Bedroom Safety & Comfort Aids

Of all the rooms in the house, the bedroom should be the place where a stroke survivor can feel comfortable and safe. This private area of the home should be tailored to meet the needs of the stroke survivor.

To increase a stroke survivor's independence in the bedroom, clothing and personal items may need to be reorganized so that they are accessible. To increase safety, make sure help is within reach. It is also important to consider the room from a nighttime perspective: adequate lighting, clear pathways, and access to a toilet are essential in order to avoid accidents in the dark.

When a stroke survivor returns home, they may find clothing items are not accessible due to where or how they are stored. By changing the type of handle that opens the door or drawer from one that requires fine finger movements to one such as a cabinet handle or d-loop, which can be opened with a fist, the person may again be able to access his clothing with little or no assistance. The height of clothes in a closet or drawers in a dresser may also be a problem for stroke survivors. This problem can often be solved or lessened by lowering the closet bar or organizing the dresser so that frequently used clothes are in the most easily accessible drawers.

To avoid accidents in the night due to being unable to get to the bathroom soon enough, a stroke survivor may want to keep a commode chair near the bed. A three-in-one commode chair has three features: a raised seat, grab bars on both sides of the chair, and a removable bucket. During the day or when it is not needed, the commode chair can be kept in a nearby closet.

Stroke survivors must understand that accidents are sometimes unavoidable. To deal with them, blue pads can be placed underneath sheets on the bed. Blue pads are pads, often washable and reusable, with a cloth and waterproof side to prevent staining on furniture.

Additional bedroom safety tips include keeping the bedspread clear of walking paths, and keeping a telephone and light switch or lamp within easy reach of the bed.