Bedroom

What is it?

A bed lever is a support rail or handle fitted beside the bed to provide something to hold onto when changing position or getting in and out of bed.

It can help a person use their arms to assist with movement, rather than relying only on their strength and balance.

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Who might it help?

A bed lever may help people who:

• Find moving from lying to sitting difficult

• Struggle to reposition themselves in bed

• Need support when getting in or out of bed

• Have reduced strength, balance, or confidence

• Experience difficulty following illness, injury, or a period of reduced mobility

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What difficulties does it address?

Moving in bed and getting up safely requires strength, coordination, balance, and the ability to control body movements.

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A bed lever can provide a stable handhold to assist with:

• Rolling in bed

• Moving from lying to sitting

• Steadying when sitting at the edge of the bed

• Supporting transfers in and out of bed

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Things to consider

• Can the person reach and grip the lever safely?

• Is the bed at an appropriate height?

• Is the lever compatible with the type of bed and mattress?

• Does the person have enough strength and understanding to use it safely?

• Is the bedroom layout allowing enough space for safe transfers?

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Safety considerations

A bed lever is not suitable for everyone.

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Potential concerns include:

• The lever must be correctly fitted and compatible with the bed

• Poor positioning may increase the risk of trapping a limb between the lever and mattress

• A person with significant confusion or cognitive impairment may not use it safely

• The lever should not encourage someone to pull forcefully if this increases strain or risk of injury

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It is important that the bed lever is secure and regularly checked, especially if the person relies on it every day.

What is it?

A bedside commode is a portable toilet that can be positioned near a person's bed or living area when getting to the bathroom is difficult or unsafe.

It usually consists of a chair with a removable container underneath, which can be emptied and cleaned.

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Who might it help?

A bedside commode may help people who:

• Have difficulty walking to the bathroom

• Are at increased risk of falling at night

• Have reduced mobility following illness, injury, or surgery

• Become very fatigued when walking longer distances

• Need quick access to toileting

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What difficulties does it address?

Getting to the toilet involves more than just walking. It requires the person to safely get out of bed, stand, balance, walk, turn, and transfer onto the toilet.

A bedside commode reduces the distance the person needs to travel, particularly at times when they may be more tired, less steady, or less alert, such as during the night.

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Things to consider

• Is the person able to transfer safely onto and off the commode?

• Is there enough space to position it safely beside the bed?

• Will the person understand when and how to use it?

• Is there a plan for emptying and cleaning it?

• Is it a temporary solution while someone recovers, or a longer-term need?

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Safety considerations

A bedside commode should not be placed where it creates a new hazard.

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Potential concerns include:

• Poor positioning may increase trip risk

• The person may still require support with transfers

• Someone with significant cognitive impairment may not recognise or use it safely

• Poor hygiene management can create infection risks

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For some people, a commode may support independence. For others, it may unintentionally reduce mobility if it replaces walking to the bathroom when walking remains safe and achievable.