Written by Mike Price, OT
The most common location of falls at home is the bedroom, most of which occur when getting in and out of bed. If someone in your home sleeps in a hospital bed and is a restless sleeper or needs something to hold on to for balance when transferring to and from the bed, a hospital bed side rail is a necessary safety equipment.
 | 1) Bed Cane Grab Bar for Sit-To-Stand Assistance from North Coast View Product |
When you need assistance with repositioning, preventing falls, and getting in and out of bed, side rails for your homecare hospital bed can provide the best solution. Things to consider when choosing the best hospital bed side rail include:
The user's age, size, weight, and medical condition all contribute to determining the best hospital bed side rail for your situation. Options include half, full, telescoping, and bariatric sizes and lengths.
For some, a fixed bed rail could be an annoyance. It limits motion and offers fewer options than an adjustable bed rail. Most rails are adjustable, as patients typically either have caregivers to assist them or are capable enough to manage the rails on their own. However, fixed bed rails offer more security for patients prone to confusion or in danger of falls as they are set in place and don't risk improper adjustments.
When looking to add side rails to a hospital bed, the aid a patient already gets is key to finding a good rail. How much assistance does the user require day to day? Are they alone at home and only need some aid to stand out of bed? Do they and a caregiver need a better grip to help them sit and stand, or will these rails help them stand and keep them from falling out of bed?
Some patients do well with simple rails, while others may need more. It is important to consider what aid they already have.
A standard hospital bed is used in clinical settings, with less attention to personal experience and more attention to structure and function and serving consecutive users. It serves users with serious medical issues and their caregivers. The head and foot of the bed adjust, and it can be raised from or lowered toward the floor.
A home care bed will serve an individual user, so the requirements of the patient and the home environment will dictate the features and functions best suited for the situation. The user can elevate the head and foot sections of the bed, but they don’t have the look and feel of a professional clinical-grade hospital bed. The rails in this article fit this style of bed.
Side rails are stability aids users can use to grasp support when changing positions, getting out of bed, standing up, or returning to bed.
No, because there are times when side rails need to be lowered for caregiver access to patients. In other situations, side rails - especially full-length rails - can hinder exiting the bed. It is also easier to make a bed when the rails are down.
If the intent is to use side rails to prevent a patient from voluntarily getting out of bed, then the rails would be considered a restraint. If the intent is to prevent a fall out of bed, then side rails would not be considered a restraint. If a user can’t physically get out of bed whether or not the rails are up, they would not be considered a restraint.
 | Hospital Bed Side Rails with Universal Full-Length and Spring-loaded Telescoping System View Product |
Our number 6 choice, the Universal Full-Length, Spring-loaded Telescoping Side Rails by Medline, can be installed on any link surface hospital bed. Installation of these precision-made chrome-plated steel hospital bed side rails is easy, tool-free, and ensures a perfect fit. The rails are adjustable for security and convenience, and the vertical bars provide support when the user wants to sit up. Additional support comes from the spring-loaded crossbars that can be attached and removed easily, with an adjustable length range of 39.5 to 57.5 inches.
These rails protect the length of the bed, ideal for preventing bed falls among sleepwalkers or users who tend to roam. They deliver quiet, smooth, one-hand, one-step operation. They come in a package of two for superior protection. The side rails for homecare hospital beds at the top of our list provide the highest level of fall protection, are highly adjustable, provide sturdy support for transfers, and will fit any link surface hospital bed!
 | Hospital Bed Assist Bar Rail in Q Shape for Medacure Beds in Set of 2 View Product |
Our number 5 pick, the Medacure Qbar Assist Bar, is a valuable addition to any Medacure hospital bed, providing essential support for patients with mild to moderate mobility impairments. These compact assist bars, measuring just 1 foot by 1 foot, are designed to offer a secure grip without overcrowding the bedside area. With easy installation and multiple grip points, the Qbar Assist Bars enhance patient safety by reducing the risk of falls while getting in and out of bed. Constructed with durable materials and adhering to FDA guidelines, these bars offer a reliable solution for improving patient mobility and comfort.
