Do you know that fall is the number one home injury for loved ones above the age of 65? This is the statistics gathered by the National Council on Aging, and there’s no doubt this is a worrying sign, especially if your loved ones are living alone. Many loved ones desire to be as independent as possible. However, if there’s a risk of them getting injured, their family members may wish for them to stay in a retirement community. While this option allows loved ones to be surrounded by caregivers, some loved ones may want to continue staying in their own homes. In such cases, it’s important to safety-proof the house to prevent falls and other accidents from taking place. The bedroom is one of the most overlooked areas in the house, so here are some tips for bedroom safety for the elderly.
Get the Right Furniture and Accessories
When you’re decorating the bedroom, make sure not to choose bed sheets, bed linens, and draperies that are too long till they reach the floor. When these touch the floor, they increase the likelihood of your loved ones falling and getting injured as the floor can be too slippery. What’s more, when it comes to purchasing nightstands, get one that is incredibly sturdy and helps to support your loved ones’ weight. This is so as they can help your loved ones from getting in and out of bed easier by allowing them to keep their balance and standing posture.
A piece of furniture that many people have overlooked is the bed, especially its height. According to The Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, the bed height should range from 20 to 23 inches from the floor to the top of the mattress. If the bed height is too high, the elderly may face trouble getting into bed, while too low can result in loved ones falling off the bed.
Invest in Adjustable Beds
If it’s possible and within your budget to do so, consider getting an adjustable bed for your loved ones. An adjustable bed allows loved ones to customize different features of the bed to better suit their physical mobility and needs. For example, your loved ones can attach side railings at each side of the bed to prevent them from falling, as well as raising and lowering the head for maximum comfort. Adjustable beds are slightly more pricey than traditional beds, but if you find that your loved ones are having a hard time getting to sleep safely and securely, adjustable beds are worth the investment.
Other Safety Tips
Another way to keep the bedroom safe for loved ones is to remove all carpets and rugs from the floor. If your loved ones do want to place a carpet, get those that are anti-slip and provide a good grip. Nighlights and lamps are also great to be placed around the bedroom in order to provide sufficient lighting without having your loved ones walk in the dark. We especially recommend illuminating the walking path from the bed to the bathroom. Do also make sure that the bedroom is clutter-free at all times.
