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Whether they are recovering from injury, need some help getting around, or are facing a high risk of falls, elderly people can require a lot of care. Fortunately, you can make several easy fixes to the bedroom to make it safer for them.
The best way to make the bedroom safe for the elderly is to eliminate clutter and obstructions that could cause accidental falls. You should also consider installing bed rails, changing the flooring to allow safe movement, placing walking aids next to the bed, installing alarms, etc.
This article will explore some strategies you can implement to make the bedroom safe for older adults. To learn everything about these tips, read on.
1. Declutter the Space
One of the major dangers for older adults is tripping over objects in the room. Accordingly, most of the stuff in the home and the bedroom are potentially hazardous to older adults. For example, bumping into a chair can result in significant injury from falls.
It is, therefore, essential to declutter the bedroom by eliminating unnecessary pieces of furniture and other objects to prevent the risk of falls. It is also important to remove any obstructions in the bedroom that could hinder free movement.
There are also some steps you can take to minimize the risk of accidental falls, in addition to removing obstacles. Some of the things to look out for include:
- Keep any cords neatly tucked away to prevent the risk of falling
- Remove bed skirts, as these can get tangled with mobility aids or feet and cause falls
- Relocate any toys, crates, or pet beds
- Remove any oversized duvet covers or comforters
- Remove any decorative throw pillows, or throw rugs Are Area Rugs Safe for Seniors? What You Need to Know
2. Install Bed Rails
Mobility becomes more and more constrained with age. Because most older adults value their independence, it is essential to install various assistive devices in the bedroom to help them move around much better.
One such device is a bed rail. A bed rail is an excellent addition to the bedroom because it provides the additional support needed, especially when getting out of bed. Additionally, installing bed rails also helps reduce the risk of falls and enhances access to personal items if necessary.
You can easily position this bed rail between the box spring and the mattress. The Strander 30-Inch Safety Bed Rail (available on Amazon.com) is an excellent example of this solution. This adjustable bed rail is easily foldable when not in use for simple removal when making the bed. It is also compatible with most platforms and traditional beds for versatile use.
The Vive Bed Rail (available on Amazon.com) is also worth considering. This adjustable bed rail is compatible with queen, full, twin, and king beds for wide application. It also features a soft, padded build using non-slip foam for a secure grip, enhancing security when getting out of bed or trying to sit up. This easy-to-assemble bed rail can also be lowered when not in use to keep it out of sight.
3. Install Safety Grab Bars
While bed rails may prove invaluable, especially for those senior citizens with limited mobility, they should be used alongside grab bars for enhanced safety. Ideally, you should position these grab bars at the doors and close to the bed.
Grab bars are important to help elderly people maintain their balance while moving around the bedroom. Additionally, these bars also help to reduce fatigue when standing up.
4. Place Walking Aids Close/Next to the Bed
Walking aids are handy tools to help your aging parent or relative maintain independence and for enhancing mobility. However, they are virtually useless if your aging parent cannot access them when they need them. There is a high chance that elderly persons may get hurt trying to reach these walking aids.
A good rule for a safe bedroom is to place these aids close to the bed. Some of these aids include a walker, cane, or wheelchair. The essence is to minimize movement without the necessary support.
Check out my article on seat walkers and wheelchairs to get an idea of what’s the best assisted-walking equipment for the elderly. Is It Safe To Use a Seat Walker as a Wheelchair?
5. Invest in an Adjustable Bed or Bed Frame
An adjustable bed or bed frame can go a long way in keeping your elderly parents comfortable and reducing the risk of injury. This is particularly useful for those with limited mobility or those recovering from an injury.
An adjustable bed or bed frame essentially helps an elderly person to either lie back or to sit up comfortably with the touch of a button.
6. Install a Bed Alarm Pad
Whether you are taking care of a senior or have hired a caregiver, it is nearly impossible to keep your eyes on them all the time. Consequently, there is a good chance that they may try and exit the bed without your knowledge, injuring themselves in the process.
However, you can eliminate this concern by installing a bed alarm pad. Bed alarm pads are helpful devices that can be placed under the sheets to alert you when your loved one tries to exit the bed on their own.
As a pressure-based device, it senses when this pressure is removed and alerts you or the caregiver. While at it, consider purchasing an alarm that an older adult can place around the neck or by the bedside to alert you if and when they need assistance.
The Lunderg Early Alert Bed Alarm System (available on Amazon.com) is an excellent example of a bed alarm pad. This bed pad uses pre-alert technology to detect the standing-up process to notify you of movement. This alarm is also simple to set up and connects wirelessly with a handheld monitor.
Another perfect example is the Briidea Wireless Bed Pad Alarm (available on Amazon.com). This bed pad features a generous 20 by 28-inch (51 by 71 cm) surface for ample coverage and to reduce the risk of fall alarms. Featuring a waterproof nylon fabric, this pad is gentle on the skin and withstands exposure to moisture.
7. Bedside Fall Mat
Most interventions and assistive devices aim to reduce the risk of accidental falls. However, they do not work 100 percent of the time. Hence, it is vital to reduce the risk of injury should your elderly loved one fall.
This is where a bedside fall mat comes in handy. These fall protection mats typically feature high-impact foam to reduce the risk of injury from falls. A great example of these protection mats is the Vive Fall Mat (available on Amazon.com)
This mat features a non-slip fabric for a stable and secure platform. It is made from PU foam, a PVC leather top, and an SBR rubber bottom to provide reliable impact protection and eliminate the potential risk of injury. With beveled edges, this mat allows unobstructed access for wheelchairs and other mobility aids.
