Why Do Hospital Beds Have Side Rails? Side rails are a common addition to home hospital beds. While some users of in-home hospital beds do not need side rails, other patients will see that they are practical, helpful additions for their mobility and recovery. Why do hospital beds have side rails in the first place? Side rails can improve the safety, comfort, and independence of patients and seniors who use home hospital beds.
A side rail is a device that attaches to the side of the hospital bed. On some models, the bottom of the rail attaches to the rigid frame of the bed; others rely on the mattress’s weight to hold them in position. The top of the rail rises above the mattress level and may include a mechanism or fixture so that the rails can go up, down, or taken off entirely.
Hospital bed rails come in many sizes; they can be full-size, covering the entire length of the bed, while half-size rails are, as the name suggests, half as long as the bed. No matter the size, hospital beds can make being at home safer and easier to use for seniors and those with medical conditions.
Uncontrolled body movements that lead to falling out of bed are common causes of injury among seniors and people who take certain medications. They often suffer from restlessness in sleep, leading to situations where the patient falls out of bed while dreaming. They may misjudge the width of the bed or their position in the bed and roll out. Certain medications can interfere with brain chemistry, making the risk of rolling more probable. People with dementia are also high-risk patients.
A side rail provides a barrier to prevent the person from moving, keeping them safely on the bed even if they attempt to roll over the edge. Adding them to a home hospital bed can help elderly patients and people at risk live more independent lives without worrying about falling out of bed.
For people with mobility issues and physical weakness, getting in and out of bed can be challenging. They may slip or lose their balance when moving on to or off their bed. A bed rail adds stability, guidance, and a place to put their hands, reducing their risk of falling. A well-installed rail can work as rigid support on which the user can put their weight when moving to get off the bed, standing up, or climbing back into bed.
Hospital beds aren’t purely medical; these days, they are luxurious, allowing for more comfortable recoveries, better sleep, and a more at-home feel. One of the ways they do this is by accommodating a wide range of home care equipment; from extensions to convenient reading lights, accessories can make the bed a piece of medical equipment that will never feel like one.
They can also hold more health and support supplies. For example, hospital bed assist rails help those with mobility issues get in and out of bed and protect them from rolling off the sides. You can add extra ones along the side of the bed frame for more coverage, and these pieces of care equipment are great reminders for people who need help in and out of bed. Clients can also attach an overhead trapeze helper bar for additional assistance when they must reposition themselves in bed.
The best way to ensure the user experiences no problems with the side rails is to purchase them from the same source as you get your hospital bed. SonderCare side rails meet all of the safety guidelines published by the FDA and Health Canada. SonderCare’s space-saving Assist Rails are adjustable into three different positions depending on the desired level of security: Protection, Assist, or Rest. They are capped with natural wood, making them easy to hold and provide assistance and unencumbered access for getting into and out of bed.
Bed rails are designed for users to lessen the danger of falling out of bed, aid in situating in the bed, or assist in moving into or out of the bed.
When bed railings are not an option, explore other options like roll guards, cushion bumpers, lowering the bed, and utilizing good mattress placement that can assist minimize rolling off the bed.
Start Exploring Hospital Beds With SonderCare
Are you recently discharged from hospital, experiencing mobility issues, or in need of palliative or senior care? Enjoy a smoother recovery and get the luxury you deserve by choosing our home hospital products. Contact us today to discuss home hospital beds, mattresses, stand assist chairs and other accessories to make your home hospice perfect for a truly comfortable experience.
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