An older adult woman is standing in her bedroom with the bed behind her. She smiles.
Many older adults wish to remain in their homes as they age, but it’s important to make sure it’s safe to do so. Here are bedroom safety modifications for every budget that can make this room safer. Photo Credit: iStock.com/kate_sept2004

Remaining living at home as you age, also known as aging in place, comes with many benefits, including higher life satisfaction, increased quality of life, and boosted self-esteem. However, it’s important to know that remaining at home is a safe option. Unfortunately, as people age, mobility, strength, and flexibility decrease, which can make even the safest rooms dangerous. It’s important to assess your entire home’s safety for aging in place, including the bedroom. Here are some senior-friendly bedroom renovation ideas for all budgets. These ideas will help you rest easy knowing you can age in place safely and comfortably.

Free or low-cost bedroom modifications

Your current bedroom setup may not be as senior-friendly as it could be, but you might not need a remodel. Here are inexpensive or free ways to make your bedroom safer as you age.

Eliminate fall hazards

The bedroom is one of the most cluttered areas of every home, and that clutter can pose a dangerous fall hazard for older adults. Tidying up can make your bedroom much safer.

Here are a few tidying tips:

  • Use a hamper for clothes and a shoe rack for shoes to keep the floor clear.
  • Remove excess decorative pillows from the bed, which can fall to the floor and become trip hazards.
  • Remove area rugs.
  • Keep frequently used items, such as clocks, lamps, and phone chargers, within easy reach on a bedside table.
  • Group cords together and zip-tie them to furniture legs.

It can also be helpful to do a full declutter in the bedroom. Items often pile up for years without being used, and throwing them out or donating them can clear the way for a safer bedroom. Check out our article on tips for decluttering the home.

Use a chair when getting ready

Adding a chair can make your bedroom safer and more comfortable. It provides a place to sit while getting ready for the day or for bed. You can use a chair you already have in your home or purchase a new one. 

Here are a few features you’ll want your chair to have:

  • A straight back and sturdy arms.
  • Firm, supportive padding so it isn’t difficult to get out of the chair.
  • A small footprint so it doesn’t get in your way.

If you have the budget, a chair with a lift can also be helpful. Just make sure you avoid a recliner-style chair, as the soft padding and reclining ability can make getting ready more difficult. Instead, choose something like this sturdy chair with a power lift.

Use dressing aids

Getting dressed can become more challenging over time. Dressing aids can make putting on socks, buttoning a shirt, and putting on a jacket much easier and safer.

A few low-cost dressing aids include:

Budget-friendly bedroom adjustments for seniors

There are some things you can do to modify your space and make it more senior-friendly without a full-blown bedroom renovation. Here are a few budget-friendly bedroom updates.

Install a bed rail

Bed rails are safety devices that prevent people from falling out of bed while sleeping and provide support when getting in and out of bed. They are typically made from metal and are installed alongside the bed, right next to the mattress.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing a bed rail:

  • Many bed rails are secured under the mattress. Others also have feet that extend to the floor, which can provide greater stability.
  • A shorter bed rail can provide support but not make it difficult to get in and out of bed. Wider bed rails provide more safety for people who worry about falling out of bed.
  • A freestanding bed rail can easily be moved if you don’t want to use it all the time, but it won’t prevent you from falling out of bed.
  • Some bed rails have pouches and other storage solutions, giving you a convenient place to put the TV remote, your cell phone, and other items.

Add senior-friendly lighting

Adequate lighting is important when preventing trips and falls. It should illuminate your room and be convenient to turn off and on.

A few lighting ideas include:

  • Motion-sensor lights under the bed that automatically turn on if you get up in the middle of the night. You can also use motion-sensor lights to illuminate closets.
  • Nightlights in strategic areas to illuminate a path to and from the bathroom.
  • Touch lamps that operate without the need for a cord, switch, or knob.

You should also keep a lamp on a nightstand so you don’t have to navigate your bedroom in the dark when getting into bed at night or getting up in the middle of the night.

Upgrade to more supportive pillows and bed wedges

Waking up with stiff, sore muscles can affect mobility. Something as simple as using a different pillow or trying a bed wedge can reduce pressure in key areas, making it easier to get out of bed in the morning.

Consider trying a more supportive pillow:

  • Memory foam offers superior support and relieves pressure.
  • Latex pillows are hypoallergenic, making them a good choice for those with allergies.
  • Shredded memory foam pillows can be adjusted for a custom feel.
  • Molded pillows, like cervical spine pillows, keep the spine straight.
  • Leg-rest cushions can enhance blood circulation and relax muscles.

You can also try using a bed wedge, which keeps your head elevated at night. Bed wedges can help with snoring and make getting up and lying down easier.

Senior-friendly bedroom renovation ideas

If you’ve got the budget, there are some senior-friendly bedroom renovation ideas that can make your space safer.

Install a stair lift

It isn’t uncommon for bedroom spaces to be located on the second floor of the home, but walking up and down the stairs multiple times a day can pose a challenge for seniors with mobility issues. A stair lift can offer the perfect solution.

A stair lift is a motorized chair that runs up and down a staircase, allowing people with mobility or balance issues to safely navigate between floors. These safety devices have comfortable seats, backrests, footrests, seat belts, and user controls to operate the stairlift, making it easy and safe to go up and down the stairs.

Purchase a supportive mattress with an adjustable base

Sagging or overly soft mattresses can make getting in and out of bed difficult. If it’s in your budget, you might consider upgrading to a supportive mattress with an adjustable base.

When shopping for a mattress:

  • Look for a medium to firm mattress that will provide plenty of support.
  • Consider high-density memory foam or latex that can alleviate back and joint pain and symptoms of arthritis.
  • Consider choosing a bed with an adjustable base that allows you to find the perfect sleep position by elevating your head and feet.

Update the flooring

If you’re considering a senior-friendly bedroom renovation, you should also consider updating your flooring. Here are some bedroom flooring items to think about when maximizing safety:

  • Carpet can cushion a fall and provide insulation. Choose a low-pile carpet that offers less resistance underfoot or under an assistive device like a walker.
  • Cork is a good option for those who want smooth flooring. It offers some cushioning in the event of a fall while being more gentle on joints than other hard flooring types.
  • Textured vinyl may be a good choice, especially for people who use wheelchairs. It can resemble hardwood while providing traction to prevent slips and falls.
  • Rubber flooring may be a good option for those with mobility challenges. It is nonslip and offers shock absorption. You might choose interlocking rubber flooring squares to cover the entire floor or just high-traffic areas.

Senior-friendly bedroom renovations you can afford

It’s easy to make your bedroom a senior-friendly space, regardless of your budget. Whether you simply add a chair to your bedroom to make getting ready easier or you have the budget for a full-blown bedroom renovation, the above are senior-friendly ideas to transform your bedroom into the safe haven you deserve as you age in place.