How to Keep Elderly from Falling Out of Bed and Other Bedroom Safety Tips

a woman experiencing pain and struggling to get out of bed

By Jennifer Footit-Tank RN BSN, quality care coordinator at Network Health
3/28/2024

We spend many hours per day in our bedroom for rest, relaxing and getting ready for the day. In familiar surroundings, you may not think of safety issues, but falls can happen. It can be as simple as tripping on items in the bedroom or rolling out of bed.

Because the bedroom is often dark when in use, it’s especially important to ensure that fall hazards are minimized. Consider “fall proofing” your bedroom with these simple steps.

Steps for Removing Fall Hazards in the Bedroom

Lighting

Plug in nightlights that turn on automatically when the room is dark or when motion is detected.
Have a lamp within easy reach of the bed.
Keep a flashlight near the bed in case of power loss.

Safety

Have a phone landline or charging cell phone next to the bed so you can call for help if needed.
Remove all clutter from the floor to prevent tripping hazards.
If you need throw rugs, make sure they have anti-slip backing.
Secure all power cords away from your walkway – against the wall is safest.
A floor mat placed on the bedside floor to help cushion a fall and reduce injury.

Bed

Make sure the mattress is in good shape and allows you to move easily in and out of bed.
Correct bed height can be measured by sitting on the bed with your feet on the ground and your knees at a 90-degree angle.
If you need help pushing off the bed, you can securely install bed assist rails or a floor-to-ceiling security pole to use as a hand hold to get yourself up to a standing position.
Secure blankets and sheets so they do not drag on the floor.
Position wedge or body pillows to prevent rolling out of bed.
A swim noodle, cut in half down the length, rolled in the fitted sheet or mattress pad creates a bumper to remind you to move away from the edge of the mattress.
If the bed is placed against the wall, make sure it is secure without a gap for you to get stuck between the bed and the wall.

[Read more: Create a Full-Home Safety Plan]

Tips for Getting Out of Bed for Seniors

Sudden position changes from lying to standing can temporarily decrease your blood pressure, making you lightheaded and dizzy. Instead of getting up suddenly when you first wake up, sit at the side of the bed for one to two minutes to make sure you are not experiencing dizziness before you stand up.

Changes in vision make it more difficult to see at night, meaning you might not be able to see as well in the bedroom. Take the time to put your glasses on before leaving your bedside and turn on the lights. A lamp on a nightstand can also be helpful. Have your cane or walker within easy reach before you start to walk away from the bed.

If you have peripheral neuropathy, it can cause decreased feeling in your feet. Put on non-skid rubber soled slippers before walking. Take your time and be aware of where you place your feet when walking. Those with osteoporosis or decrease in bone density may experience difficulties with balance and mobility due to muscle weakness, so consider using a bed handrail to keep you steady while you are standing up.

Frequent trips to the bathroom

If you are getting up multiple times at night to use the bathroom, consider making an appointment to discuss this with your medical provider. You may need a simple medication change or may need a medical issue addressed. Use nighttime bladder control products to catch any urine leakage so you do not have to rush to get to the bathroom.

In addition to making your bedroom environment safer, it is important to address other fall prevention factors. Remember to stay active during the day with exercises that improve your strength and balance, have regular vision and hearing exams, have a bone density test to check for osteoporosis and meet with your personal doctor yearly to manage any health conditions you may have.