Bedrooms

Keeping Your Loved One Safe at Home Reducing the Risk of Accidents and Falls for Seniors

• Put a good, sturdy lamp next to the bed, or locate the bed next to a light switch.
• Put a stable nightstand next to the bed. This provides a place for glasses and other necessary items within easy reach.
• Be sure there is a phone in the bedroom. It will be extremely helpful in case of an emergency, and just knowing it is there may relieve a senior’s anxiety or fear.
• Use a night light in the room to help your loved one avoid feelings of disorientation when awakening during the night.
• Keep clear pathways around the bed, to the door and to the bathroom.
• Remove casters on beds, tables and chairs.
• Consider installing grab bars in the hallway between the bedroom and bathroom.
• Encourage your loved one to use a hot water bottle for warmth at bedtime. Seniors are less sensitive to heat and the use of a heating pad may cause burns or overheating.
• If your loved one smokes, arrange for a specific, safe place in the house where smoking is allowed, other than the bedroom. Also, discourage smoking while sitting on upholstered furniture.
• Be sure the bed is high enough that your loved one can get on and off comfortably.
• See that storage spaces and needed items are within easy reach.
• Make sure drawers and closet doors open and close easily.