Falls are a major concern for older adults and can lead to serious injuries. The bedroom and bathroom are common areas where falls happen. There are several ways to make these rooms safer and reduce fall risks:
Install grab bars in the bathroom and near the bed. Grab bars allow a person to safely lower themselves down to sit and stand back up. Place grab bars near the toilet and in the shower or tub. Also, put one near the bed to assist with getting in and out. Make sure bars are installed securely into wall studs.
Use non-slip bath mats. Mats with rubber backing and suction cups on the bottom provide traction in the tub or shower. Properly securing bath mats prevents slipping.
Remove trip hazards like rugs and cords. It’s easy to trip over unsecured rugs and electrical cords. Eliminate loose rugs or use non-slip backing. Tape down cords along walls and away from walking paths.
Improve lighting. Increase the wattage in light fixtures. Install night lights. Add supplemental lighting so pathways are well-lit. Replace burned-out bulbs promptly. Proper lighting prevents tripping in dim areas.
Taking these simple precautions reduces fall risks and makes the bedroom and bathroom safer for seniors. Consult with a doctor or occupational therapist for additional age-friendly home modifications. Falls may be preventable with some adjustments.
Fire Safety
Fire safety should be a top priority for elders in the bedroom. Start by installing smoke detectors on each level of the home and inside bedrooms. Test smoke detectors monthly and change batteries twice a year. Also, keep an ABC-rated fire extinguisher on each floor.
Create and routinely practice a fire escape plan. Map out two ways to exit each bedroom and establish a meeting spot outside. Since mobility or vision issues can make escape difficult, assign someone to assist and account for each person. Keep a phone and flashlight by the bed in case of emergency.
Know what to do if smoke or fire is present. First, alert others in the home by yelling “Fire!” Get low and crawl if confronted with smoke. Touch doors before opening – if hot, use the alternate escape route. Once outside, call 911 from a neighbor’s phone or cell phone. Never go back inside a burning building. Having an evacuation plan and practicing it ahead of time is crucial for fire safety.
Preparing for Emergencies
Elders need to be prepared in case an emergency happens during the night. Having a phone, flashlight, and whistle within reach of the bed can allow them to call for help, see where they are going, or make noise to alert others if needed.
Elders should also have a list of emergency contacts near the bed, such as family members, neighbors, doctor’s office, etc. That way if they need to make a call, the numbers are readily available. Consider getting a medical alert device that can be worn or kept by the bedside. In case of a fall or medical emergency, the elder can press a button to contact emergency services for assistance. Taking these preparatory steps can give elders and their loved ones peace of mind that help can easily be summoned if an emergency arises.
Keeping Medications Safe
As we age, it’s important to be diligent about medication safety, especially in the bedroom where medications are often stored and taken. Here are some tips:
- Store all medications up and away from the bed, ideally in a locked cabinet or drawer. Keeping meds right by the bedside creates a fall risk and potential for medication errors.
- Use pill organizers, reminders, and alarms to help avoid taking the wrong medication or double-dosing. Mark pill bottles clearly and check dosages. Having an organized system reduces mistakes.
- Properly dispose of any expired or unneeded medications so they don’t accumulate. Don’t flush medications, but rather look for take-back programs, mail-back packages, or drug deactivation pouches to safely destroy unused meds.
Keeping bedroom medications organized, safely stored, and cleaned out regularly is important for fall prevention and avoiding medication mishaps as we age. Implementing some simple medication safety practices provides peace of mind.
Preventing Theft
Elders are often targets for theft, so it’s important to take precautions to protect their homes. Here are some tips:
- Lock all doors and windows, even when at home. Deadbolts provide better security than standard locks.
- Install motion sensor outdoor lighting around entryways and dark areas. This will deter intruders and help you see visitors clearly.
- Hide cash, jewelry, and other valuables in clever spots thieves won’t think to look. Avoid obvious places like dresser drawers.
- Shred financial statements, credit card offers, and other sensitive documents. Identity thieves search through trash for personal information.
- Make sure bushes and trees are trimmed back from entryways. This eliminates hiding spots for burglars.
- Ask neighbors to keep an eye on the home when away. They can alert authorities if they see suspicious activity.
- Don’t hide keys outside, which thieves can easily find. Leave an extra set with a trusted friend or neighbor instead.
- Photograph and catalog valuables in case they are stolen. This will help with insurance claims and police reports.
