How to Make a Bedroom More Accessible for Older Adults
Set bed height so feet rest flat when seated, use a firm edge, keep paths clear, add amber motion night lights and consider an adjustable bed or bed rail where advised by a clinician.
Key points
- Bed. Right height, firm edge and a supportive mattress.
- Safety. Clear paths, amber night light, non-slip floors.
- Aids. Adjustable base or rail, with clinical advice.
Bed
Right height, firm edge and a supportive mattress.
Safety
Clear paths, amber night light, non-slip floors.
Aids
Adjustable base or rail, with clinical advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is a bed rail safe?
Only with clinical advice; entrapment is a risk.
Which lighting?
Very dim amber.
Sources
- McInnes E, et al. Support surfaces for pressure ulcer prevention. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015;(9):CD001735. PubMed
Links go to PubMed searches for the paper title or to the official guideline or regulator page. Standards and regulations are revised, so check the current edition before relying on them. Mattress and pillow research is limited; treat findings as a starting point.
Keep reading
Sleep by Age and Life Stage: Children to Older Adults
How sleep needs, mattress and pillow choices and bedrooms change for babies, children, teens, pregnancy, menopause and older age.
Read more →ComfortHow to Choose a Mattress for Older Adults (With Medical Notes)
Comfort, access and safety for older adults: firmness, edge support, height, pressure care and when to involve a clinician.
Read more →ComfortChoosing a Mattress for Senior Citizens: Comfort and Access
What to consider when choosing a mattress for older adults: height, edge support, firmness and ease of getting in and out.
Read more →Life stageHow Sleep Changes as You Get Older
How sleep timing, depth and needs change with age, and practical ways to sleep well in later life.
Read more →This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have persistent pain or sleep problems, please speak to a doctor.
Related reading
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