What Is the Difference Between Bedroom Step Stools and Bathroom Step Stools?

Aging in place is the most preferred lifestyle choice for the elderly today. Statistics show that almost 90% of adults above 50 in the United States prefer to age in place. Aging in place is a safe and, overall, a more beneficial option for all seniors across the country. It is possible only because of equipment specially created to help seniors move around their homes safely and comfortably.

Bathroom step stools and bed step stools are the two most common efficient and useful pieces of supportive equipment for seniors. Both step stools reduce the risk of falls and provide adequate support to the elderly while getting in and out of bed or in and out of the bathtub. While both step stools are extremely helpful, it is important to note that they are not interchangeable.  Let us explore both step stools in detail to understand the key differences between the two.

What are bedroom step stools?

Bedroom step stools are specially constructed step stools meant to aid in getting in and out of bed safely. Bedroom step stools are of many kinds. They differ in size, materials, shape, height and weight capacity. 

• Size – bedroom step stools can be small, medium or large, depending on your need and the size of your room.
• Materials – wood, plastic or reinforced steel. The most reliable material is reinforced steel as it is durable and is not easily damaged by daily wear and tear.
• Height – you will find bedroom step stools of different heights. Some are especially for high beds, while others with an adjustable height feature. 
• Weight capacity – bedroom step stools can withstand anything between 200 to 800 pounds in weight. It is always better to choose a step stool for your bedroom that has a high weight capacity as these are more reliable in the long run.

When to use bedroom step stools?

You can use a bedroom step stool primarily for getting in and out of bed. Seniors who can benefit from using a bedroom step stool are:

• Seniors with mobility issues
• Seniors who are recovering from surgery or an injury
• Seniors who are overweight

A bed step stool reduces the space between the floor and the bed, reducing the strain on your leg and thigh muscles. Most bed step stools come with handrails that provide better balance and grip while getting on and off the stool, thus minimizing the risk of falls and making the whole experience more comfortable for the elderly. 

What are the different types of bed step stools?

As mentioned before, bed step stools come in different heights, sizes, and weight capacities. Let us explore them further:

Small bed step stools are usually able to withstand up to 200 pounds. Made of reinforced steel they are easy to move around the house. They come with adjustable legs and easy-to-use Velcro straps that hold the stool in place when in use. These are best for smaller rooms. 

Medium bed step stools are those that can take up to 400 pounds in weight. They fit well in medium-sized rooms and are fairly easy to move around if needed. They come with handrails for a comfortable grip and have a non-slip surface to stand on, minimizing the risk of falls.

Large bed step stools are made of heavy-duty reinforced steel. They can withstand up to 800 pounds in weight. The height of these bedroom step stools can be easily adjusted as needed. They are best for larger rooms and high beds.

Refurbished bed step stools are also available if you are on a tight budget. These step stools are quality-checked and are every bit as reliable as any other bed step stool.

What is a bathroom step stool?

Bathroom step stools are step stools that are made for the sole purpose of providing support to anyone having trouble getting in and out of a bathtub. These are carefully designed, keeping in mind the wetness of the bathroom and all the safety hazards that slippery surfaces can cause. 

Just like bed step stools, bathroom step stools are made of plastic, wood, or steel. Steel step stools are always the best option. Wooden step stools can absorb the moisture in the bathroom, and this can cause them to change shape, rendering them extremely unreliable. They can also rot if exposed to moisture for prolonged periods. Plastic step stools may work at first, but they wear out fairly quickly, making them unsafe for use in the long run. 

When to use a bathroom step stool?

Bathroom step stools make it easier for the elderly to get in and out of the bathtub without fear of falling or tripping. They come with anti-slip surfaces and handrails to provide additional support while getting in and out of the tub.

Key Difference: Bedroom step stools vs. Bathroom step stool

Bedroom step stools are for the elderly to get in and out of bed carefully. They are ergonomically designed, keeping in mind the needs of seniors who find it difficult to get in and out of bed. They come with various safety features to ensure that there is no risk of tripping or falling.

Since bathrooms are compact spaces, bath step stools are more compact and smaller in size. They are also equipped with anti-slip surfaces to minimize the risk of slipping and falling. The height of these step stools is kept in mind the standard height of a bathtub.

Both step stools serve different purposes. The conditions in a bedroom and those in the bathroom are not the same. Therefore, both stools are very differently designed and you should not use these in place of each other. 

Both products are crucial to support older adults, especially if they live alone. Seniors who have mobility issues find it more comfortable to use supportive equipment at home. It reduces the risk of falls and allows them to live independently and stay empowered for as long as they can.

Final Thought

If you have parents living alone at home, it is important to consider purchasing a bathroom step stool and a bed step stool to ensure their safety when they are alone.