Mobility and balance can be challenging for seniors, making simple tasks like getting in and out of bed difficult. Bed rails can help with this issue, as they are a simple piece of equipment that allows seniors to complete tasks independently while ensuring their safety and independence. So, for those considering bed rails for a senior, this article explores a few types and factors to consider before making a purchase.

Types
Bed rails for elderly adults come in several types based on their design and structure. Given below are a few commonly available types of bed rails one can consider:

Bed rails with legs
Bed rails with legs provide additional support by extending to the room’s floor. These bed rails are equipped with rods that act like legs and rest on the floor to provide stability and prevent the rail from moving. This design ensures the bed rail is secure and prevents falls or accidents.

Legless bed rails
These bed rails usually need to be attached to the side of the bed for support. When purchasing these types of rails, it is essential to check if they suit the used bed.

Crossbar bed rails
Crossbar bed rails are more oversized and have multiple bars to grip. These bed rails are handy for seniors who need support turning over or sitting up in their beds. Moreover, they are also used to prevent chances of suffocation or entrapment.

Bedside handle rails
These rails are relatively smaller and are mainly used to support seniors getting in and out of bed.

Portable bed rails
Bed rails that can be detached from the bed are useful for traveling, as they can be easily carried elsewhere. This feature is especially beneficial for seniors who need to move around frequently. Additionally, bed rails for seniors that have a foldable design are even more convenient to transport, making them an excellent choice for those who are always on the go.

Bed rails with adjustable heights
Adjustable bed rails for seniors, which come with mechanisms for changing their heights, can prove to be highly beneficial as they can be customized as per the requirements.

Dual bed rails
Dual bed rails are meant to support both sides of the bed. Therefore, these bed rails enhance safety for seniors, provide extra support, and reduce the risk of falling

How to pick bed rails for seniors
Here are a few factors that one must consider when choosing bed rails for seniors:

Considering the seniors’ requirements
The first thing to consider when choosing a bed rail is the needs of the senior. For instance, if a senior has mobility issues, they might need crossbar bed rails for better grip and support. If they require extra support, one might consider installing dual-sided crossbar bed rails. Similarly, if a senior only requires bed rails temporarily – like when recovering from surgery – one can consider getting portable or foldable ones. These can be folded up and put aside in storage once they are no longer required.

Type of bed
Secondly, it is crucial to consider the type of bed the senior uses when purchasing a bed rail for them. For instance, if a bed has a side that cannot support a legless bed rail, one would be better off purchasing a bed rail with legs. Additionally, if the senior uses a single bed with no support on either side, one must consider buying dual-sided bed rails for better safety. It is also important to note that some bed rails are designed specifically for hospital beds. Therefore, when purchasing a bed rail, one must check if it fits their home bed and mattress properly.

Ease of installation
When purchasing a bed rail for seniors, it is important to ensure that it is easy to install and attach to the bed. Additionally, checking if the bed rail remains securely attached after installation is essential. This will guarantee the safety and well-being of the senior, providing them with a comfortable and secure sleeping environment.

Safety
Ensuring that bed rails provide the safety they promise is of utmost importance. Therefore, at the time of purchase, one should check if the rails are durable, and also examine if their hinges and screws are stable. It is also crucial to check how much weight the bed rails can handle, so that one knows if seniors can lean on them for support without any worries.

Additional features
Besides the several bed rails mentioned above, one can find different bed rails with additional features. These include bed rails with installed LED lighting. These can be especially beneficial for seniors when they need to get up at night. One can also find bed rails with additional padding to ensure their stability. Also, one can even purchase a bed rail with an additional bed stepping stool. This can be very beneficial to seniors with reduced mobility, making it challenging to get in and out of bed.