Bedroom
Bed Cane
These are typically called bed canes or bed rails. They provide a handhold to assist with bed mobility including rolling, positioning, sitting up and standing. You insert these between the mattress and box spring of your bed and then use a safety strap which fastens around the box spring to add stability. The major factors to consider between models is if it is compatible with the height and width of your bed at home.
Twin, Any Height
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Price: ~$34
Pros
Any Height: Because this design does not have legs that are intended to reach down to the ground, it can be installed on a bed of any height.
Stability: This item is often reported to be very sturdy even before the safety strap is secured. However, this likely depends on the material and weight of your mattress, etc.
Cons
Strap: The safety strap provided with this model is too short to fit around a queen mattress or larger.
Queen, Adjustable Height
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Price: ~$30
Pros
Strap: The strap will fit queen size box springs and some king size depending on your specific box spring.
Pouch: Unrelated to the main purpose of this item, but the pouch for personal items can be nifty.
Cons
Legs: While this model is only rarely incompatible with most normally sized beds, it can occasionally cause issues. The manufacturer doesn’t specify but it’s estimated for the legs to accommodate beds where the top of the box spring is between approximately 13″ to 22″ from the ground.
Slide
Sheets
I came across these working in a hospital and realized how helpful they can be. If you are having difficulty or needing help to move around in bed, these can be a life saver for you and especially for the backs of the people helping you. They’re just low friction sheets that slip easily on themselves if you fold one over or have two of them, which can turn what would normally be a lot of heaving into a slight nudge. You can also use these during slide board transfers. You should take special care whenever you’re using slide sheets, they’re a great help but if you aren’t careful you can end up on the floor in a hurry.
Single
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Price: ~$49
Pair
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Price: ~$84
About
You’ll want a pair of them if you’re a larger person or if you need a lot of help, otherwise a single sheet folded in half should be sufficient.
Pros
Slippery: If you have trouble turning, sliding or moving in bed these can make a huge difference for the people who help you.
Cons
Slippery: You have to be careful with these, especially near the edge of the bed or if you’re using them with a slide board.
Slideboard
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Price: ~$35
About
These are important if you have to transfer without standing. By sliding it under one leg in a seated position it can bridge the gap between two surfaces. Getting on and off of wheelchairs, beds, bedside commodes, shower chairs and toilets are some of the most common uses.
Using a folded slide sheet with a slide board can help make the transfer easier, but be very careful. It is not recommended to cover the entire board with the slide sheet, only a portion.
Pros
Friction: The polyurethane finish promotes an easier transfer than some cheaper options which can grip and twist clothing.
Cons
None to speak of.
Grab
Bars
The only grab bar that will work in most bedrooms is a vertical pole. In most cases I would recommend a bed cane but there are occasionally situations where a pole would be the best option. For example, if you have an easier time standing when you have something to pull up rather than push down on, this may be the better option.
Pole
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Price: ~$160
Pros
Stability: True of all properly installed grab bars. Rated for 300 lbs.
Versatility: Can be placed at any point with a clear path from floor to ceiling. Wide support at the top minimizes risk of damage to your home. Secured by tension, a good solution for mobile homes or renters.
Cons
Cost: These will cost you a fair bit more than another option like a bed cane. It may feel wobbly in areas with high ceilings, though rated as safe with 7-10 foot flat ceilings.
Trapeze
A trapeze is rarely my first recommendation for bed mobility because it’s larger and more expensive than other options. That said it can be a superior option because it is positioned above you when you are lying in bed. This makes it helpful for rolling or turning in a way that a bed cane is not. If you have a lot of difficulty moving when you’re lying flat on your back with reasonably good use of your arms, a trapeze might be just the thing you need.
Trapeze (Headboard)
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Price: ~$89
Pros
Price: A reliable, affordable option.
Cons
Headboard: This model needs a headboard to attach to. If your bed isn’t compatible you’ll need a freestanding option.
Weight Limit: This is rated up to 250 lbs. Some people report success with this despite weighing more, though it likely depends on how sturdy your headboard is.
Trapeze Stand
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Price: ~$88
Pros
Freestanding: If your headboard is not compatible with the trapeze by itself then this stand will provide an alternative.
Cons
Weight Limit: This is rated to support up to 250 lbs.
Bariatric
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Price: ~$411
Pros
Heavy Duty: You would have a tough time finding a better piece of equipment for someone with good use of their arms, but difficulty moving in bed.
Cons
Price: More expensive than most other options.
Bed
Ladder
Bed ladders are another more specific solution for bed mobility. They attach to the foot of the bed and provide a handhold to climb up with your arms to assist in sitting up. These tend to be the most helpful for people who have limited core or leg strength.
Bed Ladder
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Price: ~$14
Pros
Sitting Up: A helpful item if you have difficulty sitting up in bed.
Cons
None to speak of.
Lift
The big guns. If you’re taking care of someone who can’t get them self out of bed or around the home without a lot of help, this may be your best solution. These are especially helpful if you’re helping someone who’s on the large side. The big decision you need to make is between a hydraulic or electric lift. Hydraulic lifts will require you to pump the handle manually to work the lift while electric lifts do the same at the push of a button. You’ll also need a sling; remember to pay attention to the size. You should check with your insurance if this is covered before buying one, but some people find purchasing one to be a better option than anything proposed by their insurance.
Hydraulic
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Price: ~$404
Pros
Price: Lifts can be very expensive, this one will get the job done at a fraction the price.
Cons
Hydraulic: This lift must be operated manually, meaning the person operating it will need to be relatively able bodied. It will also take more time to operate than the electric models. If you plan on using it frequently or long term, you may want to look at an electric lift.
Electric
After looking around for some time, I don’t feel comfortable recommending you purchase an electric lift from what’s currently available online. You can find them at medical supply stores or other outlets including retailers like Walmart, though they may not carry them in their actual storefront. Make some calls to potential sellers in your area and see what you can find.
Pros
Electric: Lift and lower at the push of a button. Faster and less effort than a hydraulic model. Most electric lifts operate on rechargeable batteries.
Cons
Price: This will not be a minor purchase. You should definitely check with your insurance and compare options between what they will cover and what you can find on your own.
Sling
Medium (53" length)
~$62
Large (58" length)
~$65
X-Large (62" length)
~$83
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Commode Sling
Medium (48" length)
~$49
Large (51.5" length)
~$49
Large (58" length)
~$100
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About
You’ll need a sling to go with your lift. If the lift will be your primary means of transportation including to the toilet and shower, the commode sling will probably be your best option, though it will take some practice to get the positioning just right.
The bottom of the sling should be positioned behind or above the knees and the top should ideally come behind or above the head. If it’s a close call between two sizes, go with the bigger one.
Misc.
Just a few other items that you may not have thought about that can make a big difference if you’re going to be spending a lot of time in bed, or caring for someone who will be.
Bedside Table
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Price: ~$70
About
If your condition will leave you in bed for a lot of the day, this can be a convenient item for tabletop work, or just keeping your phone, snacks, a cup of water, or whatever else you’d like to have within reach.
Continence Sheets
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Price: ~$33
About
If you or someone you’re caring for has difficulty with continence these can save you from changing sheets quite so often and provide some peace of mind. They come in a pack of 4 and are washable and reusable.
Note: I recommend these specific products based on what I’ve seen in my professional experience working with people who have benefited from using them, as well as comparing online reviews, ratings and features to maximize the chance that the specific product models linked here will be a good fit for you. If you choose to purchase products through these links I will receive a small commission, though there is no extra cost to you.
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