Interiors

The most accessible bedroom furniture sets for physically challenged adults

When faced with a long-term illness or disability, many people find themselves facing significant financial stress in the struggle to maintain healthcare, medications, and therapies while also adapting their homes to meet their needs. Installing grab bars and a taller toilet in the bathroom can be pricey but necessary expenses of adapting a home to the needs of the disabled. You may have other needs as well, such as building a ramp to circumvent stairs.

With all of this household upheaval and changes, you might find your bank account dwindling quickly. Thankfully, there are some areas where you can cut corners. In many cases, replacing bedroom furniture with handicap accessible options may not be necessary. You can often save money by purchasing a new bedroom furniture set online rather than buying it from a retailer that specializes in furniture for disabled or recovering adults.

If you want to make sure that your loved one is comfortable and cared for, look for these considerations when choosing new bedroom furniture.

Bed height

It is important that your bed, and all of the places you will sit in your home, be of an appropriate height. You should be able to sit on the edge of the bed comfortably, with your feet firmly on the ground and your knees at the same level as your hips. This is the ideal position from which to stand, as it gives you some stability as you rise.

Height isn’t the only thing to consider when it comes to your new bed. Look at bedroom furniture sets with beds that are on an open frame. If you will be using a wheelchair or other mobility device, the bed should be open on the sides and the same height as the chair for easy transfers. You should also avoid platform beds, as they do not give you enough freedom of movement.

Take the modern minimalist approach

New trends toward minimalism and multifunction furniture work out in your favor when you are designing a bedroom for a disabled individual, especially those that use mobility devices. It is important that there be no trip hazards in the room. Limiting the amount of furniture in the room can help decrease bumps and bruises.

This is much easier when you use storage furniture. Ottomans, bedroom benches, and other bedroom furniture can have all sorts of hidden storage. If you frequently need bed linen changes, medical treatments with special equipment, or other needs, this furniture with interior storage is the perfect way to keep everything organized and out of the way when not in use.

Choose nightstands with needs in mind

You should have a clear idea of the needs of you or your loved ones before you start shopping for new bedroom furniture. Choose nightstands with these needs in mind. Many medications can cause dry mouth, so it is important to have enough surface space to place a cup of water without fear of knocking it off.

An alternative is to get a nightstand that has a pull out drink tray. These nightstands give you ample room for a table lamp and other items, while leaving a pull out tray when a drink is necessary. You can also use the slide out tray as a temporary writing desk.

A nightstand with an open shelf instead of drawers is a better option for those who have devices or other items within reach of their bed. Particularly, such an open space is helpful for placing CPAP machines and other medical equipment while keeping it close at hand.

Consider charging and entertainment needs

If you or your loved one will be spending a lot of time in bed for a while, you should do everything you can to make that time more bearable. Many bedroom furniture sets now come with matching media chests that hold a television, gaming console, streaming capabilities, etc. You should also make sure you have easily accessible area with outlets for charging tablets, smartphones, and other devices.

Need more ideas? Browse through furniture collections online to get a better idea of the furniture items that will make your bedroom perfectly functional.

If you have any questions, please ask below!