Bed Too High for Elderly: What Are My Options?

Clinical research has shown that even though most bed heights are standard, they don’t necessarily align with an aging person’s body. 

Suddenly, getting in and out of bed safely for elderly people can become a high-risk activity. This is due to loss of mobility in the main joints required for this type of daily activity.

Understanding the dangers will help you learn how to make a bed lower for the elderly or add a bed step stool for seniors to stay safe.

Why Bed Height Matters for Seniors

Fall prevention for bedroom safety is all about understanding why bed height matters for aging seniors.

Foot placement

If a bed is too high, a person’s feet will not be able to maintain a firm connection to the ground when they sit on the edge of the bed. 

Without this firm footing, a slide or a hop is required to reach the floor, which is the leading cause of bedside falls.

Force of impact

The potential for injury is directly related to the distance of the fall. Even a few inches can significantly increase the impact of a fall, leading to a higher risk of hip fractures and traumatic brain injuries.

Orthostatic stress

For a senior to quickly shift their center of gravity to exit a bed that is too high can result in a drop in blood pressure, leading to lightheadedness and dizziness at a moment when they need to be stable.

Movement hazards

Developing unsafe habits to compensate for this height difference can lead to injuries, such as grabbing nearby unstable furniture to pull themselves up or down.

Signs a Bed is Too High for an Elderly Adult

A safe bed height is when a person is seated on the edge of the bed with their feet flat on the floor and knees bent at a 90-degree angle. 

If this isn’t possible, you have to figure out how to make a bed lower for your elderly parent or patient. Here are your options for a safer exit and entry:

1. Lower the bed frame or mattress height: If the bed uses a traditional box spring, replace it with a thin 1-2-inch support foundation. This can lower the mattress height by 4-6 inches without buying a new frame.

You can also eliminate the bed frame, which could lower your bed by 2-3 inches.

2. Adjustable bed: An adjustable bed can offer better height management. Hospital-grade beds have motors that can raise or lower the bed to floor level for safer exits and to waist height for easier caregiving.

3. Step stools: Standard step stools for a quick fix might seem like a good idea, but they are often poorly suited for this type of application and can actually create more risk than they are worth.

They can be dangerous due to the risk of tipping over, lack of hand support, the stool’s small surface area, and the difficulty of integrating it safely with your bed.

The Step2Bed Alternative

The best mobility aids for seniors are the Step2Health products. Step2Bed stairs are designed to provide safe entry and exit from bed. They provide what you need without the risks associated with other options.

The advantages are:

• Anchored stability: Unlike unanchored step stools, Step2Bed products are designed to be positioned against the bed frame or even attached to it to prevent movement during entry or exit.

• Handrails: Step2Bed provides critical hand support that ordinary step stools lack. The handrails are also sturdy enough to allow the person to push off with their arms, so they don’t have to rely solely on their knees and core.

• Eyesight: With motion-activated LED lighting, our products make the step visible in the dark, enhancing safety.

• Ergonomics: Step2Bed options are designed specifically for bedside transfers. They are the correct height for safe entry and exit, providing the necessary 90-degree knee position.

• Price is another major advantage. Buying hospital-grade adjustable beds and other mattress accessories is more expensive than buying Step2Bed products to achieve the perfect solution.

Step2Bed Products 

Step2Bed: The standard version features a wide, stable step platform, a secure handrail for steady support, interchangeable rails for right- or left-handed setups, and built-in lighting for nighttime safety.

Step2Bed Mini: Our smaller version offers the same stable step platform, packaged in a space-saving design for smaller bedrooms. It also features a secure support rail for balance and adjustable height for proper alignment.

Step2Bed Deluxe: Our ultimate version. It offers all the same safety features as our other steps, plus a cane holder cup, a foam pad for added comfort, glow-in-the-dark rubber leg tips, and a mesh pouch for extra bedside storage.

Step2Bed XL: The XL handles up to 800 lbs. It has all the other features of our other products, including a wider, more stable platform, a secure handrail for excellent support, and built-in safety for nighttime.

Protecting your loved ones from a bed that is too high and could cause a catastrophic fall will give everyone peace of mind by taking the necessary steps to provide a safer way to get in and out of bed.

Shop Step2Health today for the latest products designed to help older adults stay safe and independent at home.