An accessible bedroom lets an elderly or disabled person get in and out of bed, move around the room and reach what they need without help or risk. Set the bed at a height where both feet rest flat, keep clear floor space beside it, use non-slip flooring and good lighting, place controls and a phone within reach and keep a clear path to the bathroom. An adjustable bed makes much of this easier.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December is a good reminder that a home should work for everyone who lives in it. For an older parent, a family member with a disability or someone recovering from a stroke or surgery, the bedroom is where small obstacles become daily barriers. The good news is that many improvements are simple. Here is how to set up an accessible bedroom step by step.
The Setup at a Glance
| Area | What to Aim For | Tips |
| Bed height | Feet flat on the floor when sitting on the edge | Adjustable height makes transfers easier |
| Floor space | Clear space on at least one side, more if a wheelchair or walker is used | Around 90 cm is a common minimum beside the bed, and about 150 cm is cited for turning a wheelchair |
| Floor surface | Smooth, non-slip and free of loose rugs | Fix or remove loose mats |
| Lighting | Bright enough to see, soft at night | Motion-sensor night lights from bed to bathroom |
| Controls and phone | Within reach of the bed | Use a holder for the remote and a phone stand |
| Doors and passage | Wide enough for the aid in use | About 90 cm is a common guide |
| Bathroom route | Short, clear and well lit | Place the bed close to the bathroom if possible |
Get the Bed Height Right
A bed that is too low is hard to rise from, and one that is too high leaves feet dangling. The right height lets the person sit on the edge with both feet flat and knees at about hip level. An adjustable bed lets you set this precisely, and raise the bed for care tasks or lower it for safety. Because Zero-G beds are made to order, ask about setting the height to suit the user. Our guide to recliner beds for small bedrooms also covers clearances.
Plan the Floor Space
- Leave a clear side of the bed for getting in and out, and both sides if a caregiver helps.
- Check turning space for a wheelchair or walker, rather than guessing.
- Keep furniture against walls and remove low tables that people can trip over.
- Store everyday items at waist height so nobody has to bend or stretch.
Make Moving Around Safer
Remove loose rugs, tape down cables, and use non-slip mats and footwear. Add a sturdy chair with arms by the bed, where the person can sit to dress. A grab handle or support rail beside the bed can help with standing, but rails must be chosen with care, as entrapment is a risk. Our guide on patient safety with electric adjustable beds covers the points to check.
Controls Within Reach
The remote, a phone, a torch and a call bell should be within arm’s reach from the bed. Choose a remote with large, clearly marked buttons and fix it in a holder so it cannot drop to the floor. Our guide to your adjustable bed remote shows how presets can reduce the number of presses. If grip is weak, ask whether a wireless or larger remote is available.
Lighting and Visibility
- Use soft night lights along the path to the bathroom.
- Keep a bedside lamp that is easy to switch on.
- Use contrast, such as a light floor and dark furniture, to help people with poor eyesight.
- Avoid glare from windows and shiny floors.
Adapting for Different Needs
| Need | Helpful Changes |
| Wheelchair user | Bed height matched to the chair, clear space beside the bed, reachable controls |
| Walker user | Clear route, non-slip floor and a stable support to rise from |
| Low vision | Good lighting, contrast and consistent furniture layout |
| Memory problems | A simple, uncluttered room and a familiar layout |
| Limited hand strength | Large-button remote and easy-to-open drawers |
IMPORTANT NOTE
This guide gives general information and is not a medical or occupational therapy assessment. A physiotherapist or occupational therapist can visit your home, assess the person’s needs and recommend specific changes.
Where an Adjustable Bed Fits
An adjustable bed lets a person sit up, lift their legs and sometimes change the bed height, which supports independence in a way a flat bed cannot. Our recliner beds and electric hospital beds can be fitted to your room, and our guide on which hospital bed is best for home care patients helps match features to needs.
An accessible bedroom is built from small, practical choices: the right bed height, clear floors, good light and controls within reach. Start with the biggest risks, ask a therapist for advice and review the room as needs change. A safer room lets people do more for themselves and keeps them at home with dignity.
Explore our Electric Hospital Bed collection or the Recliner Beds range.
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