At Easterseals Arkansas, we know firsthand the importance of creating a comfortable and accessible home for individuals with disabilities. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or simply looking to make your own home more accommodating, these tips can help you create a functional and welcoming space for everyone and specifically improve the accessibility for disabled individuals in a bedroom.
Remove Tripping Hazards
One important aspect of an accessible bedroom is ensuring that there are no tripping hazards present. Tripping hazards can be a serious issue for individuals with mobility impairments, as they can cause falls and injuries.
There are a few simple steps that you can take to remove tripping hazards from a bedroom and improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities:
- Keep the floor clear: Make sure that the floor is free of clutter and obstructions, such as toys, shoes, and clothes. These items can be easily tripped over, especially if they are left in the middle of the floor. Consider using storage solutions, such as bins and shelves, to keep items organized and off the floor.
- Fix any uneven surfaces: If the floor is uneven or has bumps or dips, it can be difficult to navigate and may cause tripping. Repair any uneven surfaces and consider adding floorings that are smooth and easy to walk on, such as vinyl or wood.
- Remove cords and wires: Cords and wires that are left out in the open can be tripped over, especially if they are tangled or bunched up. Keep cords and wires tucked away and out of sight, or consider using cord covers to keep them organized and secure.
- Install handrails: Handrails can provide support and stability for people with mobility impairments and can help prevent falls. Install handrails on both sides of the bed and in other areas of the bedroom where they may be needed.
By removing tripping hazards from a bedroom, you can improve accessibility for individuals living with disabilities. This can help them feel more comfortable and independent in their home and reduce the risk of falls and injuries.
Adjust the Height of Your Furniture
Adjusting the height of your furniture can make a big difference in the accessibility of a bedroom for people with disabilities. It can allow for easier access and use of items and provide a safer and more comfortable environment. Here are some tips on how to adjust the height of your furniture to improve accessibility for disabled individuals:
- Consider the needs of the person using the bedroom: Different disabilities may require different considerations regarding furniture height. For example, someone in a wheelchair may need lower furniture to allow for easier reach, while someone with mobility issues may benefit from higher furniture to avoid bending or stretching.
- Measure the height of the person using the bedroom: Knowing the height of the person using the bedroom can help you determine the appropriate height for your furniture. You can use a tape measure to measure their height or have them sit in a chair and measure the distance from the floor to their knee.
- Adjust the height of your bed: A bed that is too high can be difficult for someone with mobility issues to get in and out of. If your bed is too high, you can add adjustable bed risers to lower the height of the bed frame, or use a lower-profile box spring.
- Adjust the height of your nightstands: Nightstands that are too high can be difficult for someone in a wheelchair to reach. If your nightstands are too high, you can use bed risers to lower their height or replace them with lower-profile tables.
- Adjust the height of your dresser: A dresser that is too high can be difficult for someone in a wheelchair to reach. If your dresser is too high, you can use bed risers to lower its height or replace it with a lower-profile dresser.
Making these simple adjustments to the height of your furniture can make your bedroom more comfortable and improve accessibility; therefore, improving independence for people with disabilities.
Invest in Disability-Friendly Furniture
One of the key considerations when choosing disability-friendly furniture is ensuring that it is easy to use and maneuver. This may include features such as adjustable height, easy-to-reach controls, and ample space for maneuvering.
Another important factor is durability. Disability-friendly furniture should be built to withstand the wear and tear of daily use, as it may be used by individuals with mobility challenges who may need to rely on it more heavily than the average person.
A wide variety of disability-friendly furniture options are available, ranging from specialized beds and mattresses to adjustable chairs and desks. It is important to carefully consider the needs of the individual using the furniture and choose items tailored to their specific needs.
Investing in disability-friendly furniture is a great way to improve accessibility for disabled individuals. By creating a more accessible and comfortable environment, we can help to empower and support those with disabilities to live their best lives.
Get Organized
Having a well-organized bedroom is important for everyone, but it is especially crucial for those with disabilities. A cluttered, disorganized space can be physically and mentally overwhelming for someone with mobility issues or sensory sensitivities. It can also make it more difficult for caregivers to assist with daily tasks.
By taking the time to declutter and organize a bedroom, people with disabilities can make their space more accessible and functional. This can involve simple steps such as keeping frequently used items within easy reach, using organizers to store clothing and personal items, and ensuring that pathways are clear of any tripping hazards.
For those with mobility impairments, it may also be helpful to rearrange furniture to create more space for maneuvering a wheelchair or other assistive device. Installing grab bars and other assistive technologies can also make the bedroom safer and more accessible.
Overall, organizing can help create a peaceful, functional space for people with disabilities, improving their quality of life and independence. It can also make it easier for caregivers to provide assistance, as they will have a clear understanding of the layout and organization of the space. It is very important to get organized to make bedrooms accessible for people with disabilities.
Lighting
One essential element of accessibility is lighting, which can greatly impact the ability of individuals with disabilities to navigate and function in their bedrooms. Here are a few tips to ensure that your bedroom has adequate lighting to meet the needs of people with disabilities:
- Install a variety of light sources and use dimmer switches to create customizable lighting options.
- Choose light bulbs with the right color temperature to suit the needs of the individual.
- Avoid glare by positioning light sources carefully and using shades or diffusers.
- Install night lights to help people with mobility impairments navigate in the dark.
Use Non-Slip Flooring
Non-slip flooring is another important consideration when creating a comfortable home for a person with disabilities. It helps to prevent falls and slips, which can be especially dangerous for people with mobility impairments. Consider using a non-slip rug or adding non-slip strips to your floor to help prevent accidents. These precautions improve accessibility for disabled individuals by ensuring the stability of the flooring.
What is an Adjustable Bed Riser?
Adjustable bed risers are devices that can be placed under the legs of a bed to raise its height. They typically have multiple levels of adjustment and can be used to increase the height of a bed by several inches. They are often used by people who have difficulty getting in and out of a low bed, or who want to use additional storage space under the bed. They can also be used to elevate the head of the bed for reading or watching TV.
Adjustable bed risers can also be used to lower a bed. Many adjustable bed risers have multiple levels of adjustment, and some even allow you to adjust the height of each leg individually. By adjusting the risers to a lower setting, you can lower the overall height of the bed. It is important to note that the adjustments should be done carefully, keeping in mind the bed frame and mattress should not be overburdened or damaged.
Adjustable bed risers can also be used to lower nightstands. By placing the risers under the legs of the nightstand, you can adjust the height to match the height of a lower bed or to create a level surface with other pieces of furniture. It's important to check the weight capacity of the risers before using them to lower a nightstand, to ensure they can safely support the weight of the nightstand and any items placed on it. Also, it's good to keep in mind that using bed risers to lower nightstands may change the overall aesthetic look of the nightstand and may not match the design of the room.
Conclusion
At Easterseals Arkansas, we are dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities and their families thrive. If you're looking for more resources and support for creating a comfortable and accessible home for your loved one with disabilities, be sure to check out Easterseals website. We offer a range of services and programs to help families like yours thrive, including our Independent Living Program.
