Creating a safe home
Contents
Bedroom
Your bed
Make sure your bed is at a height that is easy for you to get in and out of - not too high or too low.
Use bed sheets and covers that are warm but lightweight so making the bed is easier.
Consider satin sheets which make moving in bed easier.
Make sure blankets do not trail on the floor. Tuck them out of the way when you first get into bed.
If you use a walking aid, put it at your bedside so it is easy to reach when you want to get up. Also think about other things you need within easy reach, like your glasses.
If you do not have a bedside light, keep a torch nearby so you can use it to get your bearings in the middle of the night. Remember to have some spare batteries in easy reach too.
Keep your wrist lifeline and pendant (if you wear one) on when you go to bed so you can find it easily in an emergency. If you are wearing the necklace-type pendant, you may choose to place it at the side of your bed within reach. If you are forgetful, it’s better to keep it on.
If your bed is a considerable distance from a toilet, consider a commode by your bed.
Lights and switches
If you do not have a bedside light, consider having a light switch for the main light installed by your bed.
Make sure you keep the lamp cord and any other leads tidy. Secure them back out the way.
If you find it difficult to reach electrical sockets, consider having them repositioned higher.
Wardrobes and drawers
Use your top bedside drawer to store the things you use on a daily or regular basis, such as your glasses, reading book or medication.
Think about reorganising your wardrobes and drawers so the clothes you wear most often are in the easiest places for you to access.
If you have a summer and winter wardrobe, ask someone to move your clothes around so you don’t have to rummage at the back of the wardrobe for the things you need.
Equipment that may help
There are a lot of living aids that you can use in your bedroom, including:
- Long-handled grabber, such as an ‘easy reach’ - this can help you pick items off the floor, to turn low or high switches on
- Leg lifter - leg lifter is an aid that helps you lift your leg into bed when you are unable to lift your leg onto the bed yourself
- Bed rails or bed leavers - these would be attached to each side of your bed for you to hold onto when you get in and out - they can also assist people to get from lying to sitting when lying in bed
- Bed raiser - this increases the height of a bed so it is easier to stand up when getting out of it
- Bed management system - these are systems that makes movement in bed easier, such as the use of satin bed sheets, and can be used by individuals or by carers
- Positioning wedge - can be used to support a person being cared for in bed and holding a particular position whilst care tasks as completed
- Transfer belt - can be used to by a carer to assist with repositioning or the lifting of legs into bed
- Hoist and slings - this is placed under your body and lifts you into and out of your bed
Find out more about equipment and adaptations to make your life easier.
Technology for the bedroom
Bed sensors
Bed sensors can be used to detect when a person is getting out of bed. This can be useful to prevent falls as it alerts a carer so they can reach the individual before they get out of bed.
Epilepsy bed sensors
Epilepsy bed sensors can detect when a person is having a seizure and alert a carer so they can ensure the well-being of an individual.
Wake ‘n’ Shake
Wake 'n' Shake alarm is for people with hearing difficulties. This is an alarm clock with a pad which goes into the pillowcase and vibrates when the alarm goes off. This enables the person who is hard of hearing to know that the alarm clock has gone off.
Find out more about technology that supports people to be safe and live independently at home.
Last updated 13 November 2023