Home Safety

Getting in and out of bed safely, especially during the night, is important for reducing falls. A few simple changes can help make your bedroom safer and easier to move around.

This page looks at common bedroom risks and how to reduce them - from lighting and furniture height to keeping essentials within easy reach.

Make Getting In and Out of Bed Easier

• If your bed is too high or too low, it can be hard to get up or lie down safely.
• Consider the height of your mattress and whether it gives enough support — overly soft beds may make movement harder.
• Avoid bedding that’s slippery, trailing, or difficult to manage — especially at night.
• If another chair in the house is a better height for you, consider swapping them over or using cushions or risers safely.

Improve Night-time Safety 

• Use a plug-in night light or a motion-activated light to help you see clearly if you get up in the night.
• Keep the route from your bed to the bathroom free of obstacles. Avoid rugs or mats that could move underfoot.
• If you can, use a bedside lamp, torch or battery-operated push light within easy reach of the bed.
• Avoid using extension cables or overloading plug sockets — they’re a tripping and fire risk.

Keep Essentials Within Reach

• A sturdy bedside table can hold items like a drink, glasses, phone or pendant alarm.
• Avoid getting out of bed to retrieve things you use regularly — plan ahead and keep them nearby.
• If you wear a personal alarm, make sure it's accessible from the bed — ideally worn overnight or placed within easy reach.

Calling for Assistance

If you live alone or worry about needing help in the night, it’s a good idea to have a plan for calling assistance.

A personal alarm worn around your neck or wrist can offer peace of mind. Keep a mobile phone, torch or pendant alarm near your bed in case you need it during the night. Speak to your local support services about what's available.

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Find local help and support

If you need advice, practical help, equipment, home support, care services or local activities and exercise classes, visit Help and Contacts to find services and support available in your area.

Find local support

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Further information and resources

You may also find the following organisations and resources useful for more information, advice and support related to this topic.

Guide to improving sleep - NHS
How to improve your sleep - Age UK
Home adaptations, care services and equipment - NHS
Identifying hazards at home - NHSInform
Make your Home safer - Age UK
Preventing falls in your home: a room-by-room guide (video)
Preventing falls in your home: a guide to safety aids - RoSPA (video)
Preventing falls checklist - RoSPA

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