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Many elderly people struggle to get into — and out of — bed, and it’s not always easy to help them because of their limited mobility. Luckily, there are many helpful products that can make it much easier.
The best product to help the elderly get into bed is the Vaunn Medical Adjustable Bed Rail Handle. It easily attaches to the bed and is adjustable for increased comfort and convenience.
The only times I wouldn’t recommend the Vaunn Medical Bed Assist Rail is if:
- Your elderly loved one has a disability or mobility issue and can’t stand on their own. In this case, I recommend that you go with the Lambox Gait Belt Transfer Belt with Multi Handle instead (available on Amazon).
- Your elderly loved one’s bed isn’t suitable for this product. Go with the Able Life Universal Floor to Ceiling Grab Bar instead because it attaches to the ceiling (available on Amazon).
In this article, I’ll take you through some of the best products to help the elderly get into bed, looking at why the Vaunn Medical Bed Assist Rail is the best one. I’ll also feature four alternative products (all available on Amazon.com) that would be more suitable to your elderly loved one’s situation.
Best Overall: Vaunn Medical Adjustable Bed Assist Rail Handle and Hand Guard Grab Bar
This bed rail handle is made out of steel, so it’s strong and sturdy to help your elderly loved one maintain their balance when climbing into bed at night, as it has a secure grip to prevent falls.
It has a modern design that fits any size of the bed, from twin all the way to king-sized, and it can also be used on the left- or right side of the bed, which makes it convenient to purchase.
Pros
- High weight tolerance. This bed rail can tolerate a weight of up to 300 lbs (136 kg).
- Tool-free assembly. This bed rail can be assembled quickly without tools being required.
- Adjustable. Its handle is adjustable from 13.5 to 15.5 inches (34.29-39.37cm).
- Easy to use and maintain. This bed rail slides underneath the mattress, and it’s easy to clean — you just have to wipe it and allow it to air dry.
Cons
- Cannot work with low beds. Your mattress has to be between 5 and 13 inches (12.7-33cm) in height.
Product Specifications
| Height | 31-37.5 inches (79-95.25 cm) |
| Depth | 36-45 inches (91.44-114.3 cm) |
| Width | 20 inches (50.8 cm) |
| Color | White/black |
| Weight | 7.7lbs (3.5 kgs) |
Best for Injuries: Vive Leg Lifter Strap
A lifter strap can help elderly people get into bed because they simply have to put their leg into the strap and lift it onto the bed. This leg lifter strap is also a good strap to own for someone who’s dealing with a leg injury or has mobility issues.
Best of all, it’s not limited to use in beds. Your elderly loved one can also use it in the car or in their wheelchair. It has a rigid foot loop so that it’s easy to put your foot into it when standing without having to bend down.
Pros
- Large loops. This leg lifter strap has large loops so your foot won’t slip through it.
- Aluminum rod. This strap has an aluminum rod to make it strong and durable.
- 44-inch (112 cm) nylon strap. This strap is 44 inches (112 cm) in length, so it’s comfortable to use.
- Nylon hand loop. The hand loop of this strap is made of nylon, so it’s secure but comfortable.
- Ideal for casts. It’s strong enough to be worn with a leg cast.
Cons
- It’s not easy to adjust the loops. You’ll require a hammer to adjust its loops because they’re quite rigid.
- Difficult to store in vehicles. This can make using it in the car tricky.
Product Specifications
| Height | N/A |
| Depth | N/A |
| Width | 26 inches (66 cm) |
| Color | Black |
| Weight | 9.4 oz (0.6 lbs) |
Best for Extra Features: Step2Bed Bed Rails For Elderly Adults
One of the biggest advantages of bed rails is that they provide greater security and comfort to elderly people, as Assisted Living reports, such as by reducing injury. Although many assisted living facilities prohibit bed rails, having one at home can greatly benefit your elderly parents. This is Why Bed Rails Aren’t Allowed in Nursing Homes
This bed rail has amazing features to make it easy and comfortable to use, as well as a platform so that elderly people can stand on it to be able to get into bed with greater ease.
Additionally, this bed rail has assist rails and grab handles that make the rail comfortable and accommodating for different mobility levels. The bed stool is adjustable so that it’ll accommodate low and high beds, therefore helping the elderly to reduce their risk of injuries without them having to return the product or change their bed.
Pros
- Extra-wide step stool. The stool has a non-slip step, so it’s safe for people to step on even if they’re wearing socks.
- Illuminated bed step. The bed has a motion-activated LED light that provides increased visibility.
- Foam-padded handles. To keep your loved one safe, this rail has soft foam padding in the handles for a comfortable grip.
