07/04/2026
An important reminder that clinical reasoning matters.
Proud to see this conversation being led by Peta Hardy – Director of Coast Rehab 👏🧠
“We’ve removed the bed rails. They’re a restrictive practice.” That’s what one of my OTs was told walking into an NDIS-funded group home.
Their participant requires a hoist for transfers. She does not attempt to leave the bed independently. She can call for staff when needed. With rails raised, she repositions herself overnight for comfort.
When the rails were removed without Occupational Therapist input, her overnight support needs increased. Her independence dropped. Her agitation rose.
Here’s the key point: Bed rails are not always automatically a restrictive practice ⚠️ Specifically for in-home care. However, if someone is in a facility or hospital setting, different rules may apply.
If used to address a behaviour of concern, they may dip into restrictive practice territory. If prescribed to support positioning or transfers, with risk assessed and mitigated, they may be therapeutic.
Across all settings, bed rails must be assessed case by case, considering falls, entrapment, impalement, asphyxiation and restraint risk to promote safety and wellbeing.
To learn more about the prescription of bed rails (and alternative products) alongside principles of assessment of beds and mattresses, you're going to want to attend our upcoming live workshop with Verve OT Learning!!
Join us for: Sleep Tight – Selecting the Most Suitable Bed, presented by Peta Hardy 🛌
NEW DATE: 20 April 2026 | 12.00pm – 2.00pm AEST (P.S. If you can't make it live, sign up to receive the recording and slides)
