I've been having a discussion about the proper placement of a bed assist rail and much to my disgust almost every manufacturers picture supports the argument that they should be in the middle of the bed. But IMO that's just stupid and just WRONG, that means they actually block you from getting in and out. What say you?
My daddy had them on his bed in the home and during hospice when he was back at home.
I did read that side rails are a cause of entrapment but that was a study done back in 2010!
Personally if the patient was checked on more often then that patient would not have been trapped!
A mesh side rail - like I use for my grands - may work and some mesh toddler side rails fold down.
Or rails to prevent someone rolling out of bed?
I just did a quock google search for Bed Assist Rails & I see what you mean! Nearly all pictures had it centre, blocking the legs from swing around. Dumb.
Bed sticks were found to a chocking hazzard & have caused injury & death in my state. Now banned in many places unless assessed & prescribed & an OT.
I believe the arched type or triange handle above have proven to be safer if positioned correctly.
The rails were not in the way of her getting out of bed.
I think they were placed towards the top of the bed. Mom needed something to grab onto to steady herself when rising up. Her Parkinson’s disease caused mobility issues for her.
I do feel that having the help of an occupational and physical therapist helps greatly. They also adjusted mom’s walker to a different height for her to be more comfortable.