Ask The Expert!
by Candy Harrington, editor of Emerging Horizons
Looking for a High Bed
My brother has a hard time getting around due to arthritis. He uses a cane, but his biggest problem is with getting out of bed or up from a chair. At home he has a high bed, which works well for him, because he doesn’t have to use much effort to get up. We want to take a road trip together, and I’m wondering how I can find hotels that have high beds.
Unfortunately bed height is something that isn't covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Furthermore, it's a pretty controversial issue; as some people, like your brother, prefer higher beds, while many wheelchair-users prefer lower beds for easier transfers. The good news (for you) is, higher beds are all the rage now. They are usually called pillow-tops or dream beds; and any hotel that advertises their luxury bedding probably has the higher beds.
The best way to find a bed that will suit your brother’s needs is to simply call the property and ask about the height of their beds. If the reservation agent can’t answer your questions, then ask to speak to the housekeeping department. These folks have hands-on experience with the rooms, and if they don’t know the answer, they can always go and measure the bed for you.
You might also ask about toilet height, as this may be an issue too. You can always ask if they can put on a toilet riser (not required). The regulations say toilets have to be between 17-19 inches, but even that top end is too low for some people. You could also carry your own toilet riser with you.
Of course even if you call the hotel and ask how high the beds are, you still may end up in a room that won’t work for your brother. As a backup, you might want to invest in some furniture risers to pack along with you. That way, if you get there and find that the bed is too low, you can always raise it yourself.
— January 7, 2010
