How Long Should You Use Bed Rails

How Long Should You Use Bed Rails?

Bed rails are a common safety feature in hospitals and nursing homes, but they can also be used at home to prevent falls. If you're considering using bed rails, it's important to know how long you should use them and how to use them safely.

How Long to Use Bed Rails

The length of time you should use bed rails will depend on your individual needs. If you're at high risk of falling, you may need to use bed rails for an extended period of time. However, if you're only at risk of falling occasionally, you may only need to use bed rails for a short period of time.

In general, it's best to start using bed rails as soon as you're at risk of falling. However, you can usually discontinue using bed rails once you're no longer at risk of falling.

How to Use Bed Rails Safely

If you're using bed rails, it's important to use them safely. Here are a few tips:

Make sure the bed rails are properly installed and secured.
Adjust the bed rails so that they're at the appropriate height.
Don't use bed rails if you're able to get out of bed on your own.
Be aware of the potential risks of using bed rails, such as entrapment and strangulation.

Benefits of Using Bed Rails

Bed rails can provide a number of benefits, including:

Preventing falls
Providing support when getting in and out of bed
Reducing the risk of injury in the event of a fall
Providing peace of mind for caregivers

Risks of Using Bed Rails

While bed rails can be beneficial, there are also some potential risks to using them.

Entrapment: Bed rails can create a hazard if they trap a person in bed.
Strangulation: Bed rails can also create a strangulation hazard if they wrap around a person's neck.
Injury: Bed rails can cause injury if they're not used properly.

If you're considering using bed rails, it's important to weigh the benefits and risks. You should also talk to your doctor to see if bed rails are right for you.