5 Tips for Improving Bedroom Safety for Older Adults

Bedroom safety isn’t just about getting a good night’s sleep, but also about preventing falls (which are a common problem for seniors). Older adults are more likely to fall during the night due to taking medications, getting out of bed, or tripping over something. A safe bedroom is essential to your well-being.

The good news is that there are plenty of ways to improve bedroom safety. Learn why bedroom safety matters, how you can improve it, and which devices can make a huge difference in your bedroom’s safety.

5 Tips for Improving Bedroom Safety

1. Remove obstacles and clutter.

There’s a higher risk of falling in cluttered areas. Make sure there is no bulky or unneeded stuff in your bedroom. Avoid electrical cords running across the floor- keep these close to the wall so they will not be an obstacle in anyone’s path.

• Make sure there is enough moving space

– Is there adequate space for you to access the dresser, bed, closet, and bathroom, especially if you are using a mobility aid?

– Are you (and your wheelchair, if using) able to turn around safely?

– Can you and your mobility device move smoothly across the floor surfaces and threshold?

– Is there a well-defined and convenient path to the bathroom and the doorway(s)?

These are some of the crucial factors to consider- Evaluate your bedroom carefully to ensure enough space to move comfortably.

• Clear clutter

These areas should be clear of clutter:

– Walkways

Make sure that all routes are clear of obstructions so you can move about safely. This includes the way to the closet or dresser, the entrance and exit, and the path to the restroom.

– Tops of nightstands, dressers, and shelves

These places are frequently overlooked. Make sure there aren’t too many extra decorations or trinkets in the room. Picture frames should be hung on the wall instead of placed on top of these places so they can’t be knocked over easily.

– Closets

This is another place that is prone to clutter build-up. You should place everyday items where they are visible and can be easily reached, close to the front, between shoulder and waist height, to prevent reaching or bending too far. Refrain from putting heavy items on the top shelf.

2. Ensure you can navigate around your bedroom safely.

• Put on anti-slip socks

Smooth surfaces frequently turn slippery. Put on some non-slip socks to help you grasp the floor and lessen the chance of slipping. Another choice is to wear slippers with tread, but be aware that if you leave them beside your bed, they could create a tripping hazard.

• Choose non-slip material for the floor

Consider the pros and cons of different types of flooring. While carpets might offer a softer, more cushioned surface, it can be more challenging to maneuver wheelchairs, walkers, and canes on them. The fibers also accumulate allergens over time, which can harm respiratory health.

Hardwood and laminate are pretty similar, both having a smooth texture that is simple to use with walking aids. However, they are more prone to become slippery. As mentioned above, it’s a good idea to wear non-slip footwear when walking on potentially slippery surfaces.

• Ensure optimal lighting

Adequate and accessible lighting is important for safely navigating the bedroom. A well-lit space should have less glare, and the lights should be neither too bright nor too dark because both conditions could impede vision.

Install night lights or motion sensor lights to help you move around when it’s dark.

• Make use of accessibility aids

Besides the area where you get in and out of the bed, you can also place accessibility aids (such as grab bars and handrails) in other ‘transitional’ areas of your bedroom, such as beside the chair, vanity table, etc.

Safety poles provide 360-degree support and can be installed on the floor or installed from floor to ceiling if you lack walls on which to mount grab bars or handrails.

3. Make sure you can get in and out of bed comfortably.

• Install a bed rail

In the bedroom, the most important safety product you should invest in is a bed rail. They are affordable, can be affixed to most bedsides, and are simple to install. In most cases, all you have to do is put the bed rails between the mattress and the bedding.

Bed rails not only prevent you from falling out of bed and injuring yourself, but they also offer sturdy support and leverage for getting in and out of bed safely.

• Use transfer devices

It is important to consider both your and your caregiver’s safety when you are transferring in and out of bed. If you or your loved ones have more advanced mobility challenges, consider purchasing or renting a patient lift equipment.

A ceiling lift aids in transferring individuals to and from a bed, wheelchair, shower, or bathroom. It can make transfers safe, comfortable, and dignified by removing the need for physical lifting and lowering the risk of accidents.

• Ensure the bed is at a safe height

The recommended distance from the top of the mattress to the floor is between 20 and 23 inches.

When the bed is too low, it will be challenging to bend down and stand up from the bed. You can raise the bed by changing the entire frame or installing bed risers as a temporary solution.

On the other hand, a bed that is too high makes it more difficult for people, especially those with limited mobility, to get in and out of and makes falls extra dangerous.

4. Invest in a comfortable bed.

• Change old, worn-out mattresses

A worn-out mattress can directly impact your health- Inadequate support can cause back pain and poor sleep. Additionally, perspiration and moisture over time can breed dust mites and mold, which can lead to skin and respiratory allergies and problems.

• Get an adjustable bed or bed frame.

It may be wise to spend money on an adjustable bed or bed frame, so you can customize your bed according to your taste and comfort level. While the most basic feature of an adjustable bed is the ability to raise the head with the push of a button, more sophisticated models also include massage functions, and foot lifts, and even allow the user to alter the firmness of the mattress.

Of course, the more technical features it has, the pricier it will be. No matter which option you select, you will unquestionably find sleeping in an adjustable bed to be more secure and comfortable.

• Keep your phone, mobility aids, and other necessities nearby.

Not only will this minimize the need to constantly get up from bed, but this is also important in case of an emergency.

The nightstand should have an organized charging station for gadgets, as well as a landline. Keep also a mini emergency kit with a flashlight, extra batteries, drinking water, medicine, etc. within easy reach.

If you use mobility aids, pick a designated spot near the bed for your cane, walker, or wheelchair so you can easily and automatically reach for them when you need to get up.

5.
Take advantage of remote-controlled and digitally-controlled devices.

Look for ways to lessen the need to stand up. Connect a remote control to your blinds, lights, ceiling fan, heater, air conditioner, etc. This avoids the need to physically conduct these chores by getting out of bed, walking farther than necessary across the room, or even reaching too far. Keep the remote in a convenient spot for quick access, such as a bed caddy or a nightstand beside your bed.

If you are recovering from surgery, use an overbed table for meals and for using your laptop, etc.

Conclusion

We all tend to take safety for granted in our own homes- but as we get older, it may become harder to go about our daily activities safely and easily.

Remember that these small proactive steps can help you stay comfortable and lessen the risk of accidents in your bedroom and living space- now and for the long term.

Bed rails, safety poles, grab bars, handrails, and patient lifts are all available in Home2stay. Ready to get started in transforming your bedroom and every room in your home? Give us a call.

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