However, patients can get “entrapped” when they\nattempt to move or shift off the bed. The residents may have dementia and not\nrealize the rails are blocking their way. They may also need to use the\nbathroom and feel they can navigate around the rail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some states still allow full side rails if the patient or\npower of attorney agrees and signs consent allowing their use. Without\napproval, they are considered a restraint and cannot be used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“CMS recognizes that there are many different types of\nbeds, some with bed rails installed, or bed rails with the call button and\nlights incorporated into the rail, and others without bed rails, for which a\nseparate rail could be installed.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The facility must try to use alternative methods before\ninstalling rails. The facility also needs to make sure these rails are\ninstalled properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before using the rails, make sure the facility assessing the\nresident for risk of entrapment before installing bed rails. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are full bed rails safe for the elderly?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Full handrails have been shown to be unsafe for elderly\nresidents\u2014especially patients with advanced dementia or disabilities,\npreventing them from using their extremities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are zones of entrapment with full handrails. One is\nwhen the patient rolls between the bed and the rails. Another is when the\nresident’s head gets caught between the upper portion of the rail. Sometimes\nthe patient’s head may fit between the handrails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients have been known to slide off the bed under the\nrails either head first or feet first and then meeting resistance, and they\nslide down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These same residents that can become entrapped between the\nrails and the bed usually lack the strength to get themselves out. They may\nalso require coordination to maneuver themselves out of the position that may\nharm them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It doesn’t appear there are laws regarding the manufacturing\nof the beds yet. However, the facility is responsible for correctly installing\nthese beds. They are needed to maintain the bed and rails. They need to assess\nthe risks of the patient when it comes to the rails. They will need to make\nsure the bed’s dimensions are appropriate for the size and weight of the\npatient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most facilities realize the risks of the full rails and the\nrestrictions of their use. Therefore, they utilize the half rails. Some people\ncomplain when their loved one falls out of bed, stating that if they had a full\nrail, their mother wouldn’t have fallen. However, most people, if they want to\nget out of bed, will find a way to get out of the bed over the rail or get\nstuck in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are bed rails considered restraints?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After explaining all the harmful effects of full-side rails, you can see how they are considered restraints. Therefore, most states have specific rules regarding the limitation of their use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Partial bedrails are not considered restraints because they\ncan assist the patient in getting up and out of the bed, whereas full rails\nprevent this from happening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though the rails are considered restraints, there are\nsome states that allow their use with signed agreements by the POA or patient.\nThey need to agree to their use, along with a proper explanation of the risks\nregarding their use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why would patients want side rails?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are a few reasons why patients and their families\nwould want to have side rails on their beds. It doesn’t matter if it’s a half\nor a full rail many people think there is a benefit to having the rails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rails give the patients a false sense of security and\nsafety. The patient feels that if they roll over why sleeping, the rail will\nprevent them from falling off the bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is also the position of the rails that assist the\npatient in repositioning and movement in the bed. It helps the patient shift\ntheir bodies and pull themselves into a sitting position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n