Floor beds for adults have become essential in skilled nursing, long-term care, and home recovery environments, particularly after a fall. Older adults recovering from injuries such as hip fractures, traumatic brain injuries, or spinal trauma often struggle with transfers in and out of standard-height beds, increasing their risk of further injury. Floor beds address this issue by minimizing the height from which a patient could fall while offering the adjustability and therapeutic positioning needed during recovery. These beds are specifically designed to improve safety, promote mobility, and support caregivers in providing effective assistance.
What is a Floor Bed for Adults?
A floor bed is a height-adjustable bed designed to sit close to the ground, typically between 2 and 4 inches, to reduce the risk of injury from falls. These beds are commonly used in skilled nursing facilities, long-term care, and home environments for seniors or individuals with mobility impairments.
Who Should Use a Floor Bed?
Floor beds are especially beneficial for older adults at high risk of falling, individuals with dementia or Parkinson’s disease, patients recovering from fractures, or those with limited mobility. Medical professionals often recommend floor beds to support safer transfers and reduce reliance on restraints or side rails.
Why Choose a Floor Bed for Adults After a Fall?
Falls account for over 3 million emergency room visits each year in adults aged 65 and older. When a fall results in a hip fracture, traumatic brain injury, or spinal damage, traditional beds can become a hazard. Floor beds address this by:
- Reducing the height to as low as 2–4 inches, minimizing injury risk if a fall occurs from the bed
- Improving caregiver ergonomics for transfers and hygiene routines
- Offering adjustable positioning to assist with recovery and pressure relief
- Accommodating patients with dementia, Parkinson’s, stroke, or limited mobility
Top 8 Floor Beds for Adults
1. Height Adjustable Reclining Floor Bed
| Accora Floor Bed High Low Hospital Bed View Product |
This bed combines ultra-low height with electric reclining, offering an ideal solution for adults recovering from moderate to severe falls. With a floor clearance of just 3.6 inches and a full recline function, it provides a safe environment for users with high fall risk or impaired mobility.
Best for: Skilled nursing and home care following hip fractures or neurological conditions.
Key Features:
- Height range: 2.8 inches to 25.6 inches
- Electric recline and lift functions
- Stylish head/footboards for a home-like feel
2. Descend Ultra-Low Bed by Med-Mizer
| Descend Ultra Low Adjustable Floor Bed for Homecare from Prius Healthcare View Product |
This ultra-low bed descends to just 3.6 inches, making it a strong option for patients with cognitive impairments or non-compliance with bed safety systems. It also expands in width to accommodate various body types.
Best for: Memory care and behavioral health units.
Key Features:
- Height range: 2.7 inches to 25 inches
- One-touch electric height and width adjustment
- Compact design
3. Empresa Floor Bed by Accora
| Accora Empresa Hi-Low Hospital Bed | Height Range 3.9-31.5in. View Product |
The Empresa offers high-end clinical features with a residential aesthetic, making it ideal for aging-in-place environments. The bed includes Trendelenburg, reverse Trendelenburg, and ultra-low height settings, giving users comfort and safety without sacrificing design.
Best for: Seniors transitioning from hospital to home after surgery or trauma.
Key Features:
- Height range: 3.9 inches to 31.5 inches
- Advanced positioning options
- Stylish and discreet with smooth, quiet operation
4. FloorLine LTC Low Bed by Human Care
| Human Care FloorLine Long-Term Care Low Bed View Product |
This long-term care bed lowers to just under 4 inches and offers fall protection without the use of side rails. Its frame design helps reduce the impact of accidental roll-outs and supports safer repositioning.
Best for: Long-term care patients with advanced frailty.
Key Features:
- Height range: 3.7 inches to 27.5 inches
- Smooth transitions for caregivers
- Designed specifically for skilled nursing use
5. AllCare Bariatric Bed by CostCare
| AllCare Adjustable Floor Bed by Med Mizer View Product |
This bariatric floor bed offers both height and width adjustability and supports up to 750 lbs. It accommodates a broad range of adult users and helps maintain dignity and safety for those who require additional support post-fall.
Best for: Bariatric patients needing ultra-low access.
