Room Type

Mobility issues often badger the elderly. Making it difficult for them to move around and navigate chairs, beds, bathtubs, and commodes easily. Using assistive devices can make life easier for seniors, make them more independent and reduce the risks of accidents. Step stool for the bedroom and step stool for the bathroom specially designed for seniors can make getting in and out of bed and bathtub easier and allow them more independence.

Step stools offer seniors safety, stability, and support, resulting in increased mobility and independence. Choose the step stools very carefully as inappropriate step stools can be cumbersome and increase the risk of falls for the elderly. Read on to find out the factors one should consider before investing in a step stool.

How to choose a step stool as per room type?

The room for which you need the step stool is one of the most important factors that one should consider while selecting a step stool. While both; a step stool for the bedroom and a step stool for the bathroom offer stability and safety, features such as height adjustability, room size, weight capacity, and non-slip features can help differentiate while selecting the appropriate step stool as per room type.

Consider the type and size of the room, the frequency of use, the weight of the senior, and the comfort level of the senior before investing in a step stool for the bedroom or a step stool for the bathroom. Though budget may play an important role in the decision-making, settling for a lower-priced step stool may prove to be a disaster. A perfect step stool is reliable, durable, and low-maintenance.

How To Choose a Step Stool for the Bedroom?

Getting in and out of bed can be challenging for some older adults due to mobility issues or fall-related injuries. A step stool is crucial to retain the independence of seniors or adults with limited mobility. Bedside bedroom step stools make getting in and out of bed easy and safe. Moreover, the perpendicular steel grab bars act as a bed rail and offer maximum support and secure grip. The selection of the right step stool is imperative for a safer experience. The features that one must keep in mind while selecting a step stool for a bed are: 

•       Bed Height:

Beds come in various sizes. Some seniors prefer high and big beds, whereas some may have smaller beds. Choosing a stool with an appropriate height is the first step towards selecting the right step stool. Although you can have a custom-made step stool suited to the height of the bed, it is always better to get a step stool with adjustable height. Moreover, a step stool for a bed with height adjustments is most handy as there is always the possibility of you changing your bed or home.

A few bedside bedroom step stools come with added features to augment the safety and security of the devices. Some step stools have soft paddings on the handrails that ensure a tight and secure grip and the non-skid rubber feet ascertain that the stool is not wobbly.

•       Weight-bearing Capacity:

The bedside bedroom step stool needs to be sturdy. Step stools with greater load-bearing capacity offer stability and balance for seniors while getting in and out of bed. It is advisable to choose step stools with a higher weight capacity; preferably, those that can withstand up to 800 pounds of weight are most reliable. Specially designed step stools have Velcro straps and anti-slip rubber feet to hold the stool in place; this decreases the chances of slipping when seniors step onto the stool. 

•       Space Availability:

One needs to consider the space in the bedroom while selecting a step stool for a bed. Large step stools in small bedrooms can be more of a hazard. They could hamper movement and cause trips and falls. Hence it is imperative to take into consideration the size of the room while making a choice. Large step stools for rooms with more floor space or smaller foldable ones for averaged-sized rooms can be good options.

There are various sizes of step stools available. You can opt for a bedside mini step stool suitable for small spaces as these do not take up too much area. And if you have a large bedroom with ample floor space, you can choose the large or the extra-wide step stool for beds. The extra-wide step stools support more weight and are sturdier. An average-sized step stool is an excellent choice for a medium-sized room. 

•       Size of Step Stool:

Some step stools are too small, making it impossible for seniors to stand on them with both feet. At times the stools are so big that they pose an encumbrance and can be the main reason for trips and falls, or they could be too high for the seniors to get on to it safely. Hence, step stools fitted with extra-wide steps are ideal as they reduce the risk of tripping and falling. It is advisable to carefully study the height and the width of the landing step required before zeroing in on a step stool.

•       Added Comfort Features:

Often step stools come with accessories that enhance their comfort. For instance, step stools for beds have motion-activated LED light sensors that instantly illuminate the floor of the step stool. This feature can avert stumbling and tripping in the dark. The soft padding on the handrails, extra-wide step with a foam pad (available separately), non-slip rubber feet, and height-adjustable perpendicular handrails increase safety, comfort, and convenience for the elderly. 

