For many, our bedroom is a sanctuary, but it also plays a role in our overall health. We spend about one-third of our lives sleeping, which is why it’s important to make bedrooms accessible.
For individuals with disabilities or mobility challenges, the bedroom can often be a source of discomfort, risk and frustration. Falling, navigating tight spaces or struggling with an uncomfortable bed are just some of the challenges faced daily.
We know when your bedroom is accessible and tailored to your needs, it becomes more than just a place to sleep; it becomes a space which supports your well-being and independence.
What is an accessible bedroom?
An accessible bedroom is designed or modified to meet an individual’s health and personal needs, to help comfortability and accessibility for anyone, regardless of their abilities. But more than that, an accessible bedroom means a person with a disability or an elderly person, can access their bedroom without hindrance and support independence and privacy in their personal space.
Everyone needs a bedroom they can access and use comfortably. This isn’t a need which is exclusive to people with disability or the elderly, however, for them, it can require more work and modification than for others.
Creating an accessible bedroom
If you are unsure whether your bedroom is accessible and safe, you can complete a home safety risk assessment here. Here is a link to our blog on understanding whether your home may need modifications.
You can also engage with one of our Occupational Therapists to come into your home and identify areas which may need to be changed or modified to support accessibility for you or your loved one. The team at Enabled Designs work alongside families to modify and help enhance their living spaces, including bedrooms, to put accessibility at the forefront of their day-to-day lives.
What are the industry guidelines for an accessible bedroom?
Designing an accessible bedroom involves more than just functionality; it’s about crafting a space that feels comfortable, and easy to navigate. Whether you use mobility aids or have specific physical needs following these guidelines can help transform your bedroom into a supportive environment tailored to you.
These are some of the essential things our team look for when implementing an accessible bedroom design are:
- Bed height and accessibility – is the bed easy to get in and out of without strain? And can the person move around the bed when sleeping or lying with ease? If not, we can make recommendations for a modified or adjustable bed and a set up that encourages movement while in bed.
- Entries and exits – what is the doorway width, and does it accommodate any equipment needed to pass through? Are the entry and exit points accessible?
If not, modifications can be made to adjust door, hallway widths or readjust furniture and placement to allow for access.
- Space – is there enough space for the person and their support worker or family members to easily access the room for any reason? If not, modifications can be made to furniture placement and room access to help ensure adequate space.
- Suitable flooring – is the floor compatible with any assistive technology used and to minimise falls? If concerns are identified, modifications to flooring can be recommended.
- Grab bars and handles – do you need grab rails or handles to help guide you to areas of the room or out of the room? If yes, these can be installed and recommended.
- Lighting – is there adequate lighting in the room to allow for comfort and visibility? If not, upgrades to lighting can be recommended.
Funding your bedroom modifications with the NDIS and Home Care Packages
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and Home Care Packages can provide funding for home modifications to assist in enhancing accessibility. Depending on your plan, this funding may cover:
- Adjustable or turning beds
- Pressure-relieving mattresses
- Installation of grab rails or lighting systems
- Flooring upgrades to prevent falls
At Enabled Designs, we can guide you through this process, from preparing reports to liaising with funding bodies, ensuring you get the support you need to create an accessible bedroom.
Easy accessibility changes you can make
Modifications and renovations can be costly and time-consuming, but often necessary. However, there are some things you can do which may support the accessibility of your bedroom:
- Remove any rugs which can lift and become trip hazards.
- Make sure bed coverings do not drag on the ground causing potential fall hazard
- Ask a family member to move furniture around to open up access spaces like walkways and the side of beds.
The other important step you can take is to engage with an Occupational Therapist, like the Enabled Designs team, to create a space tailored for you.
Working with Enabled Designs
When you choose to work with Enabled Designs, you’re supported by a group of skilled Occupational Therapists, with unrivalled knowledge of the disability and aged care sectors. Their hands-on experience means you are getting the highest quality advice and support as you navigate making your home as accessible as possible.
Our team can help you with:
- Conducting an assessment on the accessibility of bedrooms.
- Providing advice on modifications or assistive technology you could benefit from receiving to make a bedroom more accessible.
- Understanding how to design and use a bedroom to create an accessible space for you or your loved one.
- Learning how to use new or modified equipment or spaces to maximise their benefit and potential in your home.
Contact us today to create a plan to make your bedroom more accessible.
Disclaimer
All information is general and not intended as a substitute for professional advice.
Enabled Designs can consult with you regarding your individual health needs.
References
- Aminof MJ, Boller F, Swaab DF. We spend about one-third of our life either sleeping or attempting to do so. Handb Clin Neurol. 2011;98:vii. doi:10.1016/B978-0-444-52006-7.00047-2. PMID: 21056174, htps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21056174/, accessed online 20 January 2025.
- Australian Government, Australian Standard AS 1428.1-2001 Design for Access and Mobility, accessed online 20 January 2025, htps://ablis.business.gov.au/service/vic/australian-standard-as-1428-1-2001-design-for-access-and-mobility/39883