Seven Safety Concerns
for the Aging
In this day and age, an increasing number of seniors are making the decision to stay in their own homes as they age. Staying at home allows for greater independence but can also lead to a number of complications. There are a variety of home health care providers who can help deliver companionship and other services, but to be truly comfortable and safe in your home it may be necessary to make some physical alterations:
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Widening Doors
As mobility decreases the use of a walker or wheelchair may become necessary. In this case, all entrance doors must be at least 36 inches wide and all interior doors must be at least 32 inches wide. If your doors are not the proper width it will make it difficult and sometimes impossible to maneuver around. - Flooring Many types of flooring become tripping hazards as mobility decreases. High pile carpet and slippery flooring can increase the risk of slips and falls and should be replaced with flooring that is easier & safer to walk on.
 - Raising Sunken Rooms As eyesight and mobility weaken it may become more difficult to differentiate between levels, which creates a dangerous tripping hazard. Maneuvering between levels with a wheelchair, cane, or walker can be extremely difficult as well, so it is best to raise the sunken room so all the floors are level.
- Contrasting Flooring If mobility is not an issue, it is possible to simply change the flooring between the rooms to contrasting colors. If there is any change in height or flooring texture that could result in a slip or trip it is important that you change the flooring to contrasting colors so that it is easier to see the transition.
- Grab Bars
Another important addition for your home is grab bars. They can assist with balance and standing as well as provide assistance when sitting down. These are mostly found in bathrooms and kitchens but can also be placed around the house where needed if there is sufficient room. Though these can be installed by the homeowner, to insure they are secure and properly installed it is recommended that you get the help of a professional. -
Lighting One of the most important changes to make as vision declines is increasing lighting. In some places, it may be possible to simply add lamps, but due to limited space it may be necessary to install additional overhead lighting.
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Lowering Counters and Cabinets If a wheelchair has become necessary, countertops may be difficult to reach and accessing cabinets and storage may be more problematic. If necessary, counters should be lowered to an appropriate height and the installation of under counter cabinets may be required.
| *This article was sourced from "Morgan Hill Today" Magazine for which Dave is an article contributor. For a direct link to this informative magazine, click here. |
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