To develop an attractive, comfortable and safe bedroom for someone who requires high levels of mobility does not have to be an expensive task. It is possible to develop a beautiful and serene bedroom that has the ability to provide a calming experience, while also providing the caregiver and the individual who needs assistance with easy and efficient access to assist the person who needs help.

 

The “War on Friction”: Picking the Right Floors

The type of flooring you decide to install will determine the ease of movement throughout your home. There is nothing wrong with having thick carpeted areas in your home, but if the carpets are too thick, they can hinder the movement of a piece of equipment used by a caregiver to transfer an elderly person from one place to another. In addition, the added friction of thick carpets can cause the caregiver to struggle when trying to transfer the individual. Sometime, this could create additional safety issues for both the caregiver and the elderly individual.

In contrast, choosing a smooth and durable type of flooring, such as vinyl plank or laminate flooring that resembles wood flooring, can provide caregivers with the ability to easily move and position a piece of equipment, which is important in transferring an elderly person. It’s always a good idea to test your existing floors to see how easily a piece of equipment will be able to move across them. Some individuals find it helpful to rent a Hoyer lift near me to try out a piece of equipment in their home before making any decisions. Trying the equipment out in their home gives them an opportunity to see how the equipment moves through the area and if there are any necessary adjustments that need to be made to the layout.

 

The 360-Degree Pivot: Developing the “Magic Circle.

Another key principle of flow-first design is creating what we call the “Magic Circle.” This is essentially a circular area approximately five feet wide around the bed or primary chair in the room. The Magic Circle provides enough room for the caregiver to completely turn and move a piece of equipment (such as a Hoyer lift) without having to worry about bumping into any objects in the area.

While many individuals focus on the cost of renting a patient lift, the true value comes from how well the lift performs in relation to the layout of the room. A properly developed area to pivot allows for less effort and stress for the caregiver, increases the safety of the caregiver and the individual requiring care, and improves the efficiency of the care process.

Furniture Minimalism: Selecting Furniture That Supports Mobility

Furniture that sits on the ground can obstruct the path of a caregiver and the equipment she/he is using. Therefore, instead of selecting furniture that is heavy and sits on the ground, select furniture that has legs or is elevated off the ground. This will enable the caregiver to move the equipment under the furniture. In addition to enhancing the functionality of the space, elevated furniture will provide a perception of openness and minimize the visual clutter of the room. An elevated visual layout will create a sense of relaxation in the space and minimize the perception of the space being clinical.

 

Reducing Clutter: Enhancing Movement and Usability

Cluttered spaces do not promote movement or usability. Removing unnecessary furniture from the space and maintaining a clear pathway will improve the ability of caregivers to safely and efficiently move through the space. Additionally, removing clutter from the space will enhance the sense of peace and serenity in the space.

To achieve both functionality and aesthetic appeal, please follow the following basic principles:

• Maintain a minimum of a 5-foot clearance around the bed or chair.
• Install a low-friction surface, such as vinyl or laminate, for the flooring.
• Use furniture that has legs for improved access to the equipment.
• Avoid overcrowding the space with unnecessary items.
• Test your design by renting a Hoyer lift near me prior to completing the design.

Discreet Storage Options: Concealing Equipment

One of the largest design dilemmas is hiding the presence of mobility equipment. When the equipment is not in use, it should not visually dominate the space. Utilizing a designated storage area will preserve a clean and aesthetically pleasing environment.

There are numerous methods available for concealing equipment, including decorative screens, curtains, and tall plants. When searching for a Hoyer lift rental near me, ask about compact or collapsible models. These types of models make it significantly easier to store the equipment discreetly without compromising the overall aesthetic of the space.

 

Disclaimer: This post is for informational and design purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional or occupational therapist before using mobility equipment or making significant home modifications.