Falling down happens quickly at home. A single misstep can ruin the day.

But you can lay the groundwork for a safer sleeping area through creative layering.

The “fall zone plan” is simply a combination of two helpful tools. An impact mat is used with a low bed to reduce hazard without making the room complicated.

There won’t be any miracle claims here. But there will be some setup ideas which could potentially aid in safer movement.

More importantly, these suggestions will have applications for many homes, regardless of layout or routines.

Why a fall zone plan is important at home

Bedrooms at home aren’t designed like caregiving areas. The narrow walkways and darkened corners present hazards.

At the same time, the Nighttime routines present even greater hazards.

During the night, people are typically drowsy. People usually don’t pick up their walkers in time.

So the bed to floor transition area presents its own dangers.

A blue print provides order and eliminates ‘guesswork’ for those times when decisions must be made under pressure.

Additionally, a blue print will provide a system for caregivers wishing to develop repetitive routines.

Common hazard moments to address when building your plan

Numerous falls occur within several similar scenarios. Develop your plan accordingly.

Quickly getting up to go to the restroom

Picking up your phone or water bottle

Rotating at the edge of the bed while sitting

Stabilizing before standing

Moving in low light conditions

Going around cords or rugs

Although you do not need to address all issues at once, begin with floor and bed heights.

Two layer defense: low bed + impact mat

Think of this as Two layers of protection. High quality hospital rental beds protects by shortening the fall distance. The impact mat protects by providing cushioning next to common exit paths.

Thus each component complements the other.

Low beds can facilitate easy foot to floor contacts. While impact mats can provide additional cushioning near common exit routes.

What can low beds support?

Low beds can assist with many daily movements. However, the position of the low bed must be ideal for effective usage.

You will be able to reach your feet to the ground sooner

Transferring may seem less frightening

Sit to stand transitions at night may be more smooth

Care providers can establish consistent bed heights

Additionally, low beds can help to limit the drop when/if someone does experience a fall. Thus the mat serves as a valuable ally.

What does an impact mat add?

Impact mats serve as a buffer zone. They cannot completely remove hazards; however, they may alleviate concerns.

Furthermore, the top quality mats tend to resist curling and sliding.

Provides cushioning to a potential side fall

Creates a visual barrier adjacent to the bed

Prompts users to step onto a stable surface

Protects the hip, knee, and elbow joints from the hardness of floors

However, mats only function effectively when properly positioned. This is why the following section is important.

Identifying the “Exit Side” and the “roll side”

Most people utilize one side of the bed. Consequently, that side is referred to as the “Exit Side.” Conversely, the opposing side of the bed is typically designated as the “roll side.”

Both sides of the bed should therefore be treated distinctly. Do not view the entire room as a symmetrical box.

Determining which side is the Exit Side

Observe behavior, not guesswork. Additionally observe 2 or 3 days of behavior.

Is that side nearest to the path to the bathroom?

Is that side where the walker is located?

Is that side closest to the bedside table?

On which side do you normally sit?

You can then install the mat in the proper location. Moreover, you can also remove obstructions along that path.

Determining which side is the roll side

The roll side is important at night. During this time individuals tend to drift toward or rotate about the edges of their beds.

However, you can decrease risk by planning your space.

Keep sharp objects far from the roll side.

Prevent small tables with pointed edges being located on that side.

If there’s sufficient space available, use a wider mat.

Move any cords away from that side.

Use pillows or bolster cushions judiciously as soft barriers if required.

Selecting an impact mat wisely to avoid creating additional hazards

An impact mat can help, but a poorly selected mat can cause a tripping hazard.

Thus, select carefully.

Design considerations include material density and edge shape. Furthermore, how smooth or bumpy is the surface when wearing socks?

Practical features of an ideal impact mat

You do not require marketing hype. Instead, examine physical characteristics.

Edges with rounded surfaces to prevent toes from catching

Anti slip bottom to hold mat firmly on floor surface

Thick dense foam that rapidly returns to original state after compressive force applied

Surface that is easily cleaned for continued use in household settings

Note that a thicker mat isn’t always better. Rather than selecting a mat that is too thick for current mobility and shoe wear, match the mat thickness to those factors.

Basic rules for installing and positioning an impact mat

Simpler changes to space can produce large results. Safety is sometimes achieved through something’s presence away from harm.

Position the mat in line with where your feet typically land.

Create space for someone using a lift chair to turn 180 degrees

Do not block air conditioning vents if possible

Leave at least one piece of tape open for caregiver attachment.

Additionally, check the mat daily at first, so that you discover any curling or shifting promptly.

Tips for choosing and setting up low beds

Low beds are designed differently. Some low beds are designed to be low enough for high risk situations. Other low beds are designed high enough for caregiver needs.

While it makes sense that a balanced approach exists between both requirements, it’s essential to understand that different models of low beds exist for different purposes.

For example, if you search for Stryker beds for sale for home use in listings you’ll commonly see that phrase appear when people desire a hospital style frame at home.

Always verify specific features of your chosen model, including minimum height when purchasing.

You might also encounter durable medical equipment lift chair rentals during holiday sales or special promotions and compare service, delivery and parts support vs cost.

In addition, you may receive bundles of rails, mattresses and mats from certain vendors.

Features of low beds that support a fall zone plan

Your desired outcome (i.e., fall zone) doesn’t work as well with just any low bed. Prioritize these features:

Silence use lowest possible minimum height to offset distance of fall

Easy operation of height adjustment mechanism is necessary and should dampen motion

Frame stability prevents rocking lift chair

Quietness at night so people can sleep undisturbed

Also note that bed width influences ability to turn. Measure the length of your bedroom prior to purchase.

Where “recovery” fits into your plan

When some families are put in a room after a surgical procedure, they seek comfort plus safer movement.

They type in searches such as “post surgical recovery hospital bed for rent,” looking for temporary functionality.

However, many end up keeping the configuration for longer periods.

In addition, both low bed and mat configurations can support routine after recovery.

Creating the Night Routine Around the blue print

Your blueprint functions best when supported by routine and habits. Unpredictable habits create unpredictable hazards.

Small rituals can mitigate impulsive actions during rush hour.

Begin by ensuring adequate lighting, then implement a consistent “exit sequence”.

Consequently, your body expects the same action sequence each time.

Small night time routine improvements

These improvements can promote more stability in your movement patterns and can be implemented in minutes.

If you wish to install a light that automatically turns on/off as you enter/leave your bedroom consider installing a motion night light by your bed.

Store your walker in the same spot each evening.

Store your water container anywhere except on the floor.

Install non-skid slippers adjacent to your mat.

Don’t store items under your lift chair clean and predictability are key.

One “Two minute Safety check” before sleep

This check can prevent unexpected surprises and reduce stress for caregivers.

Verify that your mat is laying flat and straight

Remove any rugs that are loose along the pathway

Take cords off climbable paths on the Exit Side

Test whether light switch works or if it’s a light at night

Confirm phone and eyewear placement

Perform this test each morning as well. Establish daily practices.