8. Ensure the Bed Has a Safe Height
Getting into bed can be just as dangerous as getting out of bed for senior citizens. This is especially if the height of the bed is too high, or too low and your elderly parents and relatives struggle to get on top.
The ideal bed height for elderly persons should be around 20 and 23 inches (51-58 cm) from the ground to the mattress top. Maintaining a safe height eliminates the additional strain and stress of bending too low or struggling to reach the top of the bed.
9. Change the Flooring
It’s critical to assess the nature of the floor when evaluating potential risks. For instance, a slippery floor can increase the risk of falling or moving around the room with a cane, wheelchair, or walker.
Other flooring options might be too cold or difficult to clean. While introducing a rug can be useful in creating a safe and warm environment for your loved ones, it can impede movement, especially for those who struggle with mobility.
The ideal flooring is hardwood or laminate. This is because these floor options are not only easy to clean but are safe and easy to navigate on foot or with walking aids. As an added layer of protection, you should consider purchasing non-slip socks to reduce the risk of slips even further.
Take the Novayard Non-Slip Socks (available on Amazon.com), for instance. These socks provide additional support for enhanced safety. They are also made of high-quality blended yarn for a mix of comfort and durability. Alternatively, the Debra Weitzner Non-Binding Loose Fit Socks (available on Amazon.com) could prove useful.
These easy-to-pull socks feature a skid-resistant layer for enhanced grip and a padded design for optimal comfort. These socks are made from 90-percent high-quality breathable cotton fabric, making them gentle on the skin.
Alternatively, you can get supportive slippers with non-skid bottoms for senior citizens who are mobile.
10. Place a Comfortable, Sturdy Chair in the Bedroom
While decluttering the bedroom space is important to enhance mobility, eliminating all furniture is not ideal. It is crucial to position a sturdy chair in the bedroom to provide much-needed support when getting dressed.
This chair can also prove useful when your aging parent(s) simply wants to take a breather or relax.
11. Bedside Toilets
Frequent bathroom breaks are common for senior citizens. However, this increases the risk of injury due to the additional movement necessary to make the trip to the toilet. However, you can make the bedroom safer and reduce this movement by introducing a bedside commode or toilet.
According to Forbes Health, bedside commodes are helpful for people during their golden years to establish a new normal way of living while maintaining their own independence. These bedside commodes are also important to eliminate potentially risky walks to the bathroom at night.
When selecting the right bedside commode, there are several factors to consider, including weight capacity, safety features, and durability.
Some notable mentions include the Drive Medical 12005KDC-1 Transfer Bench Commode Chair (available on Amazon.com). This two-in-one commode chair features dual-column extension legs, allowing simple height adjustment. Additionally, this commode chair features a cushioned seat and backrest for added comfort and a sturdy aluminum frame for strength and stability.
The Medline 3-in-1 Steel Folding Bedside Commode (available on Amazon.com) is also an excellent option. With a 350 lbs (159 kg) weight capacity, this commode chair easily supports most users for versatile use. The adjustable design supports personalized comfort, and a built-in carry handle enhances portability.
12. Install Ceiling Lifts
Like bed rails, ceiling lifts also provide additional support to make it easy for senior citizens to get out of bed. Ceiling lifts have also been linked with an improved quality of life, both for the elderly citizen and their caregiver.
Typically used to help caregivers lift or position patients, ceiling lifts are also useful mobility devices for elderly citizens to help them move independently. A ceiling life is essentially a mechanical instrument that is mounted on the ceiling. It works in tandem with a battery-powered motor, essentially lifting the elderly citizen up using the connected sling.
A ceiling lift also has the advantage of helping to overcome mobility challenges without introducing additional clutter to the bedroom. These devices are also easy to operate, even for the elderly and the frail.
13. Ceiling Grab Bars and Pull Up Assists
Other ceiling-mounted safety devices include ceiling grab bars and pull-up assists. A ceiling grab bar is ideal for use in the bedroom bathroom or the bedroom itself, delivering added support for safety. The Able Life Universal Floor to Ceiling Grab Bar (available on Amazon.com) is an excellent example of such a device.
The height-adjustable build allows use in rooms of varying heights, while a standing handle simplifies transfer from a wheelchair while enhancing stability. This grab bar is easy to assemble for quick setup and has a small profile, making it a good replacement for protruding handrails.
Requiring no screws or wall mounts, this grab bar does not alter your space. While on mobility, bed trapeze or pull-up work in the same way as the ceiling lifts. Essentially, these devices allow senior citizens to pull themselves up when they need to sit up or get off the bed.
The AOSSA Bed Trapeze (available on Amazon.com) is one such device. The adjustable height makes it compatible with most beds for versatile use. This bed trapeze has a 350 lbs (159 kg) weight capacity to accommodate most users.
14. Ensure the Bedroom Has Enough Light
A well-lit bedroom is generally much safer for senior citizens. Accordingly, ensuring the bedroom is well-lit for easy visibility is essential. Consider installing nightlights to reduce the risk of injury when moving at night in the dark.
As senior citizens grow older, their vision typically tends to deteriorate. This can make it difficult to see objects which may be obviously visible to you. As such, making sure that there is adequate lighting in the entirety of the room is important.
It is also crucial to appreciate that most bedroom accidents occur during the night, particularly when trying to access the toilet. Poor visibility and visual impairment, therefore, create a terrible pairing.
Alternatively, consider placing a rechargeable touch light next to the bed. An excellent example is the RTSU Rechargeable Touch Light (available on Amazon.com). The built-in battery provides greater freedom over placement, while the touch-activated design ensures hassle-free use. This touch light is also small and lightweight for effortless portability.
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