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By Walkers4Seniors Editorial Team · Last updated October 2026
In short: If your bed is so high that your feet don’t rest flat on the floor when you sit on the edge, a wide bedside step stool with a handrail can make getting in and out of bed steadier. Look for a non-slip surface, a handle you can grip, a way to fix the stool to the bed frame, and a night light, because many bedroom falls happen on the way to the bathroom in the dark.
Why Are High Beds a Fall Risk for Seniors?
Modern mattresses, toppers and box springs have pushed many beds well above the height that is comfortable for older adults. When your feet dangle, you have to slide or hop down to the floor. That moment, half on and half off the bed, is when balance is weakest.
Falls are common: the CDC reports that more than one in four older adults falls each year. The bedroom, especially at night, is one of the places where it happens most.
How Do You Know If Your Bed Is Too High?
- Sit on the edge of the mattress. Your feet should rest flat on the floor with your knees bent at about 90 degrees.
- If your heels don’t touch the floor, the bed is too high for you.
- If you have to push off with your arms and “drop” to stand, it is too high.
The first fix is often free: a thinner topper or a lower bed frame. When that isn’t possible, for example with an adjustable bed or a shared bed, a step stool is the next option.
What Should You Look for in a Bedside Step Stool?
- A wide platform. A short stool forces you to place your foot in exactly one spot. A long platform lets you step down naturally.
- A handrail. Something solid to hold while you shift your weight.
- Non-slip surfaces on the step and on the feet.
- Straps or a way to secure it to the bed, so it can’t slide away.
- A night light for bathroom trips.
- A weight rating well above your body weight.
Our Pick: ShutuFly Bed Step Stool with Handle
The ShutuFly Bed Step Stool with Handle checks most of the boxes on the list above. According to the manufacturer:
- 28.3-inch wide platform, much longer than a typical 12 to 17-inch step stool.
- Foam-covered handrail for a secure grip.
- Two securing straps that fasten the stool to the bed so it doesn’t slide or tip.
- Rechargeable motion-sensor LED light that turns on when you move in the dark and turns off after about 20 seconds.
- Steel frame and wooden step, rated for up to 400 lbs.
- Comes with a storage bag. Price at the time of writing: about $110 on Amazon.
It can also be used beside a bathtub or as a step into a high car, though always check with an occupational therapist before using any step in a wet bathroom.
Who Should NOT Use a Bedside Step Stool?
- Anyone who cannot stand on one leg for a few seconds while holding a rail.
- Anyone with frequent dizziness when standing up (orthostatic hypotension). Sit on the edge of the bed for a minute first, and ask your doctor.
- People who use a walker for every step. Getting the walker and the stool to work together can be awkward; a lower bed or a bed assist rail may be safer.
Tips for Using a Step Stool Safely at Night
- Keep your walker or cane within reach of the bed.
- Sit up, wait a moment, then hold the handrail before stepping down.
- Wear non-slip slippers, never socks alone.
- Keep the path from bed to bathroom clear and lit.
- If the walk to the bathroom at night is long or unsteady, a bedside commode can shorten it.
Want to check your overall fall risk? Try our Timed Up and Go test calculator, and make sure your walker fits with the walker adjustment guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high should a bed be for a senior?
There is no single correct number. Sit on the edge of the mattress: your feet should rest flat on the floor with your knees bent at about 90 degrees. If your heels do not touch the floor, the bed is too high for you.
Is a bedside step stool safe for elderly people?
It can be, if the platform is wide, the stool is strapped or fixed to the bed frame, it has a sturdy handrail and a non-slip surface, and you can stand briefly on one leg while holding the rail. It is not a good choice for people with frequent dizziness on standing or who need a walker for every step.
What can I use instead of a step stool for a high bed?
Lowering the bed is usually safer: a thinner mattress topper, a low-profile box spring or a lower bed frame. A bed assist rail gives you something to hold while you sit up and stand, without adding a step.
Should a bedside step stool have a light?
A motion-sensor light helps on night-time bathroom trips. The CDC’s home safety checklist also recommends a nightlight in the bedroom so you can see where you are walking.
Sources: CDC Older Adult Falls Data; CDC STEADI: Check for Safety.