Why Are Side Rails Used?.
Why Are Side Rails Used? A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Caregivers
Side rails are a common sight in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings. They are also often used in home care for people with mobility issues or other medical conditions that put them at risk of falling out of bed. But why are side rails used? What are the benefits and risks? And how can they be used safely?
What are side rails?
Side rails are bars or panels that attach to the sides of a bed to provide a barrier to prevent people from falling out. They can be fixed or adjustable, and they come in a variety of materials, including metal, wood, and plastic.
Why are side rails used?
Side rails are used to reduce the risk of falls, which is a major safety concern for people in healthcare settings and for those with mobility issues. Falls can lead to serious injuries, including fractures, head injuries, and even death.
Side rails can be especially beneficial for people who are at high risk of falling, such as:
- Older adults
- People with disabilities
- People with neurological disorders, such as stroke or Parkinson's disease
- People who are confused or disoriented
- People who are taking medications that can cause dizziness or drowsiness
Benefits of side rails
Side rails offer a number of benefits, including:
- Reduced risk of falls: Side rails are the most effective way to reduce the risk of falls from bed.
- Increased independence: Side rails can help people to get in and out of bed, turn and reposition themselves, and reach for objects without assistance.
- Improved comfort and security: Side rails can provide a sense of comfort and security for people who are worried about falling out of bed.
- Reduced workload for caregivers: Side rails can reduce the workload for caregivers by making it easier to keep people safe in bed.
Risks of side rails
While side rails offer a number of benefits, there are also some risks associated with their use. These risks include:
- Entrapment: People can become entrapped between the side rails and the bed, headboard, or mattress. This can happen if the side rails are not properly installed or if the person is able to climb over the side rails.
- Suffocation: People can suffocate if they become wedged between the side rails and their pillow or bedding.
- Injury: People can be injured if they fall against the side rails or if they try to climb over the side rails and fall.
How to use side rails safely
To reduce the risks associated with side rails, it is important to use them safely. Here are some tips:
- Choose the right side rails for the person's needs. There are a variety of side rails available, so it is important to choose the right ones for the person's needs. For example, people with dementia may need side rails that are taller and more difficult to climb over.
- Install the side rails properly. Side rails must be properly installed to be effective and safe. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Assess the person's risk of falls. Before using side rails, it is important to assess the person's risk of falls. This will help to determine if side rails are necessary and whether they are the right safety measure for the person.
- Monitor the person closely. When side rails are in use, it is important to monitor the person closely to make sure that they are safe. Pay attention to their positioning in bed and to their movements.
Other safety measures
In addition to side rails, there are a number of other safety measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of falls from bed. These include:
- Using a low bed
- Placing the bed against a wall
- Removing obstacles from around the bed
- Keeping the floor dry and free of clutter
- Using a nightlight
- Installing grab bars in the bathroom
Conclusion
Side rails can be an effective way to reduce the risk of falls from bed. However, it is important to use them safely and to monitor the person closely when they are in use. If you are considering using side rails, talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider to discuss the benefits and risks.