-operation but need a caregiver to do it. In cases where there is no caregiver involved, the safety rail has to be chosen accordingly. Portable bed rails may expose a user to injury, entrapment or fall if he or she suffers from lack of muscle control or restlessness. These concerns should be kept in mind before buying. Individuals who use a wheelchair can benefit from using a bedrail. Transfers can be made easy with rails. Safety bed rails are also suitable for use by patients who are recovering from a surgery or those with severe back pain or suffering from arthritis.
Other points to keep in mind before selecting bed safety products for adults are:
Type of bed – whether adjustable bed or hospital bed
Size of the bed
Physical and mental status of the user
Whether will be self-operated or caregiver involved
Bed safety products play a role in ensuring safety of those individuals who are confined to the bed or need to spend a lot of time in it. Safety rails:
Provide a sense of security and peace of mind
Provide assistance getting in and out of bed
Help in repositioning in bed
Prevent accidental falls
There are a number of bed safety accessories that can be used with bed safety rails. Bed rail pads protect the user from bruising and arm/leg entrapment while pocket pouch for bed rails are convenient for holding remote control, reading materials or cell phones. There is quite a variety in bed rail pads and these include wedge pads, vinyl pads, bed rail cushions and safety bumpers.
