To mitigate risk in the absence of bed rails, providers may consider:
- Low-rise profiling beds to reduce the height from which a resident may fall
- Crash mats placed beside the bed to cushion potential falls
- Sensor mats for alerting staff to movement or attempts to mobilise
- Bed bumpers to reduce the risk of injury from bed frames or rails (when in use)
- Using the wall to mitigate the risk of two rails in place
These options should be carefully selected based on the individual’s needs and incorporated into the care plan.