Bed Assist Devices for Seniors (2021): 8 Helpful Bed Mobility Aids + Buying Guide

What Are the Pros and Cons of Bed Tables?

The main benefit of a bed table is that you can eat, drink, write, or draw without leaving the bed. These activities are challenging from a lying position. You would otherwise have to transfer to a wheelchair or a seat at a table.

However, bed tables can be sources of bacteria and contaminants. We recommend wiping down and disinfecting the surface regularly to avoid any unhygienic situations.

The Vaunn Medical Adjustable model is the overall best bed table. It offers full adjustability, allowing you to change the height between 28 and 40 inches (71.1 and 101.6cm). The base is straightforward to adjust and can support up to 45lb (20.4kg).

It provides a smooth surface to eat meals, use your laptop, or write from the bed. You can also easily roll it out of the way when not in use. However, it can be frustrating to assemble because of the instructions.

The Drive Medical 13067 is the runner-up bed table for hospital beds. You can move its height between 28 and 45 inches (71.1 and 114.3cm) with a lever to lock the table in place. The mechanism just needs pressure and an upwards movement to adjust.

The table swivels and can roll smoothly over various surfaces because of its casters. However, the tabletop finish is not premium-quality and may fade or chip over time.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Bed Rails?

Bed rails are one of the best aids in fall prevention. They can prevent you from falling off the mattress while asleep or while the bed is moving. Bed rails also allow you to turn over or get up because you can use the barriers to grip and maneuver.

However, bed rails can be dangerous if you get part of your body stuck between the solid sections. They may also scrape your skin if you make heavy contact with the material. Lastly, bed rails keep you inside the bed and may prevent you from getting out without assistance.

The Drive Medical No Gap Half Length units are the best bed rails. They have a no-gap design with minimal distance between the steel sections. This design prevents you from getting limbs stuck or injuring yourself.

These rails are durable and compatible with most beds. However, you should double-check that they suit your model.

The Drive Medical Deluxe Full-Length units are the runner-up bed rails. They run the entire length of the mattress and allow you to adjust their height for your needs. However, they may be too low if you have a thick mattress.

These rails are durable, prevent you from falling, and don’t allow your arms or legs to get trapped inside.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Bed Alarms?

Bed alarms can be helpful to monitor people who are at risk of wandering. Those with dementia may try to leave the bed, their room, and even the house. This can be dangerous, so a bed alarm can be an excellent safety tool.

They are also helpful for people who suffer falls and accidents. You will be able to hear the alarm immediately, allowing you to get there faster and give assistance. Bed alarms can also serve people who cannot communicate that they need to go to the toilet or otherwise leave the bed.

However, depending on the type of bed alarm, there are some risks. String alarms can be a strangulation risk or easily removed by the person inside. Passive infrared alarms can go off by accident. Mattress pad alarms are usually the best option because there are fewer risks.

The Smart Caregiver system is the best bed alarm. You can place it underneath the sheets, and it alerts you to any movements. The signal can travel up to 300 feet (91.4m) from the pad, reducing noise in the bedroom.

It resists water and damage. Although it is one of the more expensive options, it works very well.

The Secure 45BSET-1Y is another excellent bed alarm system. It can also go under the sheets, with the sensitive pad able to detect when the person moves off it. This sensor is resistant to any weight and is protected by a waterproof outer.

Bear in mind that the alarm is very loud. This could be disturbing if you have dogs or children.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Bed Trapezes?

Bed trapezes are excellent mobility aids if you cannot move your legs by yourself. You can utilize your arm strength to elevate your torso. Then, you or a carer can help shift your body to a different position or standing up.

There are no real cons of bed trapezes. However, you must make sure that your chosen model can support your entire weight. Otherwise, you risk it snapping and causing an injury.

The Invacare trapeze bar is the overall best bed trapeze. You can set it up on the bed frame or a standing frame, depending on your preferences. However, the instructions are limited.

It is relatively durable, supporting up to 168lb (76.2kg). It also has a large handle with a bar so that you can grip it easily.

The Graham-Field Lumex 2800A Versa-Helper Trapeze is the runner-up option. It can support up to 250lb (113.4kg) with an adjustable frame that can connect to your bed. However, it is too heavy for non-hospital beds.

Overall, it is easy to grip and very sturdy.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Bed Step Stools?

Bed step stools can help you get in and out of bed without having to drop or climb so high. This can be beneficial if you have a history of falls, poor mobility in your lower body, or much shorter than the bed frame.

However, step stools can also be a falling hazard. We recommend using one next to a support bar or similar device that you can grip for balance. Otherwise, you risk slipping and spraining an ankle or worse.

The Step2Bed model is the best bed step stool. It combines a sturdy step stool, rails, and LED light to prevent falls. The stool can support up to 400lb (181.4kg) and is extra-wide for safety.

You can change the frame and step height to accommodate your body. Although pricey, this is one of the most sophisticated models.

The DMI Step Stool is the runner-up choice. This budget-friendly model combines a durable step stool with a tall handrail. The unit can support up to 300lb (136.1kg) and has non-slip material to prevent falls.

The only disadvantage is that it can be challenging and confusing to assemble.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Leg Lifters?

Leg lifters allow you to move your legs without engaging the related muscles. These tools can assist if you have recently had surgery on your hip, knee, or other parts of your leg. They can also help if you have paralysis from a stroke or an accident.

One disadvantage of leg lifters is that you may need some time to learn how to use them. We recommend asking your doctor or physical therapist for demonstrations.

The Sammons Preston unit is the best leg lifter. You can adjust the length to suit your legs, and it has a hand loop and soft webbing that is comfortable for your hands. The loop also prevents your foot from slipping out.

However, the material is a little rigid. It may be challenging to use while you get used to it.  

The RMS 35 Inch Long Leg Lifter is the next best option. It has a large loop that you can fit around your foot and shoe. The strap is light and flexible but strong enough to endure ongoing use. However, it can twist if you’re not careful while using it.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Transfer Poles?

Transfer poles can reduce the likelihood of accidents. Because you can grip the bar as you stand up or down, it makes it less likely that you will fall. This can reduce the amount that you rely on a carer for your mobility.

However, you will need decent upper body and arm strength to use a transfer pole. Otherwise, you may fall backward.

The Stander Security Pole is the best transfer pole. It also features a grab bar for extra security against falling. You can fix this bar in various positions for your safety. You can also adjust the pole’s height to match your ceiling.

It has tension-mounting, so you don’t have to drill or screw anything. However, it is only compatible with flat ceilings.

The Signature Life model is another excellent transfer pole. It has two grab bars that you can move and fix into place for extra assistance. Overall, the unit can support up to 300lb (136.1kg), and it provides a sturdy surface.

Although it is more expensive, it uses a tension-mounting system that is compatible with extra-high ceilings and doesn’t leave marks.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Bed Grab Bars?

Bed grab bars can help you move around on the mattress if you don’t have good lower body and core strength. They may also assist with transfers in and out of the bed if you are worried about falling.

However, you should check that the grab bar is equipped to handle your entire weight. Otherwise, you risk falling and injuring yourself.

The Vaunn Medical model is the best bed grab bar. It works with standard mattresses and is exceptionally straightforward to install. It has a protruding handle with slip-resistant foam that protects you from falling.

It is durable and can support up to 250lb (113.4kg). However, you cannot change the height, and so it may not work with high mattresses.

The Medline Bed Assist Bar is another reliable choice. It slides under the mattress and is compatible with standard bed sizes. You can fix it in place with a strap and adjust the height to your needs. It also has non-slip material on the grip bar to increase your safety.