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Bed rails can add a sense of security and safety for people as they age, especially those with mobility or agility issues. Also known as side rails, bedside rails and safety rails, they come in various styles, types and sizes. Many options offer features for added safety and convenience, such as height adjustability, foam for a better grip and storage compartments.

People use bed rails to prevent rolling out of bed or falling. Bed rails also provide support, security and stability when shifting positions or getting into and out of bed. Adding bed rails can allow you or a loved one to live more independently, needing less help from others while aging in place.

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Bed rails should be used to enhance independence and quality of life, says Jennifer Kimball, registered nurse and owner of Proactive Nursing Solutions, a nursing consultancy located in Shreveport, Louisiana. “If using bed rails allows someone to reposition, get on and get off the bed easier, more safely, with more stability and without the help of someone else, that certainly enhances quality of life,” she says.

There are several safety and convenience factors that make bed rails appealing to people aging in place, including:

Bed rails are designed to provide safety and security for the person using them, but they can come with risks for people with certain health conditions. For example, people who are cognitively impaired from taking certain medications or have Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia are at greater risk of entrapment and falling when using bed rails. Other conditions that may put users at higher risk include confusion, lack of muscle control and restlessness.

When bed rails aren’t appropriate, consider alternative measures for a safer and more secure environment, such as roll guards, foam bumpers or lowering the bed and placing a foam mat on the floor in case of falls. A concave mattress can also reduce the risk of rolling off the bed. If you’re a caregiver, know that bed rails shouldn’t be used as a substitute for proper monitoring.

Before choosing bed rails, evaluate the health conditions of the person who will be using them to determine whether bed rails are appropriate. “People who don’t have the ability to understand how to use bed rails, have poor safety awareness or are unable to understand their deficits are highly likely to entangle or injure themselves,” says Kimball. “For someone with cognitive impairment, bed rails may not be a good idea.”

If you decide that bed rails can enhance the person’s ability to move freely and improve their quality of life, choose bed rails intended for their unique needs. To increase mobility, for instance, consider a quarter-length bed rail that provides support and assistance for entering or exiting the bed. Meanwhile, for someone with thin skin that bruises easily, you may want bed rails that are partially covered with foam to help prevent skin damage. And someone with weakness on just one side of their body from a stroke may need only one-bed rail.

Consult your doctor or healthcare team for advice on whether bed rails are appropriate and which type and style could work best for your situation.

There are two distinct types of bed rails for seniors: portable bed rails and hospital bed rails.

One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to bed rails because not all bed rails are compatible with all mattresses and bed frames. Before purchasing bed rails, check with the bed rail, mattress and bed frame manufacturers to ensure a proper and safe fit. Avoid bed rails that require the person to climb over them to get in and out of bed, as climbing can lead to falls.

Once installed, check the bed rails regularly for signs of loosening, shifting or gaps that could allow entrapment of the head, arms, legs or feet. No matter the width, length and/or depth of the mattress, there shouldn’t be any gap between the bed frame, bedside rail and mattress that’s wide enough to trap a person’s head or body, according to the Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

The length of bed rails range from as short as 18 inches to as long as 4 feet, depending on the type and style.

Most bed rails weigh less than 10 pounds, with some bed rails being as light as 2 or 3 pounds. Larger bed rails may weigh more than 10 pounds.

The price of bed rails can range from $30 to $150, depending on the type, style and features included. The average price for bed rails is around $50.

Depending on bed rail type and style, many come with additional features, such as:

You can purchase bed rails from online retailers and at medical supply stores. Large home goods and hardware stores, such as Menards, Lowes and Walmart, may also carry bed rails.

Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of bed rails because they aren’t considered durable medical equipment (DME) prescribed by a doctor or healthcare provider. However, Medicare does cover hospital beds prescribed by your doctor, which can include a hospital bed with rails already attached. If you have a health insurance plan with a private insurer, check with the company to see whether your policy offers coverage for bed rails.

Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.

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Deb Hipp is a freelance writer in Kansas City, Missouri. She is a former investigative reporter with more than 25 years of experience as a journalist and writer. She specializes in aging, long-term care, caregiving, retirement and a variety of other health and retirement topics.

Jessica is a writer, editor and media professional who has spent her career working with some of the most influential names in media. Prior to joining Forbes Health, Jessica was the manager of creative communications at Hearst, where she specialized in high-level production and project management. As a freelance writer, Jessica has written across a range of topics, including entertainment, travel and career. Her work can be found in Variety, Paste Magazine, The Muse and on her personal website (jessicamlester.com).