The bedroom is often a simple room with a few large items that rarely get moved around. Ever since you were a small child, the bedroom consisted of a bed, a dresser, a nightstand, and possibly a desk. There was also a closet for your hanging clothes and other personal items.

Not much has changed to the furniture arrangement, but your body and your needs have. As people age, their eyesight starts to become less focused. Their hearing isn’t as sharp as it used to be. Movement in their knees, arms, and back becomes more limited.

Below is a list of simple fixes that the IM Store team has developed to make your bedroom meet your needs and make your life easier.

• Use night lights to provide nighttime orientation and visibility.
• Make sure your alarm clock is easy to operate, easy to hear, and easy to read.
• Store frequently used items near the bed so they can be easily reached when the lights are out.
• Consider a smaller light for reading in bed. Choose one that won’t disturb your sleeping spouse. If needed, add small magnifier to enlarge print.
• Use a bed cane or rail to help raise your self in and out of bed.
• Use a wedge pillow or other pillow types that can help elevate your head and upper body so you can sleep in a more comfortable position.
• Consider using smoke alarms which have both an alarm and a light.
• Avoid having power cords and extension cords out in the open where people are walking.
• Make sure that clothes in the closet are reachable. If the clothes rods or the shelves are too high; have them moved down to a more comfortable reaching height.
• Make sure lighting near or in closets is sufficient, as it may be difficult to distinguish certain colors in darker spaces. If not, switch to brighter lights or add extra light fixtures.
• If there are upper closet shelves, use a step stool with a handrail so you can balance with one hand while reaching above your head.
• Make sure sliding, folding, or hinged doors on closets are easy to open.
• Use dressing aids that help individuals with limited reach button shirts, put on bracelets, and socks.
• Have a sturdy chair or bench in the bedroom to sit on while dressing.
• Install lever handles to make the doors easier to grip and find in the dark. Also consider replacing cabinet and drawer pulls with D-shaped handles.
• Clear away the clutter on floors to prevent tripping points and to allow easy movement throughout bedroom.