- 300-lb (136kg) capacity. This bed rail can tolerate up to 300 lbs (136 kg) of weight.
Cons
- Takes a long time to adjust the height. The bolts that you have to remove to adjust the height of this bed rail take some time to remove.
- Tools required for assembly. This bed rail requires the use of tools to set it up.
Product Specifications
| Height | 32 inches (81.28 cm) |
| Depth | N/A |
| Width | 32 inches (81.28 cm) |
| Color | White |
| Weight | 21 lbs (9.5 kg) |
Best Bed Rail Alternative: Able Life Universal Grab Bar
This is a security pole that has a support handle, so your elderly loved one doesn’t have to worry about trying to attach it to their bed. Whether they have to move from sitting to standing, or vice versa, this pole can help them to maintain stability.
How it works is that it gets attached to the floor and ceiling, so you must ensure that your ceiling is the same as the height options the product comes in. It also comes with rubber pads to protect your floor and ceiling from getting scuffed and scratched.
Pros
- Versatility. This grab bar can be used in various ways, such as to help one move into a wheelchair or use the bathroom.
- Ergonomic handle. The handle is curved and ergonomic, so it’s easy to use.
- Easy assembly. Since it gets attached to the floor and ceiling, it doesn’t require the use of any assembly tools.
- 300-lb (136 kg) weight capacity. This grab bar can handle weights up to 300 lbs (136 kg), so it’s versatile.
Cons
- Requires additional installation for drywall ceilings. If you have a drywall ceiling, you’ll have to ensure it’s secured between the ceiling studs.
- Not suitable for angled ceilings. If the ceiling where you wish to install this grab bar is slanted, then it won’t work.
Product Specifications
| Height | 7, 8, or 9 feet (2.1-2.7 m) |
| Depth | N/A |
| Width | 22 inches (55.88 cm) |
| Color | White |
| Weight | 19 lbs (8.6 kg) |
Best for Helping Elderly: LAMBOX Gait Belt Transfer Belt
If your elderly loved one can’t support their own weight or get out of bed by themselves, a product such as the Lambox Gait Belt enables you to assist them. How it works is that it fits around the person’s waist and has handles all around it so that you can safely move your elderly loved one from their chair or wheelchair into their bed.
A transfer belt is a much safer way of helping an elderly loved one get into bed, and it also prevents you from hurting yourself because it has all the features you need to ensure you can pull them up safely without injuring your back or hands.
Pros
- 7 comfortable handles. The handles on this belt ensure you can use the best leverage point to keep your loved one safe.
- Quick-release buckle. This buckle makes it easy for elderly loved ones to get out of it.
- Fits waists between 30 and 50 inches (76.2-127 cm). This belt is versatile for a wide range of waist sizes.
- Thick and padded. For increased comfort, this belt is comfortably padded.
Cons
- Hard buckle connection. The buckle can be difficult to use if someone has arthritis or other conditions affecting your hands.
- Handles aren’t evenly distributed. Although there are seven handles, some people who have purchased this product have said that they’re not evenly distributed on both sides of the belt.
Product Specifications
| Height | 1 inch (2.54 cm) |
| Depth | N/A |
| Width | 4 inches (10.16 cm) |
| Color | Black/purple, black/blue, black/green, black/grey, black |
| Weight | 14.11 oz (0.9 lbs) |
Best Budget Product: RMS Folding Cane
If your elderly relative has been struggling a bit to get into bed, but they’re still mobile, they might just need a folding cane. This RMS folding cane is easy to use and store away because it folds to 11 inches (28 cm) in size. When it’s unfolded, it locks into position so that it provides stability.
This is why it’s great for your elderly loved one to use it when getting into or out of bed.
It’s made out of aluminum, so it’s lightweight but strong and can tolerate the weight of up to 250 pounds (113 kg).
Pros
- Adjustable height. This folding cane can be adjusted from 34 to 36 inches (86.36-91.44 cm).
- Ergonomic handle. It has a T-shaped handle that is comfortable to grip. This is important as it maintains sturdiness. A comfortable fit also prevents stress to your joints, as Mayo Clinic reports.
- Wrist strap. It comes with a wrist strap so that you can hold the cane without losing stability.
- Slip-resistant cane tip. The tip of the cane is made out of slip-resistant rubber.
Cons
- The rubber tip requires replacing. Some people who have purchased this cane have said that the rubber tip fell apart after a few months.
- The grip isn’t cushioned. The grip of the cushion isn’t padded or cushioned for increased comfort.
