For various reasons some people may need help getting into and out of a bed. Some beds are high above the floor, or the individual may just need some help due to a health condition. Regardless, bed steps can be a helpful aid for aging-in-place home modifications.

A bed step should be a free-standing device that sits at the bedside. It should be equipped with straps that secure it to the bed and a graspable handle for stability. The photo below is a bed step offered by Step2Health.

According to their website, the features of this device include:

Support Bar for Safety: Made of steel and equipped with perpendicular grab bars, the refurbished bed step stool ensures full support and can withstand up to 400 lbs. of weight. The handrail comes with soft padding that helps the user get a tight and secure grip.

Easy to Use Step: The refurbished step stool features an extra-wide step that reduces the risk of tripping or falling. The anti-slip rubber feet secures the stool in place and decreases the chances of skidding or slipping.

Motion Activated Lighting: The motion-activated LED light sensor detects human presence within 10 feet and instantly illuminates the floor of the bed step stool. It can light up an area of about 121 sq. ft for about 30 seconds. 

Adjustable Height: The height of the refurbished step2bed can be easily customized to fit both high and low beds. Adjust the height of the bed step by as much as 2.5’’ to 7.5’’ to match the height of your bed.

Thoroughly Inspected: All refurbished bed step stools are stringently inspected before shipping out. Some may be pre-owned. And since they are pre-owned, they may show minor dents or scratches. However, this does not affect the functioning of the product. Our team rigorously cleans and disinfects every unit before we wrap it in new packaging.

There are other vendors for bed steps. The concept is what is important in this article. For individuals challenged to get into or out of bed, bed steps can be a solution. A bed step with a graspable handle and a light should improve mobility for individuals challenged when using a bed.

Bed steps can improve safety and accessibility in a home. Creating a safer and more accessible home should involve Universal Design (UD). The principles of UD contribute to the convenience and function of products and home spaces by making products and spaces safer, easier to use, and more accessible. For additional information about UD please see Universal Design.

Careful planning is important to creating a safer and more accessible home using UD. A safer and more accessible home should include aging-in-place considerations, such as bed steps.

Universal Design is a key part of aging-in-place home modifications. A Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) is trained in the application of UD for home modifications to help aging and disabled individuals remain in their homes longer. CAPS consultants and UD incorporate the principles of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Housing Act (FHA) into residential home design and modifications.

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Richard Acree is a CAPS consultant with many years of experience as a home inspector and accessibility inspector. For more information about aging in place services please see Residential Accessibility.

Please call 615-752-0060 or email at inspections4ada@gmail.com for help with aging-in-place home modifications for you or your loved one.

Thank you.

DISCLAIMER: This article is not an endorsement or recommendation to buy or use any product or service offered or provided by Lowe’s or any other company or vendor. Consumers and contractors should do their own due diligence to determine what product or service best meets their needs.