Bedroom Safety Tips for Seniors
When you think about areas of the home where seniors experience mishaps, the first places that probably come to mind are the kitchen, stairs, and bathroom. But you may not realize the bedroom can be full of hazards, too.
Many seniors spend at least eight hours per day in the bedroom. Although most of the time is spent sleeping, the bedroom can become especially dangerous if they abruptly wake up and are confused, disoriented, or groggy. Unfortunately, the risk of a fall will increase.
Bedroom Hazards for Seniors to Avoid
Here are a few common bedroom hazards for seniors and how you can reduce your loved one’s risk of an accident yourself or via professional senior care:
- Too many electrical cords
Many older adults have their technology devices close by at night, but cords from cell phones, laptops, landline phones, alarm clocks, and television sets can add up. Keep cords tucked behind the furniture, or get a power strip to plug in multiple devices.
- Loose bedding
Comforters, oversized blankets, weighted blankets, and throw pillows can create a relaxing setting, but they can also increase the chances your loved one could get tangled up when getting out of bed. To reduce the chances of a fall, opt for bedding that is soft, comfortable, and fits the bed snugly.
- Throw rugs
Throw rugs in any room increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls. The safest option is to remove all throw rugs, but if you must have one for decoration, consider using it in a low-traffic area.
- Laundry and clothing
Keep laundry, clothing, and towels off the floor to reduce the risk of a fall for seniors. Put away clean clothes, hang towels on a rack, and ensure that dirty clothes find their way to the hamper. If your loved one is struggling to manage the laundry or their nighttime routine, a Visiting Angels’ caregiver can tidy up the bedroom and prepare them for a comfortable night’s rest.
- Pets
Although pets are loveable, cuddly, and enjoy being close to their owners, they can get underfoot and create a hazard in the bedroom. Tripping over a cat or dog — or their bed or toys — in the middle of the night could result in serious injury for your loved one and their furry companion. Consider putting a crate, carrier, or pet bed in a safe spot in the room. Professional home care can help seniors with pets as well.
- An out-of-reach bedside table
Stretching to shut off the alarm clock, get a sip of water, or grab the phone from a bedside table that is too far away could lead to a nasty fall out of bed. Ensure the bedside table is close enough for your senior to reach and free of clutter so they can easily access important items.
Also, older adults with conditions such as arthritis, plantar fasciitis, or neuromuscular disorders may have more trouble with stiffness, pain, and mobility when they awake. This makes it even more important to ensure their bedroom is set up to reduce the chances of a fall or another accident.
Home Care Assessment Can Identify Bedroom Hazards
When you decide to hire a Visiting Angels in-home personal caregiver for your loved one, you will also receive a complimentary home care assessment. A Visiting Angels care coordinator will walk around your loved one’s home, identify safety hazards and fall risks, and discuss ways to enhance safety.
Contact your local Visiting Angels agency today to schedule a free in-home consultation with one of our care coordinators.