The Independence Bed

The bedroom should be a place of comfort and rest. But as mobility, balance, or strength changes, everyday features of the bedroom can become more important to consider.

In recognition of Falls Prevention Awareness Week, we’re taking a closer look at the bedroom and some simple ways to create a space that better supports comfort, accessibility, and confidence at home.

From clearer walking paths to the way someone gets in and out of bed, here are seven things to consider.

1. Keep Walking Paths Clear

Start with the areas around the bed and the paths most frequently used throughout the bedroom.

Shoes, laundry baskets, electrical cords, small furniture, and other everyday items can quickly become obstacles. Keeping floors clear and creating open, unobstructed walking paths can make the room easier to navigate — especially at night.

Take a few minutes to look at the bedroom from the perspective of someone moving through it. Are there items that could easily be relocated or removed?

2. Take a Second Look at Rugs

Area rugs and throw rugs can add warmth and comfort to a bedroom, but loose edges or rugs that shift underfoot may also create potential hazards.

Consider removing unnecessary throw rugs. For rugs that remain, make sure they lie flat, are securely positioned, and have an appropriate non-slip backing or rug pad.

It's a small detail that can be easy to overlook during a bedroom safety check.

3. Improve Lighting — Especially at Night

Getting out of bed in a dark room can make even a familiar space more difficult to navigate.

Make sure there is adequate lighting around the bed and along commonly traveled paths. A bedside lamp should be easy to reach without having to get out of bed first.

Nightlights or motion-activated lights can also provide additional illumination for nighttime trips to the bathroom.

4. Keep Everyday Essentials Within Easy Reach

Think about the items someone regularly needs while in bed: glasses, a phone, medications, water, tissues, or a lamp.

Keeping these essentials within comfortable reach can reduce unnecessary stretching, bending, or getting up to retrieve something from across the room.

A thoughtfully positioned nightstand can make everyday routines a little easier.

5. Consider the Height of the Bed

Bed height can play an important role in how comfortably someone gets into and out of bed.

A sleep surface that's too high or too low may make the transition more challenging. The appropriate height will vary depending on the individual's height, mobility, strength, and specific needs.

If getting into or out of bed has become difficult, a healthcare professional or occupational therapist can help evaluate the bedroom setup and recommend changes based on the individual's needs.

6. Think About the Entire Bed-to-Bathroom Journey

Don't stop your bedroom safety check at the bedroom door.

Think about the full path someone takes when getting up during the night. Is there enough light? Are there cords, furniture, rugs, or other obstacles along the way? Is the bathroom entrance easy to access?

Looking at the entire journey can help identify potential issues that might be missed when evaluating each room separately.

7. Consider How Someone Gets In and Out of Bed

Getting out of bed isn't a single movement. It typically involves moving from lying down to sitting, positioning the body at the edge of the bed, placing the feet on the floor, and transitioning from sitting to standing.

As mobility changes, those movements may become more challenging.

That's when it may be worth considering not only the space around the bed, but how the bed itself supports the transition.

The Independence® Bed was designed with this process in mind. Its unique design transforms through Sleep → Sit → Stand positions, rotating the sleep surface into a seated position and helping bring the user toward a standing position with their feet toward the floor.

For someone whose changing mobility makes a traditional bed more difficult to use, the Independence Bed offers another option to consider when creating a bedroom that better reflects their needs.

A Safer Bedroom Starts with Thoughtful Changes

Creating a more accessible bedroom doesn't necessarily mean completely redesigning the space.

Sometimes, it starts with looking at familiar surroundings differently.

Clear the walking paths. Secure the rugs. Improve nighttime lighting. Keep essentials nearby. Consider bed height. Look at the route to the bathroom. And pay attention to how someone gets into and out of bed.

Together, thoughtful changes can help create a bedroom that better supports comfort, functionality, and independence at home.

Ready to learn more?
Discover how the Independence® Bed transforms from Sleep to Sit to Stand and explore whether it may be the right fit for you or someone you care for.

This article is provided for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice or an individualized fall-risk assessment. If you or a loved one has experienced a fall or has concerns about balance or mobility, speak with a qualified healthcare professional about appropriate fall-prevention strategies.