Bedside bedroom step stools are essential for safely getting in and out of bed. While selecting a step stool for the bedroom, keeping the above features in mind will ascertain that you select the perfect step stool for your loved one.  

How to Choose a Step Stool for the Bathroom?

Older adults are more prone to falls in the bathroom due to wet and slippery floors. A step stool for the bathroom is crucial to keeping seniors safe from falls and fall-related injuries while stepping in and out of the tub or shower. Studies prove that using assistive devices in the bathroom keeps your loved ones safe and can prevent falls and fall-related injuries. The features that you must concentrate on while choosing a bathroom step stool are:

•       Size and Height of the Step Stool:

Determining the right size of step stool for the bathroom is of paramount importance. A smaller step stool than what you require can prove to be hazardous, whereas a bigger one can be a hassle to use.  Therefore, studying all requirements carefully and determining the extent to which the seniors can lift their leg, the necessary width of the step, and the right size of the stool will ascertain the perfect step stool for those with limited mobility. Height-adjustable step stools are ideal as they are compatible with bathtubs of any size and height.

•       Non-slip Feature:

This is a must-have feature of every bathtub step stool. Bathroom step stools enabled with non-slip textured matting, and sturdy rubber tips prevent slipping and add stability. A low-quality bathtub step may topple over or slip-on wet surfaces easily. That is why some step stools have dual clamps that allow the step stool to lock on to any type of bathtub, thereby increasing the stability of the step stool.

•       Support Handrails:

While getting in and out of tubs, seniors with mobility issues need something to hold onto. Bathroom step stools with support handrails provide extra support and allow the elderly to easily get in and out of bathtubs. It is advisable to consider a step stool with sturdy well-welded handrails with a good grip and basal support. The grip bars are padded with foam at times, allowing extra comfort and ease of traction for seniors.

•       Collapsibility:

Most bathrooms are compact and have very little moving space. Bathroom step stools that are lightweight and foldable are ideal for such bathrooms. Though being lightweight doesn’t mean that they have a poor weight capacity. Good quality step stools that are lightweight with sufficient weight-bearing capacity are easily available.

How are bedroom step stools different from bathroom step stools? 

Is a step stool for the bedroom different from a bathroom step stool? Yes, definitely. Step stools are beneficial for adults facing mobility issues, recovering from surgery or an injury, or who are overweight. While both bathroom and  bedroom step stools offer support and security against injuries arising from mobility-related issues, their features are specific to the particular room type. While the end purpose of both the step stools is the same, they are not interchangeable, as the circumstances in the bathroom differ from those in a bedroom.

For seniors who find it difficult to get in and out of bed, a step stool for the bedroom can be of great help. The size of a bedside step stool may vary according to the size of the bedroom and bed. Bedroom step stools are available in steel, wood, or plastic. Wood often adds to the room’s aesthetics, but reinforced steel stools are highly recommended. 

A bathroom step stool makes it easy for seniors to get in and out of the bathtub or shower without the fear of falling or slipping. Bathroom step stools are available in limited sizes. Bathrooms being small, step stools that are compact and foldable are ideal for use here. Reinforced steel or plastic are the chosen materials for bathroom step stools. Wood can absorb moisture and rot when exposed to it for prolonged periods. Hence this rules out wooden step stools for bathrooms. It is advisable to use steel step stools in bathrooms as steel is more reliable and durable.

Bathroom step stools are carefully designed, keeping in mind the wetness of the bathroom and the possibility of accidents that slippery surfaces can cause. In bedrooms, the question of wet and slippery surfaces does not arise. Hence a good bathroom step stool will have an anti-skid step and non-slip feet. For example, the step2tub bathtub step stool has dual clamps to latch on to the sides of the bathtub for added security and sturdiness, while the step2bed has Velcro straps. Some bedroom step stools have motion-activated LED lights for night-time safety.

Step stools are vital tools that promote a comfortable life for seniors. They enhance independence and facilitate better management of mobility issues. Prioritizing safety, material, and range of use will help make quick and accurate decisions as far as step stools are concerned. While looking for step stools for seniors, it is paramount to weigh all the pros and cons of the available devices. Step stools make bedrooms and bathrooms safe for seniors and prevent mishaps. It is of prime importance to choose a step stool that is reliable, safe, and easy to use.