I am looking for a bed rail for my husband and was hoping I could find some assistance here. We really just need something to help him get in and out of bed. I searched online did not find much information. I found a site and they are recommending the one by stander. Has anybody used it and would you recommend?
The 2d and 3rd kinds are the smallest and least cumbersome in terms of providing assistance for someone who just needs support to stand, without compromising space to get in and out of bed.
The others are longer and would provide more support for almost the entire length of the bed, but probably would have to be lowered and raised to get in and out of bed. For nighttime bathroom visits, that could be cumbersome.
There are also poles designed for bathroom use that could probably be used in the bedroom. They're like stripper poles. The advantage is that they're vertical, so someone could hold onto one and pull himself up. The disadvantage is that they're one pole, not two as are some of the ones you'll see when you search Google.
And they need to be securely fastened from ceiling to floor in order to provide the mandatory stability. Personally I wouldn't use these because (a) it's only one pole as opposed to 2 and (b) the ceiling to floor issue would cause me concern. Unless anchored in studs, the screws could eventually work loose and create a stability and fall hazards.
As an example, I had grab bars installed in my home in the early 2000s when my mother stayed with me. Although installed properly in the studs by a carpenter, last year I noticed one of the screws was a bit loose. I suspect the threads might be stripped.
I haven't used any so I don't have any particular brand to recommend.
Assuming you and your husband are on Medicare, I would contact DME stores in the area, ask what they have and if there are photos available on their websites. Then visit the ones that have styles that interest you.
I don't know if Medicare will pay for a bed rail; you could ask one of your husband's doctors to write a script if the staff at the DME store indicate Medicare would pick up the cost, or at least part of it.
In the past I've searched the DME section of Medicare's website to determine what they might pay for.
Dad opted not to use the cloth covering as he wouldn't be able to see the clock on his night stand. The rail starts at the headboard and goes out a foot & half or so. There is assembly to do, not easy to follow the directions and here I am usually pretty good at figuring these things out. It took awhile.
The Stander I found at a local pharmacy that also sells wheelchairs, walkers, etc. The cost was around $115 and well worth it.