Do I Really Need a Bed Rail?
Who doesn’t love to crash on their bed at the end of a busy day? It’s a place where you feel safe and relaxed, right? Well, that’s one way to put it. For most people, a bed entails mere comfort, and for others, it’s a daunting challenge, or worse, a place to fear. If you can’t relate to the last category, chances are, a bed rail isn’t for you.
What Is a Bed Rail?
A bed rail is as simple as it sounds — horizontally aligned metal guards that attach to the edge of a bed and keep the occupant from accidentally falling off and hurting themselves. Where one cannot rely on the occupant to leave their bed safely, side rails are the best option.
Who Needs a Bed Rail?
Bed rails are widely used across the globe to keep people tucked in securely at night. But they’re also designed to enhance mobility. For starters, a person suffering from Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s may need a little extra help staying in place while sleeping. And when it’s time to wake up, they can grab onto the railing and support themselves into a sitting position without calling for a caretaker. Similarly, kids and adults with special needs, bone disorders or injuries can also utilize the equipment to make life easier. This is exactly why side rails are attached to beds in hospitals, rehab centers and elderly care homes.
Different Types of Bed Rails
Not all bed rails are made alike. While some are specifically built to facilitate certain disabilities, others extend general support to the aging population. In fact, many varieties even help ease the transition from a crib to an actual bed for toddlers. Needless to say, the uses are plenty and so, the number of side rail types follow in suit.
1. Legged bed rails
Securely positioned in place with vertical legs that touch the floor, this type of bed rail is perfect for those who just need an extra nudge to sit upright in the morning. At the top, a horizontal handle allows the user to grab it and pull their weight, literally.
2. Foldable bed rails
While bed rails are excellent for the night, they might be useless during the day. So, what’s the point of raised side guards that make a room feel like a hospital’s ward? When a person is able enough to go without bed rails for a portion of the day, the foldable variety comes in handy. It can be lowered down and pulled up as required. Most importantly, it preserves the peace of mind of those struggling to come to terms with assisted living.
3. Adjustable length bed rails
Inbuilt telescoping rails that extend and shorten in length offer a greater degree of control to the occupant and caretaker. These are great for people living with progressive degenerative illnesses like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. In that, one can adjust the length depending on whether the patient is having one of their good or bad days.
4. Portable bed rails
So, what if you’re prone to rolling off in the night? Or your loved one is? That shouldn’t stop either of you from traveling! With portable bed rails, people can be safe wherever they sleep, in hotel rooms, guest houses, a friend’s basement — you name it! The best part is that portable bed rails are collapsible and do not take up much space inside a bag.