Ensuring safety and accessibility in aged care environments is paramount, particularly when it comes to tasks that involve height access. Whether it’s reaching for a cupboard, stepping into a bath, or transferring between furniture, older individuals often face increased risks of slips, trips, and falls. Fortunately, a range of specialised equipment exists to reduce these hazards, preserve independence, and support carers in delivering safe assistance.
Understanding the Risks of Height Access in Aged Care
Ageing often brings physical changes such as reduced mobility, muscle weakness, impaired balance, and slower reaction times. These factors significantly increase the likelihood of falls during height-related tasks, a leading cause of injury in older adults. In fact, approximately 30% of Australians over 65 experience at least one fall per year, with many occurring during routine activities like getting in and out of bed or reaching elevated storage.
Carers must therefore identify areas where height access poses challenges and implement solutions that improve safety without compromising the dignity or independence of those in care.
Key Equipment for Safer Height Access
A range of assistive devices is specifically designed to make height access safer and more manageable for older individuals. Below are some of the most effective and commonly used options in residential and clinical care settings.
1. Step Stools with Support Rails
Unlike regular household step stools, those designed for aged care include non-slip surfaces, sturdy handrails, and wide, reinforced steps to provide maximum stability. These are especially useful in environments where reaching up is frequently required, such as kitchens or medication storage areas. When looking for stable and portable steps for care settings, it’s important to prioritise features like rubber-tipped legs to prevent slipping and handrails positioned at a height that offers ergonomic support. The inclusion of handrails helps the user maintain a steady centre of gravity while ascending or descending, enhancing both safety and confidence during everyday tasks.
2. Adjustable Bed Steps and Transfer Aids
Getting in and out of bed can be difficult when the bed height is not suited to the user’s physical capability. Adjustable bed steps and transfer aids provide a customised solution. These products are often height-adjustable, feature slip-resistant treads, and are built with a low-rise design to ensure each step requires minimal effort.
3. Shower and Bath Steps
Wet environments pose an even higher risk for falls, making bathroom-specific steps vital for aged care. Shower and bath steps typically feature drainage holes, rubber grips, and anti-microbial surfaces to reduce the risk of slipping and to maintain hygiene standards. When paired with wall-mounted grab rails, they provide a safer transition into bathtubs or raised shower areas.
4. Purpose-Built Mobility Steps for Care Environments
In many aged care settings, carers and residents benefit from equipment that supports both safety and portability. These steps are designed to be lightweight yet secure, allowing for easy relocation between rooms while maintaining the safety required for regular use. This flexibility is especially valuable in facilities where space and adaptability are limited.
5. Bed and Chair Raisers
Another essential consideration in height access is modifying existing furniture to meet the mobility needs of the user. Bed and chair raisers elevate seating or sleeping surfaces to reduce the effort required when sitting or standing. These can often be adjusted incrementally to match the individual’s comfort and physical capabilities, promoting safer transfers and easing pressure on joints.
The Right Equipment for The Right Needs
Choosing the most suitable height-access equipment involves evaluating the specific needs of the person in care. Considerations include their level of mobility, upper and lower limb strength, balance, and cognitive awareness. Equipment should always comply with relevant Australian safety standards and be easy to maintain in shared or clinical use.
Consulting with occupational therapists or mobility specialists can also ensure that selected devices are well-suited to the care environment and the user’s long-term needs.