Key Features:
- Height range: 3.6 inches to 25 inches
- 36” to 54” adjustable width
- Easy-to-use electric adjustments
6. Low Bed with Reclining Head Section by Hermann
| Low Bed with Adjustable Head Section from MJM International View Product |
This low bed offers a stable and practical solution for adult patients who require a safer bed height without compromising on comfort. With a fixed low height of 9.5 inches and a manually adjustable reclining head section, it supports basic positioning needs while helping reduce fall risk in assisted living or home environments. Its sturdy construction and minimal design make it ideal for those seeking a cost-effective alternative to high-end floor beds.
Best for: Adults with moderate fall risk needing a reliable, low-profile bed for home or assisted living use.
Key Features:
- Fixed height: 5, 8, or 11 inches
- Manually adjustable head section
- Durable frame with minimalist footprint
- Ideal for basic post-fall safety and comfort
7. Contessa Floor Bed by Accora
| Accora Contessa Floor Bed for Fall Prevention - Adjustable Low Bed with Wood Finish View Product |
This is one of the lowest beds on the market, reaching just 2.6 inches off the floor. Its minimal profile makes it ideal for patients who are non-weight-bearing, confused, or recovering from multiple injuries.
Best for: Highest fall-risk patients, including those with dementia or recent fractures.
Key Features:
- Height range: 3.9 inches to 29 inches
- Compact, residential design
- Smooth and silent height adjustments
8. FloorLine-i Plus Low Hospital Bed by Human Care
| Low Hospital Bed - Floor Line-i Plus Low Hospital Bed from Human Care View Product |
The FloorLine-i Plus is designed to sit just 3.1 inches from the ground, making it one of the lowest hospital beds available for adult care. This bed combines maximum fall protection with modern functionality, offering both caregivers and patients peace of mind. Its intuitive hand control and battery backup system ensure consistent performance in skilled nursing and home care settings.
Best for: Adults at extreme fall risk who require hospital-grade performance in a low-profile bed.
Key Features:
- Height range:3.9 inches to 31.4 inches
- Handset-controlled electric adjustments
- Battery backup for uninterrupted operation
- Suitable for long-term care and post-fall recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
Are floor beds safe for elderly patients?
Yes, floor beds are one of the safest options for elderly patients at risk of rolling out of bed. By lowering the bed height to nearly floor level, the risk of injury from a fall is significantly minimized. When used with fall mats and proper lighting, they enhance both safety and independence.
Do floor beds replace the need for side rails?
In many cases, yes. Floor beds reduce the need for side rails because the risk of injury from rolling out is greatly diminished. This is especially important for patients with cognitive decline, where side rails may pose a restraint risk or cause agitation.
Can floor beds be used in home care settings?
Absolutely. Many floor beds, such as the Empresa or Contessa by Accora, are designed with residential aesthetics and advanced functionality, making them ideal for home use. These beds offer both safety and comfort without creating a clinical atmosphere.
What features should I look for in a floor bed for adults?
Key features include ultra-low minimum height (2–4 inches), electric adjustability, compatibility with accessories like trapeze bars or lift systems, and options for Trendelenburg positioning. For bariatric users, width expansion and high weight capacity are also important.
How do I choose between different floor beds?
The right choice depends on the user’s condition. For memory care, ultra-low floor beds like the Descend or Contessa are ideal. For bariatric care, models like the AllCare Bariatric Bed provide essential width and weight accommodations. Consider caregiver needs, home space, and patient goals in the selection process.
Final Thoughts
Floor beds for adults play a critical role in post-fall recovery and ongoing injury prevention. Their ultra-low height, ergonomic design, and clinical adjustability make them a preferred solution in skilled nursing facilities, memory care units, and home care settings. When selected carefully, a floor bed can help prevent further injuries, improve comfort, and support long-term rehabilitation goals.
Each of the models listed in this guide has been evaluated for its safety features, adjustability, and compatibility with the needs of adults who have experienced a fall. By choosing the right bed based on individual mobility, cognitive status, and caregiver support needs, you can significantly enhance both safety and quality of life for your patient.
Shop For Low Beds, Fall Prevention, Low Bed Frames, High Low Hospital Beds
Author:
Hulet Smith, OTR/L, MBA, CEO
Co-founder/CEO of Rehabmart, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, husband, and father. Passionate about connecting special needs kids with superb nutrition, sensory integration, and complementary health strategies. Excited about Rehabmart's mission to become the premier online educational platform which empowers caregivers by spotlighting innovative devices and interventions to achieve optimal patient response and recovery.
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