Setting up a bedroom that suits your needs as you grow older can make everyday life easier, especially if moving around becomes hard. Ageing in place means staying safe and independent in your own home, which lets you live in a familiar setting and is good for your emotional and mental health.
A key part of ageing in place successfully is making your living space fit your changing needs and adding services like Visiting Angels Kennewick – Best Senior Home Care. Whether you’re setting this up for yourself or someone else, the steps here will help create a space that is both functional and easy to use, making everyday life better and more enjoyable. In this article, we will go over several tips to help you modify your bedroom.
Why Should Seniors Redecorate Their Bedroom?
Many seniors spend more time in their bedrooms, especially if they have mobility challenges. Making the space more comfortable and functional can improve their quality of life. Here’s why a bedroom makeover might be a great idea:
Comfort & Ease of Use
As we age, daily tasks can become harder. Redecorating can make the bedroom more user-friendly by:
✔ Choosing furniture that’s easy to access and use
✔ Rearranging the layout for better movement
✔ Adding safety features like grab bars and nightlights
Better Sleep & Well-Being
A cozy, well-organized bedroom can boost mood and relaxation. A clutter-free space with calming colors and good lighting can help seniors feel at ease and improve sleep quality.
Adjusting to Changing Needs
Aging often brings new challenges, like vision problems or limited mobility. Updating the bedroom can include:
✔ Brighter lighting to help with eyesight
✔ Easy-to-reach storage
✔ Comfortable bedding for better support
Benefits of an Accessible Bedroom
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| More Independence | A senior-friendly bedroom allows individuals to move around, get in and out of bed, and reach their belongings without needing help. |
| Enhanced Safety | Falls are a major concern for seniors. Simple additions like grab bars, non-slip rugs, and proper lighting can prevent accidents and make the space safer. |
| Easier Mobility | A spacious layout with wide doorways can make it easier for wheelchairs or walkers to navigate, ensuring seniors can move around comfortably without restrictions. |
| Future-Proofing the Space | An accessible bedroom can be adapted over time as needs change. Whether it’s adding a hospital bed, installing a lift chair, or making small tweaks, the space can evolve as required. |
| Boosted Mental Health | A well-planned bedroom gives seniors a sense of security and control over their space, positively impacting their confidence and overall well-being. |
How to start making a bedroom suitable for a senior – 3 Tips
1 – Change the layout
When arranging a bedroom for a senior with mobility issues, it’s crucial to keep the space easy to move around in. First, clear out any clutter or extra furniture to make wide, open paths that can fit walkers, wheelchairs, or canes easily. Make sure there’s nothing in the way that could cause trips or falls, and that there’s easy access to the bed, closet, and bathroom.
Focus on the bed. It should be at a height that makes it easy to get in and out of without too much effort; usually, the best height is where the knees bend at a right angle when sitting on the edge. Consider a bed that lets you adjust its height or one that can be changed as needs evolve.
2 – Choose the right furniture
Picking the right furniture for a senior’s bedroom is important for both safety and comfort. The bed is the most important piece and should be easy to use. An adjustable bed is a great option because it allows the person to raise or lower different sections, making it easier to sit up or lie down.
- The mattress should be firm enough to give good support but not so hard that it causes discomfort.
- A mattress that is too soft can make it difficult to move, while one that is too firm can cause aches.
- Ideally, when sitting on the edge, the knees should be at a right angle, making it easier to stand up.
3 – Lighting
Good lighting is important in a bedroom for a senior with mobility issues. Poor lighting can cause trips and falls, making it harder to move around safely, especially at night. A bright room helps you see clearly and makes daily tasks easier. The main light should be strong enough to light up the whole space without being too harsh.
A bedside lamp with an easy-to-reach switch makes it simple to turn on a light without getting out of bed.
Motion-sensor night lights placed near the bed, doorway, and bathroom can help guide you in the dark, lowering the chance of tripping. Lights that turn on with a touch or are mounted on the wall can also make things easier if reaching for a switch is difficult.