Product Specifications
| Height | 34-38 inches (86.36-91.44 cm) |
| Depth | N/A |
| Width | 1 inch (2.54 cm) |
| Color | Blue |
| Weight | 14.11 oz (0.9 g) |
Factors To Consider
When purchasing the best products to help your elderly loved one get into bed at night safely, there are some important features to look for before you buy them. These include the following:
- Adjustability
- Ergonomics and comfort
- Weight capacity
Adjustability
| Vaunn Medical Adjustable Bed Assist Rail Handle and Hand Guard Grab Bar | The handle is adjustable from 13.5 to 15.5 inches (34.29-39.37 cm) |
| Vive Leg Lifter Strap | Adjustable loops |
| Step2Bed Bed Rails For Elderly Adults | Height-adjustable step from 2.5-7.5 inches (6.35-19 cm) |
| LAMBOX Gait Belt Transfer Belt with Multi Handle | Fits waists between 30 and 50 inches (76.2-127 cm) |
| Able Life Universal Grab Bar | Height adjustable from 7-9 feet (2.1 to 2.7 m) |
| RMS Folding Cane | Height adjustable from 34 to 36 inches (86.36-91.44 cm) |
Winner: Vaunn Medical Adjustable Bed Assist Rail Handle and Hand Guard Grab Bar
Whether you’re buying bed rails or canes for your elderly loved one who struggles to get into bed, the best products will be adjustable. For example, a bed rail should be adjustable so you can secure it to your bed’s height; similarly, a cane should be height adjustable so that your elderly loved one doesn’t have to bend to use it.
Some products go the extra mile to provide adjustability so that your elderly loved one can feel comfortable and more independent when getting into or out of bed every day.
The Vaunn Medical Assist Bed Rail can fit any size of the bed, whether you have a queen, twin, or king, and its handle is adjustable from 13.5 to 15.5 inches (34.29-39.37 cm), which makes it easier for seniors to use.
Ergonomics and Comfort
| Vaunn Medical Adjustable Bed Assist Rail Handle and Hand Guard Grab Bar | Slip-resistant foam pads |
| Vive Leg Lifter Strap | Comfortable nylon hand loop |
| Step2Bed Bed Rails For Elderly Adults | Foam-padded handles |
| LAMBOX Gait Belt Transfer Belt with Multi Handle | Thick and padded; quick-release buckle |
| Able Life Universal Grab Bar | Ergonomic, curved handle |
| RMS Folding Cane | T-shaped ergonomic handle |
Winner: Step2Bed Bed Rails For Elderly Adults
A product to help the elderly get into bed should be designed to be strong and durable without compromising comfort. No matter how effective a product seems to work, it’s not going to be useful to them if it’s not designed to be comfortable. It should also be ergonomic, as Forbes reports. This is especially important to think about if your loved one has painful health conditions, such as arthritis.
The Step2Bed Bed Rail has foam-padded handles that are soft and easy to grip. This prevents your elderly loved one from slipping when using the rail and ensures that their hands won’t get sore if they’re using the rail around the house.
Weight Capacity
| Vaunn Medical Adjustable Bed Assist Rail Handle and Hand Guard Grab Bar | 300 lbs (136 kg) |
| Vive Leg Lifter Strap | N/A |
| Step2Bed Bed Rails For Elderly Adults | 300 lbs (136 kg) |
| LAMBOX Gait Belt Transfer Belt with Multi Handle | N/A |
| Able Life Universal Grab Bar | 300 lbs (136 kg) |
| RMS Folding Cane | 250 lbs (113 kg) |
Winner: Vaunn Medical Adjustable Bed Assist Rail Handle and Hand Guard Grab Bar
A high weight capacity is important to look for in products that help your elderly get into bed if they need to support their weight. So, for example, bed rails should have a good weight capacity so that they won’t pose a risk of breaking or not working effectively.
A few products, such as the Vaunn Medical Adjustable Bed Assist Rail and the Step2Bed Rail, accommodate up to 300 lbs (136 kg) of weight. However, what gives the Vaunn rail an edge is that it’s made out of steel and doesn’t require tools to be assembled.
You should also read my guide on the best beds for older individuals with limited mobility. I provide a list of best products based on different criteria and help you make a decision that fits your specific situation. 4 Best Beds for Seniors With Mobility Issues
Key Takeaways
If your senior loved one struggles to get into bed, it could be difficult for you to be the one to help them, especially if you can’t safely handle their weight. So, purchasing a product to assist them is essential. The best product to purchase that will ensure your loved one can safely and easily get into (and out of) bed.
It’s good to purchase the Vaunn Medical Assist Bed Rail, which is available from Amazon. Compared to other products, it has all the features your loved one needs to remain safe and enhance their independence.
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