Introduction: Bed Steps for Seniors
Navigating the challenges of mobility and independence as loved ones age or deal with an illness is a journey many families face. One area that challenges the mobility of many seniors is when they are trying to get into or out of bed. Some people are weak and cannot lift their legs. While others find that the bed that they’ve been sleeping in for years is to high and they need steps to get into bed now.
While working as a home health physical therapist, I have come across a product that has become a game-changer for many of my patients: the Step2Bed platform step. This is an adjustable, sturdy platform step specifically designed to help people get into and out of bed more safely. And for a lot of my patients, especially those with mobility issues, it has helped them stay independent. In this post, I will share insights and experiences that I have heard from my patients (and their families) who had safety concerns when it came to them being able to get into or out of bed without falling.
The Best Bed Steps for High Beds for Adults
Many of my patients use small step stools to help them into and out of the bed because their bed is too high. In some cases, this works, but in many cases it’s not safe and can lead to unintended falls. People have asked me, “Do they make steps to get into bed?” And I tell them a variation of what I have written in this blog post.
The Step2Bed stands out from other “bed steps” people generally use in the bedroom. This is because it’s not a “step” stool. It’s more of an elevated platform. This means that it’s plenty big for someone to stand on and not feel they may “fall off”. It has one higher sturdy metal handrail (that can also serve as a makeshift bed rail) as a primary means of support and a lower one that can be used in a pinch, the wide metal platform already mentioned, and height adjustable legs with rubber caps to prevent sliding. bottoms.
For anyone worried about balance or the step sliding on hardwood floors, these features provide a sense of security. One person, got one for their father after his surgery, and mentioned this in particular. Once they realized the platform wouldn’t slide on their wooden floors, they got rid of the area rug and just used the Step2Bed in its place.
Steps Into Bed That Are Adjustable
A key feature of the Step2Bed is its adjustability. The platform height can be easily raised or lowered to accommodate different bed heights and user heights as needed. Many of my patients have beds that are way too high to safely get into. Being able to adjust the height of the step makes it a lot easier to get into a high bed. And because the step has the sturdy hand rail, people use this to help them get into the right position in the bed.
Safety Features for Bed Steps
The Step2Bed isn’t just a step to help a person get into and out of bed; it also has another thoughtful safety feature built in. There is a motion-sensing platform light that comes on when a person’s legs swing onto or near the platform. As you can see, the light is pretty bright and lights up the platform and surrounding area. I don’t have to tell you how useful this is during the night. This is what was the “selling feature” for one of my patients that has to get up multiple times during the night and head for the bedside commode.
What People Say About Step2Bed
This particular piece of equipment has really had a big impact on those of my patients that use it. One patient’s daughter shared how much easier it is to use this step, rather than trying to figure out how to lower the whole bed frame itself. Another person said that the motion sensor light was a godsend because her father (who has dementia) refused to turn the light on at night when he made trips to the bathroom and now she doesn’t worry as much about him falling in the dark. And another family caregiver, whose husband has Parkinson’s, found the step indispensable because she no longer had to lift his legs up and help him as much when he got into or out of bed.
Using the Step2Bed in the Bathroom
As a home physical therapist, I am frequently amazed at the resourcefulness of many of my patients and their family caregivers. Necessity is the mother of invention as the saying goes. And one of my patients surprised me with the solution they came up with by using the Step2Bed in the bathroom. The family did not have access to a walk in shower and they were concerned about their mother having to step over the tub to take a shower. Their solution was to simply move the step into the bathroom and use it as grab bar as well as a step to get into and out of the tub. They said it worked well and there was no issues with slipping one way or the other. Although I cannot recommend this as it’s not made for the shower, my patients will come up with solutions to their problems that fit their own needs.
Negative Considerations for the Step2Bed Unit
While most people had only positive things to say about it, some did run into challenges. People said that the assembly can be a bit tricky but once it’s put together, there’s no issues at all. Another noted the height of the shorter rail could be problematic for those with severe mobility restrictions, proposing a redesign for more flexibility. But, personally, I don’t think this is a design flaw because the rail near the foot of the bed has to be lower, or else a person couldn’t easily lift their legs over it.
Conclusion
The Step2Bed is more than just a step; it’s a tool for independence, safety, and comfort. From aiding post-surgery recovery to assisting those with chronic conditions, its impact is significant. While there are areas for improvement, the overall sentiment is clear: the Step2Bed is a valuable investment for those seeking to maintain independence and safety in their own homes. As we continue to explore solutions for mobility and independence, the Step2Bed stands as a testament to the difference thoughtful design can make in people’s lives.
Bryan Williams
Physical Therapist
is a licensed therapist with near 30 years of professional experience treating a diverse patient population in a multitude of settings. With simple strategies, he educates and empowers his clients with simple strategies to help them move better and with less pain.