As baby boomers continue to age, the number of Americans with significant accessibility issues in their homes will begin to rise. However, many homeowners don’t want to leave their mortgage-free homes, creating the challenge of adapting the home for future use. Updating a home to be more accessible can be a big undertaking, but it’s okay to take it room-by-room, starting with the most comfortable space in the house: your bedroom.
Here are 15 ways to adapt bedroom spaces for accessibility and safety.
1. Purchase an adjustable bed
The ultimate in adaptable sleep, an adjustable bed can be raised or lowered to fit your changing needs. This might be a good option for first-time homebuyers accommodating aging parents and young children, as adjustable beds can be customized for your needs. Consider purchasing a bed with optional rails for additional support.
2. Lower the bed
If you can’t spring for a new adjustable bed, lowering the bed height is possible. Lowering the bed height is critical for wheelchair users to easily transfer from chair to bed without too much stress or strain on the arms.
3. Add bed risers
On the other hand, if you are not using a wheelchair, raising the bed slightly can make getting up in the morning easier. Knees, hips, and ankles need extra support as they age, and a slightly elevated bed relieves pressure and stress on those vital joints.
4. Widen doorways
Doorways need a minimum clearance of 32 inches with the door open to accommodate a standard wheelchair. Pocket and barn doors are good options if the additional space required for a swinging door is unavailable.
5. Fix your flooring
Slippery surfaces and area rugs increase the risk of falling, and falls are the leading cause of injury in adults over 65. Getting rid of loose rugs is an easy fix, but you can also secure low-pile carpets with anti-slip tape for more security. If area rugs are less than perfect, consider grippier flooring options such as cork or wall-to-wall carpet.
6. Use smart lighting
Stiff hands can make turning on a bedside lamp challenging. When ready to accessorize, add touch-activated bedside lamps or voice-controlled smart lights. Motion sensor lighting is also an excellent addition for those late-night trips to the bathroom.
7. Declutter
Clutter in the bedroom is not only bad for your sleep hygiene — it’s also a potential tripping hazard. Even if you make no other changes, clear the floor and maintain a path of at least 36 inches across the room.
If you choose to sell your house instead of adapting it, decluttering is also the first step most realtors ask you to take, so it’s a win-win!
8. Install grab bars and handrails
Grab bars by the bed, doorway, and in the en-suite bathroom are critical for adapting the bedroom space for accessibility and safety. Wall-mounted handrails also provide another layer of protection for seniors who are aging in place.
9. Maximize accessible storage
Storage that’s too high or too low can cause injury from straining to reach something. Add Goldilocks storage solutions (just right) with waist-high drawers and even open shelves for easy access.
10. Adapt closet space
Wheelchair users need lower closet rods to access their clothing. These can be installed in a fixed position, or choose pull–down (or automatic) closet systems.
11. Integrate emergency alerts
Install a medical alert button near the bed or keep a voice-activated assistant on the bedside table. Add a cordless landline to support this system.
12. Upgrade temperature controls
A remote-controlled thermostat makes keeping the bedroom at the perfect temperature simple. Even better, add a remote for ceiling fans and air purifiers to control everything at the touch of a button.
13. Automate window coverings
Motorized blinds or windows with built-in shades controlled by remote or voice command are luxuries in an accessible bedroom. If you’re adapting on a budget, look for lightweight curtains or blinds with larger pulls instead of heavy curtains and complicated blinds.
14. Add seating
A sturdy chair or bench placed near the closet makes getting dressed easier. The seat should be high enough to make standing up easy and have armrests to hold onto.
15. Use contrasting colors
Contrasting colors help individuals with low vision and can be a lifesaver for everyone when the light is dim. Use bright colors or glow-in-the-dark accent tape on the edges of furniture or doorways for better visibility at night.
16. Make space for change
The idea of adapting your bedroom for accessibility and safety can be emotionally draining. Struggling with the aging process and changes in mobility may cause you to put off doing anything, but this can put you or your loved ones at risk. Make small, incremental changes as you can, keeping the space open for more dramatic shifts in the future. This is the key to aging happily in place in a safe, comfortable space.
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