A portable step stool can be a great help to elderly or less able people. They are useful for getting in and out of bed or the bath, as well as reaching things on high shelves. However, it’s important to be mindful of the safety aspect before purchasing a portable step stool. If a person has a problem with balance, using a step stool may not be safe. Or it might only be appropriate for getting in and out of bed, but not reaching for things.
If you or your relative are in reasonably good health and has good balance, a step stool will be very handy. They are much safer than standing on chairs or boxes, for example to dust lampshades or picture frames. If someone lives alone and does these things for themselves, a step stool will be a huge help. Step stools can help people to maintain their independence and autonomy for longer.
Where can a step stool be used?
Wherever someone is struggling to reach things, be it a bowl on a high shelf or to get into bed. There are things you can do to help before purchasing a step stool, such as moving things to where they can be more easily accessed. Actions that were once automatic become harder as we age, such as reaching the windowsill behind the kitchen sink. A step stool adds enough extra height to do things like this, without being dangerous. Getting in and out of the bath is often difficult for elderly people. A step stool gives them the bit of extra height they need to access a nice warm bath safely and comfortably.
The bedroom is also a good space to have a step stool. Beds can also be lowered, or you can buy beds that move to help elderly or less able people to climb in and out. However, this may be too expensive to consider, in which case a step stool is a great solution. Some step stools come with handles, which make balancing easier. When positioned by the bed grabbing a handle can make it easier to sit up.
Make sure that the stool you choose has a large enough surface area. The person using it should be able to comfortably place both feet on the top of the stool. The step must be non-slip, and should be covered in textured rubber, like wheelchair ramps are. It should also be lightweight so that it can be easily carried from room to room. Finally, choose a step stool with a handle, as this will offer extra stability when climbing out of bed or the bath.