- Consider installing a home security system, cameras, or other deterrents. Systems with 24/7 monitoring provide added protection.
Taking preventative measures can reduce the risk of theft and give elders greater peace of mind. Safety should be the top concern for their home.
Reducing Clutter
Decluttering your bedroom can greatly reduce fall risks and make the space safer and more functional for seniors. Here are some tips for reducing clutter:
- Remove any unnecessary furniture like extra chairs, side tables, or decorative items. The more furniture and objects in a room, the higher the chance of tripping and falling. Only keep essential furniture like the bed, nightstand and dresser.
- Organize closets and surfaces. Go through clothes, shoes, and accessories, and donate or throw away anything you haven’t worn in over a year. Use shelves, bins, and organizers to neatly store items you use often.
- Store items you rarely use in other areas of your home. Seasonal clothing, old files, and paperwork can often be moved to a spare bedroom, basement, or garage. This clears space and reduces visual clutter.
- Check floors and walking paths. Ensure there are clear pathways with no objects or cords blocking the way. Remove loose rugs or use non-slip rug pads to prevent sliding.
- Improve lighting. Replace burnt-out bulbs and use the maximum wattage recommended for fixtures. Add plug-in or battery-operated lights to illuminate dark areas and walkways.
- Declutter nightstands and dressers. Keep only essential everyday items within reach, like medications, glasses, books, etc. Store away extra items in drawers or cabinets.
Taking time to reduce clutter and organize the bedroom can make a big difference in safety and accessibility. Consult with a professional organizer or occupational therapist for more tips.
Adapting for Disabilities
As we age, many of us develop disabilities and mobility limitations that can make the bedroom potentially hazardous. However, with some adaptations and assistive devices, elders can maintain safety and independence in their sleeping space.
One important adaptation is installing bed assist handles. These provide support when sitting up or standing on the bed. Look for sturdy handles that can support body weight. Have it installed near the bed within easy reach?
It’s also important to use any prescribed hearing aids, glasses, or mobility devices like canes or walkers in the bedroom. Don’t leave these aids in another room – keep them right by the bedside for easy access. Make sure they are in good working order.
Also, ensure there is adequate lighting in the bedroom and a clear path to the bathroom. Use nightlights to illuminate the path. Increase the wattage in existing lightbulbs or install additional lighting as needed. Proper lighting prevents trips and falls during nighttime bathroom visits.
With some simple adaptations like these, elders can maintain independence and sleep safely in their own bedrooms. Work with a doctor or occupational therapist to identify and implement any assistive devices or modifications needed.
Preparing for Emergencies
As we age, preparing for emergencies becomes increasingly important. Having plans and supplies in place can help older adults stay safe and get assistance if needed.
It’s essential to keep emergency contacts and medical information easily accessible in the bedroom. Place a list with phone numbers for family members, friends, doctors, and emergency services on the refrigerator or bedside table. Include details like allergies, medications, medical conditions, and insurance information. Update this regularly.
Keep backup oxygen tanks, batteries, flashlights, whistles, medical supplies, and medications in the bedroom. Have at least a 3-day supply of any prescriptions and oxygen if needed. Check expiration dates and refill prescriptions before they run out.
Also, consider getting a medical alert system that can summon help with the push of a button. These wearable devices give peace of mind and rapid access to assistance.
Preparing for emergencies takes some time upfront, but gives seniors and caregivers assurance that help can easily be contacted if needed. It provides security and potentially life-saving care during medical emergencies or disasters.
Staying Connected
Elderly individuals need to stay connected to loved ones and caregivers, especially when spending a lot of time in the bedroom. Here are some tips:
- Keep a phone or tablet near the bed for easy access. Make sure it’s charged and set up contacts for family members, friends, and emergency services. The program frequently used numbers on speed dial.
- Schedule regular visits or check-ins. Daily or weekly visits from family members or home health aides can provide social interaction and ensure safety. Schedule video calls if in-person visits aren’t possible.
- Consider video call devices. Products like Alexa Show, Facebook Portal, or Echo Show allow for easy video chats by voice command. They can display photos and messages from loved ones too. Make sure the device is placed for easy viewing and listening from the bed.
Staying connected to loved ones provides comfort, accountability, and assistance if needed. It’s an important part of maintaining health and safety for elderly adults spending time alone in the bedroom.