 | Hospital Bed Rail Transfer Handles for Adults Patients with Extra Cross Bar for Stability View Product |
The Adult Bed Rail Transfer Handle for Hospital Beds is an essential tool designed to enhance patient safety and independence in hospital and home care settings. Available for both spring and pan-based beds, this transfer handle provides crucial leverage and stability, assisting patients in moving, transferring in and out, and navigating around the bed. With an extra crossbar for added support and a 250-pound weight capacity, this sturdy handle meets federal safety guidelines and offers peace of mind for patients and caregivers. Easy to install without needing tools, the transfer handle is also designed for quick removal in emergencies, making it a practical and reliable choice for fall prevention and safe patient transfers.
 | Halo Safety Rings for Beds by Halo Mobility Solutions View Product |
Also designed for both stationary and adjustable hospital beds, our number 3 pick is the Halo Safety Ring from Halo Mobility Solutions!
This specialized side rail is best for a patient who doesn’t need a lot of restriction and who wants to maintain their independence by getting in and out of bed without the assistance of a caregiver. It’s an appropriate stability aid for anyone who struggles in or out of bed. The all-steel construction makes them sturdy enough to safely accommodate users weighing up to 250 pounds, while the unique shape allows for easy lifting and pulling from whatever grip is most comfortable to the user. These rails work with either adjustable electric beds or stationary hospital beds.
These hospital bed side rails can be ordered for one or both sides of the bed, and they feature a small shape, leaving ample real estate on the edge of the bed. Held in place by a steel beam and pinch fittings at the edge of the bed frame, this sturdy bed rail made our list because of its ease of use and versatility when working with electric-style beds or standard home hospital beds, adding a layer of security for anyone at risk of a bed fall. Please note, these rails are not compatible with Sleep Number brand beds.
 | Length Adjustable Bed Assist Rail from Stander View Product |
The EZ Length Adjustable Bed Assist Rail by Stander, Inc. is a versatile and user-friendly safety solution designed to enhance mobility and prevent falls for seniors and those with limited mobility. This bed rail stands out for its unique ability to extend in length after installation, providing customizable protection depending on the user's needs.
Whether used as a half-rail for support when getting in and out of bed or as a full-length guard rail for nighttime fall prevention, the EZ Adjust Bed Rail offers dependable security. Its non-institutional design ensures it blends seamlessly with bedroom decor. The convenient fold-away feature allows the rail to pivot down 180 degrees, granting easy access to the bed. The included four-pocket organizer pouch also keeps personal items within easy reach, adding to the rail's practicality. With a weight capacity of up to 300 lbs, this bed rail is durable and supportive, making it our number 2 choice for side rails.
 | Bed Cane Grab Bar for Sit-To-Stand Assistance from North Coast View Product |
The Bed Cane Grab Bar by North Coast is our top pick for sit-to-stand assistance, offering unmatched support and convenience for users who need help getting in and out of bed. This durable and height-adjustable bed assist rail features a wide, cushioned grip handle that provides a firm and secure hold, making it easier for individuals to maintain independence. The Bed Cane is designed for immovable beds and includes a safety strap that fastens to the bed frame for added stability. It also has an organizer pouch, allowing users to access personal items easily. With a weight capacity of up to 350 pounds, the Bed Cane is a reliable and sturdy option for enhancing bed mobility and safety.
Side rails for homecare hospital beds are an excellent solution for providing balance and support for individuals at risk of falling while maintaining their independence. Each of the side rails on our list is built to high-quality standards, but our top pick, the Bed Cane Grab Bar, stands out for its exceptional design and functionality. It is height-adjustable for a customized fit and includes a convenient organizer pouch. This grab bar ensures safety and ease of use, making it a versatile choice for any standard bed.
Check out our complete line of side rails for homecare hospital beds, and for more information on choosing the best side rails for your situation, visit our articles under the homecare hospital beds and mattresses category on Caregiver University!
Co-Founder of Rehabmart and an Occupational Therapist since 1993. Mike has spent his professional career working in multiple areas of Occupational Therapy, including pediatrics, geriatrics, hand therapy, ergonomics and inpatient / outpatient rehabilitation. Mike enjoys writing articles that help people solve complex therapeutic problems and make better product choices.
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