Making the Bedroom Safe for Seniors

Ideally, provide three bedrooms—one for the person in care, one for yourself, and one for the home health aide. Also

• Put in a monitor to listen to activity in the room of the person in your care. (Most are inexpensive and are portable.)
• Make the bedroom bright and cheerful.
• Make sure enough heat (65° F at night) and fresh air are available.
• Provide a firm mattress.
• Provide TV and radio.
• Think about having a fish tank for fun and relaxation.
• Use throwaway pads to protect furniture.
• Install blinds or shades that darken the room.
• Place closet rods 48” from the floor.
• Provide a chair for dressing.
• Keep a flashlight at the bedside table.
• Provide a bedside commode with a 4” foam pad on the seat for comfort.
• Hang a bulletin board with pictures of family and friends where it can be easily seen.
• Provide a sturdy chair or table next to the bed for help getting in and out of bed.
• Make the bed 22” high and place it securely against a wall. Or use lockable wheels. This will allow the person to get up and down safely.
• Use blocks to raise a bed's height, but be sure to make them steady so they don't move.