If you have a senior loved one who lives alone – or will be moving into an assisted living facility – you want to make sure that they stay as safe as possible. Getting in and out of bed can be difficult for older adults as they age, especially if they struggle with balance or mobility. But a bedroom is the one place that people should feel safe and secure. If you are looking to design an accessible bedroom for your senior loved one, here are some of our best recommendations.
It is convenient that the majority of Florida homes have at least one bedroom on a main level – in fact, many area residences are ranch-style construction, all on one level. However, if your loved one’s home only offers a bedroom upstairs, it can be challenging for seniors. The risk of injury going up and down stairs increases exponentially as we age.
In addition, bedrooms tend to be more cluttered than other rooms, making it easier to trip and fall and more difficult for wheelchair-bound seniors to navigate. Employing universal design principles allows accessible bedroom renovations that will be functional for the long term.
Logistics of Accessible Bedroom Design
The best-case scenario is that the bedroom should be located on the first floor and in close proximity to a bathroom. Installing handrails between the bedroom and bathroom is essential. This feature can help to prevent falls, especially when going to the bathroom in the middle of the night. An accessible bedroom should also provide enough open area for a wheelchair’s 5-foot turn radius, as well as 3 feet of open clearance around the bed. To ensure ease of access for walkers and wheelchairs, the bedroom door opening should be at least 3 feet wide.
A comfortable and accessible bed is one of the most vital aspects of an accessible bedroom. Being able to achieve an effective night’s sleep enhances the quality of life for senior adults and individuals with disabilities. Be careful to ensure that the bed is lower than the height of the wheelchair. If a transfer to the bed is not safe for your senior family member, you may wish to look into installing ceiling lifts or grab bars.
Accessible Bedroom Storage
- To maximize space in the bedroom, designers should use simple, easy-access drawers that open easily.
- Reduce the number of belongings and minimize the amount of clutter, then design the closet so the most-used items are easily within the senior’s reach.
- Reducing the amount of clutter decreases the risk of tripping and also facilitates the passage of a wheelchair.
- Avoid storing items under the bed that may be needed on a regular basis. Seniors may find these items hard to reach, which could present a risk of injuries.
Lighting, Phones, and Alerts
Proper lighting is essential to ensuring that a bedroom is truly accessible. The best choice of a bedroom would be one with ample natural light that can be supplemented with lights within easy reach. Keep a phone also within reach of the bed so it is close by in the event of an emergency.
A “life alert” type system is highly recommended for any senior who lives alone, even if they are not impaired or mobility-challenged.
Assisted Living Options
If you decide to move your loved one into an assisted living facility, the staff will work with you to install any needed safety equipment and provide guidance as to the safest floor coverings. There will also be round-the-clock supervision, emergency alerts, and wellness checks for complete peace of mind.
A Banyan Residence provides assisted living and memory care services to seniors in The Villages.
