- Night light or switch near bed
Good lighting that is easy turn on from your bed can reduce night time falls.
- Path to bathroom well-lit
Make sure lighting at night is good enough to light the way to the bathroom.
- Bulbs working and bright enough
Replace dim or dead bulbs promptly.
- Keep torch by bed
Having an easy to reach torch can be useful during power cuts.
- Floors clear of clutter such as shoes, clothes, bags or wires
Clutter is a frequent bedroom fall hazard.
- Rugs
Loose rugs are a common tripping risk. Make sure rugs are removed or secured to the floor with nonslip backing or double-sided tape.
- Clear path across floor
Make sure there is a clear path to the door and bathroom to prevent night time falls.
- Correct bed height
With your feet flat on the floor sitting at the edge of the bed, your knees should be at a right angle. Too high or too low increases your fall risk during transfers.
- Trouble getting in or out of bed
If you feel a bed rail would help you it is important to get professional advice about the safe and appropriate and fitting of these. This is because they can, in certain circumstances, increase the risk of injury or death from entrapment or falls.
- Essential items kept next to bed
Keeping the items you need, like glasses, phone and medication, within reach prevents unsafe reaching or rushing.
- Furniture arranged to allow you to move safely
Poorly placed furniture can block paths and cause you to have to make awkward manoeuvres.
- Low tables or sharp corners
If there are low tables or sharp corners near walkways they can cause you to stumble in dim light.
- Electrical cords away from walkways
Trailing wires are a frequent cause of tripping.
- Phone or alert device
Keep your phone or alert device within easy reach at night to prevent rushing to answer calls or in case of emergency.
Last updated on 14/05/2026