Relaxing in the bedroom should be a pleasant experience for seniors. However, the bedroom can sometimes be a place of hidden hazards, which is why this short guide is a must-read. These tips can help seniors keep their most private space a safe place to sleep, read and watch TV day and night.
1. Improve Bed Safety
Is this bed safe enough? That’s a question every senior should ask themselves. Considering it is the most important piece of furniture in the room, making it safe should be a top priority. The first thing to consider is how to safely get into and out of bed. Good balance is essential. If a bed is too low, you can use bed leg risers to lift it up. If it’s too high, use a stepstool to gain easier access. Worried about falling out of bed? Bed rails are an easy fix for this common issue.
Be aware of the length of bedding. To prevent accidental tripping and falling, keep the ends of sheets, blankets and covers off the floor, away from walking paths. Also, move spare pillows out of your path instead of attempting to step over or around them.
2. Stability is a Must
Just like it is in other areas of the home, stability is important when getting around the bedroom. Carpeting can be a problem when there are unsecured areas. This can be fixed by taping carpet edges down. Remove area rugs that don’t include non-slip backing. If a doorway threshold has a gap, make repairs to create an even floor.
Replace lightweight nightstands and chairs with heavier furnishings that offer solid stability. Make sure you can balance your wait while holding onto the edge.
3. Have Adequate Lighting
Make sure the bedroom has enough lighting to provide good illumination for walking and performing tasks. Lamps on nightstands are a good idea and they should be easy to reach and turn on and off.
4. Upgrade to Safer Handles
For seniors who struggle with conditions such as arthritis, using a round doorknob may prove to be painful. Remedy this issue by switching to easier to use lever-style handles for doors. You may also want to replace cabinet handles with a “D” style pull to avoid twisting hand motions.
5. Remove Electric Cord Hazards
It’s common for seniors to have a cluster of electronic cords occupying floor space along with other furnishings. While appliance cords and extension cords are a necessary nuisance, they can also be a dangerous trip and fall hazard. Clear away cord mess by using strong tape to adhere them to floorboards or the wall or use any style of cord organizer.
6. Install a Smoke Detector
Fires can start at any time, and they pose a serious safety risk to anyone who doesn’t know a fire is raging in another area of the home. To avoid being trapped inside your bedroom during a fire, install a smoke detector near the bedroom entrance. It’s simple to do and it can save lives should a fire erupt while you’re sound asleep.
7. Get Rid of Clutter & Trip Hazards
Bedroom clutter is a leading cause of trip and fall accidents at home. Create a plan and choose a day to clear away all of the unwanted junk and items cluttering up the room.
8. Wear Slip-Proof Slippers & Socks
What you choose to wear on your feet in the bedroom can be the difference between a fall and a stable, easy walk to the bed and other areas. Consider wearing non-slip footwear and socks for comfort and safety.