Simple Steps for a More Accessible Home for Seniors

A Safer Home for Aging Gracefully

As the population ages, home safety becomes one of the top concerns for families. The good news is that making a home more accommodating for seniors doesn't require a major overhaul. Instead, a series of practical changes can greatly enhance comfort, accessibility, and safety. In this article, we will go over a few of the low hanging fruit for modifying a house to be age-friendly.

1. Grab Bars and Railings: Not Just Bathroom Accessories

Imagine the security of having a steady hand to hold onto just when balance is most needed. That’s what grab bars offer, a lifeline in the tricky areas of the home.

Optimal Placement:

• Bathrooms: Grab bars should be strategically placed around the toilet and inside the shower or bathtub. For toilets, positioning bars on both sides about 33-36 inches from the floor helps ensure stability. A vertical bar near the toilet can provide additional assistance for those transitioning from sitting to standing.
• Showers: Installing vertical bars at the shower entrance provides steady support, while horizontal bars along the wall allow for easier maneuvering while washing.
• Staircases: Two handrails on either side of stairs extend safety all the way from the top to the bottom step, making these high-risk zones significantly safer.
• Bed: There are specialized grab bars that sit partially under the mattress that can help older adults get in and out of bed easily.

How to Install:

Attaching grab bars securely is extremely important, or you can do more harm than good. Call a licensed contractor or handyman if you don't feel confident installing them on your own. Ideally, mount them into wall studs for maximum strength. When studs aren’t conveniently located, heavy-duty toggle bolts are an alternative solution, especially for installations involving tile or drywall. These bars should withstand at least 250 pounds, following ADA guidelines.

Design Tips:

• Choose rust-resistant materials like stainless steel or brass, particularly in wet spaces. A textured surface helps prevent hands from slipping, even when wet.
• A grab bar’s diameter should be comfortable: 1.25 to 1.5 inches suits most people’s grip.

2. The Power of Proper Lighting

Vision naturally declines with age, making adequate lighting extremely important. A well lit room can have beneficial effects on mood, safety, and makes it feel like more of a home.

General Tips for a Bright, Safe Home:

• Brighten up overall lighting with energy-efficient LED bulbs, which last longer and reduce maintenance. They help lower power bills, which is especially helpful for people on a fixed income.
• Simulate natural light cycles with adjustable color temperature lighting, a simple but effective way to aid in regulating circadian rhythms.

Strategic Enhancements:

• Stairways and Hallways: Motion-sensor lighting ensures these areas are well-lit whenever someone is passing through.
• Bathrooms: Nightlights or dim, low-level illumination can be lifesavers for midnight trips without the harsh glare of overhead lights.
• Bedrooms: Bedside lamps with touch controls or easily accessible switches are practical additions for nighttime safety.

Accessible Controls:

Consider replacing traditional switches with rocker-style alternatives. These are easier to use, especially for those with limited dexterity. Even better, voice-activated or smart lighting can add an extra layer of convenience.

3. Tackling Slippery Floors and Rugs (Especially in the Bathroom!)

Falls are a leading cause of injury among seniors, making non-slip surfaces essential. It can be tricky to navigate challenging areas that get wet when you get older and mobility is reduced. Think about the places where the floor can get wet as well, like the kitchen or bathroom. There are also special treatments you can apply to floors to make them less slippery, which is especially useful in the bathroom.

Safer Flooring Options:

• Choose slip-resistant materials like textured vinyl, cork, or rubber for a reliable grip underfoot.
• For existing smooth floors, an anti-slip coating provides an extra layer of security.

Rug Wisdom:

• Bathroom mats and kitchen rugs should have non-slip backing to stay firmly in place. For larger area rugs, secure them with double-sided tape or slip-resistant pads.
• Low-pile carpets minimize the risk of tripping compared to thicker varieties.

Outdoors, Too:

Prevent outdoor slips by applying non-slip paint or placing adhesive strips on steps and walkways. Ensuring proper drainage keeps puddles from forming on frequently traveled paths.

4. Handles and Faucets That Make Life Easier

Fine motor skills can deteriorate, and twisting or gripping small objects may become a challenge. Simple changes to handles and faucets can alleviate frustration and improve daily life.

Upgrading Door Handles:

Swapping round doorknobs for lever-style handles simplifies opening doors for those with reduced hand strength. Automatic door openers are an option for main entryways.

Kitchen and Bathroom Faucets:

Lever-style or touchless models reduce strain on hands. Look for options with clear hot and cold markers, or choose temperature-controlled faucets to minimize the risk of accidental burns.

5. The Reassurance of an Emergency Alert System

An emergency alert system offers peace of mind, bridging the gap between independence and safety. You don't need to start with a dedicated device, an Apple Watch could work well, as long as the person wearing it knows how to use it to call for help.

Choosing the Right System:

• Wearable Devices: Compact pendants or wristbands come with emergency buttons.
• Home Units: Portable or wall-mounted devices with two-way communication capabilities.
• Integrated Technology: Modern systems can sync with smart home setups, adding a layer of convenience.

Key Features to Look For:

• Fall detection, a technology that automatically contacts emergency services if a fall is detected.
• GPS tracking for those who spend time outside the home.
• Water-resistant designs for use in showers or baths.
• Continuous monitoring for immediate assistance.

6. Transforming the Kitchen for Easy Access

The heart of the home, the kitchen, should be a welcoming place where elders can continue to prepare meals with ease.

Smart Storage:

• Pull-out shelves make it easy to reach pots and pans without bending or straining.
• Lazy Susans in corner cabinets maximize accessibility.
• Consider lowering cabinets or installing pull-down shelves for upper storage spaces.

User-Friendly Appliances:

• Side-by-side refrigerators allow for simpler access to both frozen and fresh foods.
• Wall ovens set at an ergonomic height eliminate the need to crouch.
• Induction cooktops are safer, as they only heat pots and pans, leaving the surface cool to the touch.

Work Surface Adaptations:

• Install counters at varying heights for different activities, allowing for both standing and seated use.
• Add a pull-out cutting board or extendable worktop for easy food prep.
• Ensure work areas are brightly lit to reduce eye strain and improve safety.

Implementing these thoughtful modifications can make a world of difference, transforming a home into a haven for aging comfortably. When considering these changes, involve the person who will benefit most to ensure every adaptation meets their unique needs and preferences.