As we age, if we plan to
remain in our homes, we must prepare and anticipate possible needs. Besides mobility
and safety issues, think about other problematic areas, i.e. how and where
things should be stored or how to make food and meal preparation easier. Small things that make life easier need to be
considered. A Physical or Occupational therapist or Certified Aging in Place
Specialist can help. Here are some
things to consider:
Bedroom:
Alarm Clock –One with large controls, big numbers or possibly projects on the ceiling.
Alarm Clock –One with large controls, big numbers or possibly projects on the ceiling.
Bed – Is there enough space to move around it easily? Height?
Rugs –Avoid using area rugs
or attach the rug to the floor. Avoid thick rugs.
Closet – Install bi-fold doors and place items at eye level.
Closet – Install bi-fold doors and place items at eye level.
Bathroom:
Bath/Shower – Use non-slip mat. Use bath products in easy-to-handle plastic containers. Install a thermostat-controlled faucet and grab bars in bath and at toilet. Use a bath/shower chair and a hand-held shower.
Floor – Use mats that have a non-skid backing.
Toilet – Install a “comfort” height (taller) toilet or use a raised toilet seat.
Bath/Shower – Use non-slip mat. Use bath products in easy-to-handle plastic containers. Install a thermostat-controlled faucet and grab bars in bath and at toilet. Use a bath/shower chair and a hand-held shower.
Floor – Use mats that have a non-skid backing.
Toilet – Install a “comfort” height (taller) toilet or use a raised toilet seat.
Kitchen:
Cupboards/ drawers – Place the most frequently used plates, cups, and cookware within easy reach or in drawers below counter level. Place heavy items at eye level or in a pull-out pantry. Use larger handles and knobs for cabinets and drawers.
Kitchen sink – Place a shock-absorbing rubber mat on the bottom. Install a mixer-tap with thermostat control.
Microwave – Choose a model that has touch-sensitive controls or soft-notched buttons. A drawer model reduces the risk of injury.
Cupboards/ drawers – Place the most frequently used plates, cups, and cookware within easy reach or in drawers below counter level. Place heavy items at eye level or in a pull-out pantry. Use larger handles and knobs for cabinets and drawers.
Kitchen sink – Place a shock-absorbing rubber mat on the bottom. Install a mixer-tap with thermostat control.
Microwave – Choose a model that has touch-sensitive controls or soft-notched buttons. A drawer model reduces the risk of injury.
Living room:
Armchairs –Chairs with firm cushions or an electric seat lift chair.
Armchairs –Chairs with firm cushions or an electric seat lift chair.
Remote
control – Consider a universal remote that has large buttons; some are illuminated.
Lamps – Use lamps that won’t easily tip over. Touch-sensitive lamps are easier to use.
Lamps – Use lamps that won’t easily tip over. Touch-sensitive lamps are easier to use.
Telephone
–Use a cordless, allowing unlimited movement and reducing trips.
Other:
Stairs – Light the entire stairwell and clearly mark where stairs
begin and end. Bannisters should run the
full length on both sides.
Hallways/corridors – Large, illuminated light switches or motion-detector lights. Install hand rails if needed.
Hallways/corridors – Large, illuminated light switches or motion-detector lights. Install hand rails if needed.
Doors – Mark thresholds with a strip of
brightly-colored tape or paint. Use standard lever handles on both interior and
exterior doors.
Alarms – Use a personal emergency response system. Many home alarm systems also include this at no additional cost. Home alarm systems should have a remote to activate/deactivate the system. Washing machine/dryer – Select front loading machines. Get models that have touch-sensitive control panels, or controls with large knobs.
Alarms – Use a personal emergency response system. Many home alarm systems also include this at no additional cost. Home alarm systems should have a remote to activate/deactivate the system. Washing machine/dryer – Select front loading machines. Get models that have touch-sensitive control panels, or controls with large knobs.
Door – Use an electric garage
door opener with remote control and wall switch.
Outdoors
– Shubbery trimmed near doorway.
Level walkways. Motion detector
flood lights. Bannisters on both sides of steps.
Rachel Carson is the owner of
Home Instead Senior Care and a retired Physical Therapist.
