Bed Standers are devices that can be attached to a bed to help individuals with limited ability to get into or out of a bed. There are many different types of bed standers.

The BedCane from Stander is one type of Bed Stander. According to the website, the BedCane will allow you or your loved one to be independent! The ergonomically-shaped, padded handle provides a solid tool for additional leverage and balance when standing. It’s great for those who don’t need full fall protection from bed, but might need extra support when getting in and out of bed. It comes with an organizer pouch to keep handy items close by and attaches to the bed frame with the included safety strap. Features of this device include:

• SUPPORT HANDLE: The ergonomic and padded handle of the BedCane helps to provide balance and support when transferring from bed while withstanding weights up to 300 pounds.

• WOODEN BASE: The 23″ x 19″ wooden base easily slips beneath the mattress and sits on top of the box spring, platform, or slats for extra stability.

• HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE: Adjust the height of the safety handle from 16″ to 21″ for a customized fit to the height of your mattress.

• ORGANIZER POUCH: Store small items in an easily accessible location next to your bed inside the included storage pouch.

• COMPATIBILITY: The BedCane works with most traditional bed types with mattresses between 12″ and 16″ thick. Use the rail with any mattress size from a Twin to a California King. It is not intended to be used with adjustable beds. Do not use with an extra soft mattress.

Perks of this device include:

• PREVENT FALLS: The BedCane helps to provide fall protection during the night while also assisting in transfers out of bed as a support handle.

• BEDSIDE STORAGE: Avoid falling out of bed while reaching for a nightstand by storing personal items like glasses, phones, and medications in the organizer pouch.

• EASY TO INSTALL: The BedCane slips between the mattress and box spring/slats and attaches to the bedframe with the included safety strap.

Bed rails can also be used as bed standers. Lowe’s offers a Bed Rail by Stander that serves as a railing and a stander. See the image on the right. According to their website, when redacted to its shortest length the Stander EZ Adjust Bed Rail can be used as a standing handle for balance and support when transferring from bed. This device can also be rotated down and out of the way by pulling two pins and pivoting the bed rail downward 180 degrees to lay flat against the bed. This will increase caregiver access to the bed. Fourteen inches of clearance is required. The Stander EZ Adjust Bed Rail works with most traditional bed types with mattresses between 12″ and 16″ thick. It is not intended to be used with adjustable beds and should not use with an extra soft mattress.

For people on the go, including individuals living with disabilities, Lowe’s offers a Stander Bed Rail Advantage Traveler. See the photo on the left. According to their website, the Bed Rail Advantage Traveler is the most portable bed rail ever designed. The Bed Rail Advantage Traveler comes fully assembled weighing just 8 pounds. To use, simply unfold the Traveler and slide it between the box spring and the mattress. A safety strap is included for extra security. The Traveler features a cushion grip handle and bonus Organizer Pouch with 4 large pockets - perfect for keeping small items close by. It is great for anyone looking for extra stability to get in and out of bed, and is a great bariatric option with a weight capacity of 400 pounds.

Other vendors for bed standers include Vitality Medical, Yescom, and Drive Medical.

Careful planning is important to creating a safer and more accessible home using Universal Design (UD). A safer and more accessible home should include aging-in-place considerations, such as bed standers.

Universal Design is a key part of aging-in-place home modifications. A Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) is trained in the application of UD for home modifications to help aging and disabled individuals remain in their homes longer. CAPS consultants and UD incorporate the principles of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Housing Act (FHA) into residential home design and modifications.

SUMMARY: Bed Standers are devices designed to assist people when getting in or out of bed. Some bed railings also work as bed standers. These devices can be part of aging-in-place home modifications.

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Richard Acree is a CAPS consultant with many years of experience as a home inspector and accessibility inspector. For more information about aging-in-place services please see Residential Accessibility.

Please call 615-752-0060 or email at inspections4ada@gmail.com for help with aging-in-place home modifications for you or your loved one.

Thank you.

DISCLAIMER: This article is not an endorsement or recommendation to buy or use any product or service offered or provided by Lowe’s or any other company or vendor. Consumers and contractors should do their own due diligence to determine what product or service best meets their needs.