Bedroom accessories

A well-equipped bedroom is essential for both comfort and safety, especially for older adults living independently. However, age-related changes like reduced mobility, vision problems, and unsteady balance can make navigating the bedroom and accessing belongings challenging.

Common scenarios and concerns	Lifestyle and equipment options to help you
Difficulty reaching items: Limited mobility or reduced reach can make it challenging to access items stored on shelves or bedside tables. This can lead to frustration, dependence on others, and the potential for falls.	Reachers: Extend your reach for grabbing objects without bending or straining. Grab bars: Installed strategically near the bed and closet, they provide support for getting in and out of bed or reaching for clothing.
Falls from getting out of bed: Disorientation at night or feeling unsteady on your feet can increase fall risk. This can lead to potential injuries and a fear of falling.	Bed rails: Offer sturdy support for getting in and out of bed. Nightlights: Improve visibility in the bedroom at night, reducing the risk of tripping or stumbling.
Bumps in the night: Difficulty seeing in the dark can create safety hazards. This can lead to the potential for tripping or bumping into furniture.	Nightlights: Provide a gentle glow to illuminate the bedroom and improve visibility. Motion sensor lights: Automatically turn on when movement is detected, offering hands-free illumination.
Clutter and disorganisation: Difficulty reaching for frequently used items or maintaining a tidy space. This can lead to frustration, difficulty finding things, and the potential for falls due to clutter.	Storage ottomans: Provide additional storage space at the foot of the bed, doubling as a comfortable place to sit. Stackable organisers: Help keep belongings neatly organised and readily accessible.

Common scenarios and concerns

Lifestyle and equipment options to help you

Difficulty reaching items: Limited mobility or reduced reach can make it challenging to access items stored on shelves or bedside tables.

This can lead to frustration, dependence on others, and the potential for falls.

Reachers: Extend your reach for grabbing objects without bending or straining.

Grab bars: Installed strategically near the bed and closet, they provide support for getting in and out of bed or reaching for clothing.

Falls from getting out of bed: Disorientation at night or feeling unsteady on your feet can increase fall risk.

This can lead to potential injuries and a fear of falling.

Bed rails: Offer sturdy support for getting in and out of bed.

Nightlights: Improve visibility in the bedroom at night, reducing the risk of tripping or stumbling.

Bumps in the night: Difficulty seeing in the dark can create safety hazards.

This can lead to the potential for tripping or bumping into furniture.

Nightlights: Provide a gentle glow to illuminate the bedroom and improve visibility.

Motion sensor lights: Automatically turn on when movement is detected, offering hands-free illumination.

Clutter and disorganisation: Difficulty reaching for frequently used items or maintaining a tidy space.

This can lead to frustration, difficulty finding things, and the potential for falls due to clutter.

Storage ottomans: Provide additional storage space at the foot of the bed, doubling as a comfortable place to sit.

Stackable organisers: Help keep belongings neatly organised and readily accessible.

Common challenges faced in the bedroom

Here are some everyday tasks in the bedroom that can become difficult with age:

Difficulty reaching items: Reaching for objects stored on shelves or struggling to grab items on your bedside table can be frustrating and lead to dependence on others.
Falls from getting out of bed: Feeling unsteady on your feet or disoriented at night can increase the risk of falls when getting out of bed.
Bumps in the night: Limited vision in the dark can make navigating the bedroom hazardous, leading to potential falls or injuries.
Clutter and disorganisation: Difficulty bending, reaching for items, or maintaining a tidy space can create frustration and safety hazards.

Bedroom accessories for increased safety and independence

Here are some ways to improve the safety, functionality, and comfort of your bedroom with essential accessories:

Enhancing accessibility

Reachers: These long-handled grasping tools extend your reach to grab objects from shelves or the floor without bending or straining.
Grab bars: Install grab bars strategically next to the bed and in your closet for added support when getting in and out of bed or reaching for clothing.

Stay safe at night

Bed rails: Provide sturdy support for getting in and out of bed, especially if you feel unsteady on your feet.
Nightlights: Offer a gentle glow that illuminates the bedroom and improves visibility at night, reducing the risk of tripping or falling. Consider options with adjustable brightness settings.
Motion sensor lights: These lights automatically illuminate the path when movement is detected, providing hands-free illumination at night.

Maximising storage and organisation

Storage ottomans: These ottomans provide additional storage space at the foot of your bed, offering a convenient place to store blankets, pillows, or other belongings while doubling as a comfortable seating area.
Stackable organisers: Help keep frequently used items neatly arranged and readily accessible on your bedside table or dresser. Choose organisers with drawers or compartments to categorise belongings efficiently.
Non-slip mats: Place non-slip mats by the bedside and in your walk-in closet to prevent slipping and improve stability on potentially slippery surfaces.

Choosing the right bedroom accessories for your needs

Consider these factors when selecting bedroom accessories:

Your specific needs and limitations: Focus on accessories that address your personal challenges, such as reachers if you have limited mobility or nightlights for improved visibility.
Bedroom layout: Ensure there's enough space to install grab bars or position storage ottomans strategically.
Personal preferences: Choose accessories that complement your existing décor and style preferences.

Additional things to consider

Regular maintenance: Ensure grab bars are securely mounted and nightlights are functioning properly.
Safety checks: Inspect your bedroom regularly for potential hazards such as loose rugs, cluttered walkways, or uneven flooring. Address any safety concerns promptly.
Professional advice: Consult with an occupational therapist for a personalised assessment of your needs. They can recommend specific bedroom accessories and modifications to optimise your safety and independence in the bedroom.

Where to buy equipment to help you in the bedroom

Plymouth City Council, NHS Devon, and Livewell Southwest have jointly commissioned NRS Healthcare to deliver the Safe+Well service, and they have over 2,500 daily living aids that you can purchase by mail order, telephone, or online.

View the Plymouth Safe+Well website

NRS has a dedicated phone line with a trained team of specialists who can answer any questions you might have. Just call 0345 6461860.

Other places to buy equipment from:

Free assessment tool: Select the area of difficulty that is relevant to you. You will then be asked a few questions to guide you towards helpful daily living aids.
Free telephone advice line: Complete the online form, and we will contact you to arrange a convenient time to call.