If you or a loved one has to use a bed that is too high for comfort and safety, you may wonder how to lower it to a more suitable height. A bed that is too high can pose a risk of falling, injury, or difficulty getting in and out. A bed that is too low can also cause problems, such as strain, pain, or reduced mobility. Therefore, finding the right bed height for an elderly person is important for their well-being and independence. In this blog post, we will show you how to lower a bed for an elderly person and what factors to consider when choosing the best bed height.

Why Bed Height Matters for the Elderly

Bed height is not just a matter of preference but also a matter of health and safety. According to Senior Safety Advice, the ideal bed height for seniors is between 18 and 23 inches, which is similar to the height of a chair. This allows the elderly person to sit on the edge of the bed with their feet flat on the floor and their knees at a 90-degree angle. This position makes it easier and safer to stand up or lie down without putting too much pressure on the joints, muscles, or balance.

A bed that is too high can make it hard for the elderly person to get on or off the bed, especially if they have mobility issues, such as arthritis, back pain, or weakness. They may need to use a stool, a ladder, or assistance from someone else, which can increase the risk of falling or hurting themselves. A bed that is too low can also make it difficult for the elderly person to get up or down, as they may need to exert more force or bend more than they can. This can cause strain, pain, or injury to the lower back, hips, knees, or ankles.

Therefore, lowering a bed that is too high or raising a bed that is too low can make a big difference in the comfort and safety of the elderly person. It can also improve their quality of life, as they can maintain their independence and dignity and avoid the frustration and stress of struggling with their bed.

How to Lower a Bed for an Elderly Person

There are several ways to lower a bed for an elderly person, depending on the type of bed, the amount of adjustment needed, and the budget available. Here are some of the most common and effective methods that you can try:

• Remove the bed frame, wheels, or legs. One of the simplest and cheapest ways to lower a bed is to remove the bed frame, wheels, or legs that support the mattress and box spring. This can reduce the height of the bed by several inches, depending on the size and shape of the frame, wheels, or legs. To do this, you will need to lift the mattress and box spring off the bed, unscrew or detach the frame, wheels, or legs, and place the mattress and box spring directly on the floor or on a low platform. Make sure to check the stability and alignment of the mattress and box spring and to clean the floor or platform before placing them.
• Replace the mattress, box spring, or bed frame with a lower model. Another way to lower a bed is to replace the mattress, box spring, or bed frame with a lower model. This can be more expensive and time-consuming, but it can also provide more comfort and durability. You can look for a mattress, box spring, or bed frame that has a lower profile, meaning that it is thinner or shorter than the standard size. For example, you can choose a low-profile mattress that is 5 to 10 inches thick, a low-profile box spring that is 4 to 6 inches thick, or a low-profile bed frame that is 6 to 10 inches high. You can also look for a mattress, box spring, or bed frame that is adjustable, meaning that you can change the height according to your needs. For example, you can choose an adjustable mattress that can be inflated or deflated, an adjustable box spring that can be folded or unfolded, or an adjustable bed frame that can be raised or lowered with a remote control.
• Use a bed rail or a bed step. If you cannot or do not want to lower the bed itself, you can use a bed rail or a bed step to make it easier and safer for the elderly person to get on or off the bed. A bed rail is a metal or wooden bar that attaches to the side of the bed, providing support and stability for the elderly person. A bed step is a small stool or ladder that stands next to the bed, providing a boost and a grip for the elderly person. Both of these devices can help the elderly person to climb or descend from the bed without losing their balance or hurting themselves. You can buy a bed rail or a bed step online or in stores, or you can make your own with some materials and tools.

These are some of the best ways to lower a bed for an elderly person and make it more comfortable and safe. By adjusting the bed height to suit the elderly person’s needs, you can improve their well-being and independence. We hope you found this blog post helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below. Thank you for reading, and happy sleeping!