One-third of all non-fatal injuries suffered by the elderly in the U.S. occur due to a fall. Keeping your home well lit, free from hazards, and designing your space with safety in mind can go a long way toward reducing the likelihood of falling.

The reasons why people need a bedroom designed for accessibility aren’t just related to age, but the need for accessibility as well. Bedrooms are typically a private space. Making a bedroom more accessible helps retain your privacy by making it easier for you to maneuver in your room on your own.

Because your bedroom is your sanctuary and your personal space, your comfort and ease in moving around in your room are vital to your well-being. Everyone needs downtime and a place to get away from it all, but it is hard to relax if you don’t feel comfortable and at peace.

Want to increase the feeling of wellbeing while spending time in your bedroom? Here’s our list of tips for making your bedroom safer and more accessible. 

Doors and Doorways

Entryways should have at 32 inches of clear space when fully open to allow access by complex rehab chairs and other power wheelchairs. Extending this out to 42″ to 48″ will allow additional space for the person who may also be carrying bags or items in their lap.

Closet doors can be similarly wider for easier access while putting away and retrieving items. Using sliding doors or a barn door on a closet can help eliminate the problem of having a door that opens out into the room.

The threshold to enter the room needs to be less than 1/2″ high unless beveled on both sides. If beveled, 3/4″ height is acceptable. Doors knobs should be easy to open lever handles that require less than 5 lbs. of pressure to use.

Remove Impediments

Have all items moved that will inhibit space for your wheelchair to rotate in order to position it in front of the bed, dressers, closet, and other spaces that need to be accessed. If furniture or other items are keeping you from moving adequately in your bedroom, consider moving them elsewhere in your home.

Keep floors unobstructed by loose carpets, loose flooring, and clutter. Limiting the items you keep in your bedroom to only the things you need will help ensure you can maneuver with ease while keeping essentials close by. If you want to keep other items in your room, consider placing them in lower-traffic areas.

Install Bed Lifts

The top of your mattress should be level with the seat of your wheelchair. If it is not, have bed lifts installed to raise the bed to the proper height. This will help make it easier and safer for you to move into and out of bed.

Handrails and Grab Bars

Having handrails and grab bars installed in your bedroom will help keep you safe. Make sure to install them in a place that can keep you steady while moving into, out of, and around your bed. Use them for stability while reaching into drawers, closets, or other areas that are out of your comfort zone as well.

Install a Lift

If moving into and out of bed is difficult, but there are lifts that can be installed to help make the process safer and easier. These work the same way that a vehicle lift works for your car. Some lifts are freestanding units that sit on the floor, while others are mounted on the ceiling. To use them, you move from your chair to a swing-seat, which then allows you to transfer from the swing-seat to your bed.

Light Switches and Outlets

Light switches should be installed at a height that is easy for you to reach while seated. Having light switches near the entryway, and accessible while in bed, can help ensure your ability to light your path at any time.

If you have ceiling fans, make sure the switches hang low enough to be reached from your chair. Have electrical outlets installed or moved to a height that is accessible above furniture or other spots that are easy to reach.

Consider using smart technology to allow you to use your voice to control your lighting, television, telephone, and more. It can be used to help you call for help in case of a fall or other emergency too.

Accessible Storage

In order to be able to reach the items you need they need to be stored at the right height. Choose dressers with low drawers that are deeper than average to allow you to store the same amount of stuff at a lower height. If you can find a dresser that is on feet that allow the front wheels on your chair to slide under, even better.

Have hanging rods in your closet lowered to 30″ from the floor. If you have shelves or drawers installed in your closet, ask that they get installed 8″ inches from the floor to allow for your front wheels to slide under.

Place a coat rack or hanging rod in your room for holding clothes that you pick out in advance the night before. This will make getting ready for the day and special events easier and make things easier if you’re running late or in a hurry. It also gives you time to get together the right shoes and accessories to make your outfit complete.

Take Steps to Make Your Bedroom More Accessible

Even small changes can make your bedroom more accessible and create a big impact on your level of independence, comfort, and safety. If your bedroom isn’t meeting your physical, mental, and emotional needs, start implementing some of these ideas.

Take mental notes during your day to find moments where accessibility is an issue for you. By making these times of frustration or dissatisfaction less so, you will begin to build your room into a space that makes you happier and more relaxed.

Contact us to set up an in-home assessment. We’re here to answer your questions and we have the power to get you moving.