How to install handrails on Hospital beds

Hospital beds have different parts, with each playing a significant role in ensuring that users experience an optimum level of comfort while laying on them. Every user will benefit from knowing each of these parts as well as knowing how to install and disassemble them as the case may require. 

I don’t need to emphasize when the need for this skill may arise. Still, having foreknowledge will be an advantage which is why I will be talking extensively about handrails in this helpful article. I know you already know what the handrail is and probably what it does, but do you know “how to install handrails on hospital beds?” 

You will be guided on how they can be installed and also provide every other helpful detail about hospital bed handrails. 

How do you install handrails on Hospital beds?

Hospital beds can be either half-length or full length depending on how they are designed. This section will guide you on how both types can be installed. 

Installing full-length Hospital bed rail

1. Before you start installing your handrails, endure that the cross braces are 45″ to 72″ apart, and also check your bed frame for instructions on where to install your bedrail. 
2. Place each handrail in such a way that it will reach the head, foot, and cross braces of the bed. 
3. Position the handrail outer telescoping tube at the bed head end to protect the pinch point when you are lowering or raising the bed. 
4. The outer telescoping tube should be inserted into the cross brace at the head end barrel, then pull and grab the spring-loaded knob located at the head end barrel. 
5. Adjust the bed rail to any of the 3 positions and free the spring-loaded knob on the barrel of the bed head end. 
6. Lower or raise the bed rail until the spring-loaded is secured into the upper or lower adjustment hole. 

Installing hospital bed half handrails 

1. Locate the designated point for the handrail on the bed frame just as you did for the full rail. 
2. Position the rails on the bed frame exactly above where it is indicated that they should be installed. 
3. Raise the bed head a few inches high to enable you easily adjust the wing nuts under the bed frame. The wing nuts must be adequately loosened, making it easy to slide the bracket underneath the frame. 
4. Once they have been firmly placed, secure the handrail in place by tightening the wing nut. 
5. Go through the same process for the other side of the bed. 

Where should handrails be placed?

Hospital bed handrails should be installed on the two sides of the bed. The purpose of the handrail is to protect hospital bed users from falling from either side of the bed, so it has to be fixed on both sides to prevent falls. 

How many side rails are on a hospital bed?

Hospital beds have 4 side rails. 

Why do hospital beds have side rails?

Hospital bed rails are mainly installed to ensure patient safety, independence, and comfort. These benefits are further extended below. 

• Reduces patient’s chances of falling from the bed 

Patients with mobility or the elderly may find it difficult to move in and out of the hospital bed. Therefore, they need all the support they can have to make sure that movement or turning on the bed can be done without the risk of getting hired in the process. Handrails provide these people with the support they need as they can grab onto them for balance when climbing, standing, or getting out of bed. 

• It supports patients while changing their position. 

With the bed rails, patients can easily reposition themselves on the bed without the risk of getting injured. When a patient sleeps on one side of the body, such a patient is at risk of having bedsores which is why they need to turn over in bed to prevent such from occurring. The hospital bed rail supports the weak’s body, so they don’t fall while trying to turn over.

Do all Hospital beds have handrails?

Yes, all hospital beds have handrails. Handrails are essential components of a hospital bed as they support patients while making adjustments, moving in or getting out of the bed, or even trying to change position so that they wouldn’t fall. Even though some bed-bound patients will not need the handrails, they are usually installed as a preventive measure. 

When should handrails be used?

Handrails are installed on hospital beds majorly to prevent falls which could lead to injury. People that are likely to fall from hospital beds are the disabled, the elderly, or anybody having mobility problems. So, if you are a caregiver looking after someone suffering from any of the above disabilities, you should install handrails on their bed to prevent them from falling. 

Types of hospital bed rails

Bed rail types in different lengths and styles. We have the handle, telescoping, and full and half bed rails. You will also see other sub-classifications of hospital bed rails as follows; 

1. Crossbar bed rails that have multiple handholds 
2. L-shaped legless bed rails. 
3. Dual bed rails that offer safety on both sides. 
4. L-shaped bed rails that have two legs. 
5. Fold down the rails. 

What can you use instead of Hospital bed rails?

If your hospital bed does not come with handrails and it becomes necessary that you install them, or it is broken, you can use any of the suggestions below as an alternative. 

1. Crash mats 
2. Concave mattress 
3. Trapeze bars 
4. Removable Bolsters 
5. Adjustable height beds 
6. Vertical poles 

How high should hospital bed rails be?

Hospital bed rails should be at least 6.8 inches higher than the mattress to be able to prevent falls. 

Are Hospital bed rails the safest option?

Yes, a Hospital bed is the safest option. The best way to prevent a patient from falling is to have a bed rail installed since it’s not possible for caregivers to be around patients all the time. When the handrail is appropriately installed in the right way to the right bed and by someone who knows what he is doing, then it will be very effective at preventing falls.