Sixteen Helpful Home Modifications for Seniors
by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger
13 Sep 2009 09:09 AM
Home modifications are one way to help a senior stay in his or her home safely -- rather than have to relocate with family or to an assisted living facility. Modifications can help a person adapt to changes in ability and health, prevent falls, and more.
In the bathroom:
- Replace the toilet with a higher (taller) model or one with a longer seat to make it easier to get up and down. This is especially useful for people in wheelchairs or with hip issues.
- Install grab bars around the bathtub and toilet to make getting up and down easier and safer.
- Install a handheld shower head. With a handheld shower head and a shower chair, a senior can safely shower sitting down -- cutting the risk of falling.
- Install larger shower and bath controls so a person with poor vision can see what they are doing!
- Swap knobs for lever controls on the sink, so a person with arthritis or a weak grip can use water easily.
In the kitchen:
- Lower countertops and sinks so they are easier for a person in a wheelchair to use.
- Store frequently-used items in places that are easy to reach.
- Provide plenty of seated kitchen workspace. A person seated is generally far more balanced than a person on their feet!
- Again, swap knobs for lever controls on the sink.
Throughout the house:
- Arrange furniture to provide the most open space and the clearest pathways -- especially if the person needs to use a walker or wheelchair!
- Make phones easily accessible, in case a person needs to call for help.
- Get phones with extra-loud ringers or some other way of getting attention (flashing lights) for people with hearing loss.
- Get phones with extra-large numbers for people with vision impairment.
- Make sure thresholds are level with the floor to reduce the risk of tripping.
- Make sure carpets and runners are securely fixed to the floor to reduce the risk of tripping.
- Install handrails in hallways and stairwells to help increase balance and reduce the risk of falls.
When modifying a home for a senior, try to introduce changes slowly so the person has time to adjust. Some folks deal better with change than others -- at any age!
