As we age, certain activities become more difficult. As a result, some seniors may find it harder to get in and out of bed, especially if they have a tall bed or thick mattress. Just as with regular step stools, bed steps can help make this easier, so read on to find the best bed steps for elderly adults.
Bedside steps come in several varieties, depending on the person’s needs and mobility. In general, you should get a bed step with a safety rail or grab bar even if you don’t think you need it right now.
For example, if you awaken in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, getting out of bed in the dark can make anyone unsteady. Why not have the safety rail available, just in case?
Bed Steps For High Beds For Elderly
The Step2Bed Step Stool with bed rails is our first recommendation. It was created by a nurse, so you know there are extra safety measures in place.
This bed step has steel safety bars on both sides of the platform to provide extra support. The platform is extra wide so you won’t miss (overstep off of it) in the dark. Additionally, the platform supports up to 400 pounds of weight.
We think one of its best features is the motion-activated LED light that lights up both the step and the floor around and under it. The light is battery operated, so you won’t have to worry about tripping over this step stool or any cords in the dark!
The step platform has six different height adjustments, so you can raise or lower the step to fit your needs. Also, the Step2Bed can be assembled to fit on either side of the bed.
Last, but not least, the company offers free returns if this bed step doesn’t work for you.
Bedside Safety Steps
If you feel like the Step2Bed is too large for your current needs, our next recommendation is for the AdjustaStep ™ Deluxe Step Stool/Footstool With Handle/Handrail.
It’s a great choice because:
- Both the step stool and the safety bar are height adjustable independent of each other (you can adjust one without having to adjust the other)
- Platform adjusts from 8.5 inches high up to 10.5 inches high, which means it can be used as a step or to sit on (for example, while cleaning out a low drawer)
- Quick assembly – no tools required
- Easy to remove handle
- It supports up to 300 pounds of weight
- Non-skid feet and a non-slip surface on top of the step
- Non-slip grip on the handle
- Color contrasting blue step on the platform makes it easy to see where to step in dim light
There are a couple of drawbacks to the AdjustaStep, though. For one, it weighs 9 pounds, which could make it difficult for a more frail senior to move it around. Also, the lowest setting on the step platform is 8.5 inches high, which may still be too high to step onto for some seniors.
