Norm, a friend of Johns, is a 60 something senior who recently had shoulder surgery.  He lives alone and was a little worried about maneuvering around the house after his surgery.  To  prepare his home he had several things done beforehand, here is a partial listing:

• He had all of his door knobs changed to lever style handles to make it easier for him to manage.
• Additionally, he went about placing things more at a waist-level surface so he would not have to be lifting or lowering items.
  • For instance, in the kitchen, he lowered all of the cabinet shelves so he could reach them easier.
  • He then placed the most used items on the shelves that were closest to his waist-level.
• One very important thing he did was place the microwave  on his counter so he wouldn’t have to lift anything hot down.
• Another thing he did was put items that he needed daily in baskets or containers laying out in his bedroom, the bathroom and the kitchen where he could reach them easily.
• He had a hand held shower installed in his shower that he could manipulate easier too. It was one of the ones that attached with a hose.  It worked well for making it easier to do things one handed and actually get clean.
• He found lots of things like grippers that could help when he couldn’t reach at a company called www.adaptmy.com.  
• Another thing he found helped was to cut the elastic in his socks so it was easier to get them on. 

Do you have any suggestions to make it easier for Norm?  Let me know and I will post your suggestions!

• Install flooring that is slip resistant both when the floor is dry AND wet, if the funds are not available to replace flooring, consider adding a walk-off carpet designed for wet areas.

lever door handles are easier to open

• Make sure floor surfaces are smooth but do not create a glare and that are slip-resistant. Anne and Rich should make sure they do not place any throw rugs or area rugs that don’t have a good slip-resistance backing.

• Anne and Rich should install faucets that have fins for handles throughout the home. It makes it easier to turn and off even with arthritis. They should also make sure the temperature of the hot water tank is not set too high so that they don’t get burned or scalded.

• Have electrical outlets upgraded and make sure they are GFCI rated for safety. Try to prevent using extension cords to plug assorted appliances into the outlets. (Anne loves her electrical appliances and has many items she likes to plug in). Have an electrician install more electrical outlets and make sure the breaker is rated high enough to carry the needed requirements.

• Increase wattage of light bulbs for better clarity but do not cause a glare. Anne and Rich can reduce glare by using frosted bulbs, indirect lighting, shades or globes on light fixtures.

• Another thing Anne and Rich should do is make sure the lighting has more than one light bulb so that if one burns out, there is still some light.

• Anne and Rich will want to install a night light in the bathroom, hallways and possibly the kitchen to help prevent night falls. A night light that has a sensor that will turn off when the light is turned on is a good choice too. Anne and Rich are concerned with their power usage and try to keep lights off as much as possible so the night light is a good compromise.

• Make sure towels and dishcloths are located at a comfortable height easily without assistance or lots of reaching.  Rich and Anne are of average height but have some slight arthritis so placing these items in an easy to reach location is a smart move.  Consider a location near a sink and far from the stove top in the kitchen.  Fires can easily start if a towel gets near a burner.

• Doors should be wide enough for a walker to get through without having to turn it sideways. This means the doors should have at least a 32” clear opening.  Installing door handles that are lever style are much easier to use than a round door knob.

• The threshold between rooms should be less than ¼” difference in height from the floor surfaces. This will help prevent possible trip hazards.

Anne and Rich are on their way to a safer home for themselves.  They are encouraged to contact a CAPS for a more detailed evaluation of their home but any move they make to improve their safety and comfort is a step in the right direction.

Elsie and Beth are gabbing to each other on the phone since they live in two different states.  Both are Aging in Place and looking for ways to make life easier as they do so.

“I am reading a great book about Small Space Organizing by Kathryn Bechen,” said Beth to Elsie.  It has some excellent information.  “I am sending you a copy, I think you could really use this information.”

“Oh, Okay, I could use some organizing.”

“I think you will really like this book.  I found some excellent ideas that I have already started to use.”

“Like what?” asked Elsie.  “I am not spending anymore money on really expensive tools and contraptions.  We just don’t have the money for that.  Besides that, until we find a place, I am not adding more stuff to this house.”

“That is the great thing about this book Elsie.  It isn’t about adding stuff, it is about scaling back and making things multi-functional.  It is about changing the way you look at things and making them work.  For example, Kathryn, that’s the author, writes about using attractive kitchen containers in the bathroom to store things like cotton swabs and other little things like that so it is attractive and you can see what is in them.  John says you have things laying all over the counters so you can remember you have them: isn’t that a great way to organize it?”

“That does sound like something I could use.  I just don’t like having to root through a dark cabinet trying to find things.”

“See?  She even had an idea to use a baker’s rack in the bathroom for towels.  That way they are out in the open.  I moved a narrow, wire roll-out cart into the bathroom to store some towels on and it is working very well,” said Beth.

“Well, that’s an idea.  I have one in the spare bedroom that isn’t doing anything.”

“That is another thing she writes about Elsie; getting rid of stuff.  You have a lot of stuff don’t you?”

“Yes, John and I both tend to hold on to things.  He is horrible about keeping stuff we don’t use.  He has all of these plastic containers from food that he is re-using for left-overs instead of using the dishes in the cupboard.”

“Kathryn writes about getting all white dishes so they are uniform, even if you have mixed patterns,” Beth chimed in.

“Well that is an idea.  I already have all white towels so it’s easier to launder them all without having to sort.”

“I think you will get some great information from this book Elsie.  I know you struggle with organizing,” said Beth.  “Give some of the ideas in there a try.”

“Okay, I will look forward to receiving it.  When are you sending it?”

“I have it on the entry table, ready to go when I go out to my mailbox,” said Beth.

“Alright, I need to get going, I need to get some things done around here,” mentioned Elsie.

Me too; it is good to talk with you.  Give John my best.”

“Okay, I will.  Love you Beth.  Take care,” said Elsie.

“You too,” said Beth.

The book mentioned in this article, “Small Space Organizing” is written by Kathryn Bechen.  You can find information about this book and other great organizing tips at her website: http://kathrynbechenink.blogspot.com/.

Elsie and John are celebrating the holidays simply this year.  Christmas dinner is being simplified and the decorations are going to be minimal.  Why?  Because things are much harder these days for this senior couple and simplification HAS to happen.

Elsie and John sat down with pen and paper in hand to list what they want to get done and what has to be done.  Here is their list:

Must Do:

• Get a flu shot
• Make sure the grandkids and kids only visit if they are healthy
• Make sure our prescriptions are filled so we don’t run out when the drug store is closed
• Keep things simple
• Make sure the heaters are running safely and there isn’t anything around them that could catch fire
• Bring out the sweaters and slippers to layer for warmth
• Call the kids and divvy-up the dinner plans (*plan to provide side dish and a dessert and they can pitch in on main dish and bring something to share)
• Send Christmas cards only to those we regularly hear from and keep extras ready if we receive one from someone we hadn’t sent to
• Clean up only the rooms we will be using
  • Don’t worry about the bedroom
  • Don’t worry about washing drapes, windows, etc.
• Tell the kids if they are coming to visit they will need to bring an air mattress and sleeping bags or plan on sleeping on the sleeper bed.
  • Better yet, check out the hotel nearby with the indoor pool so the grandkids will have something to do
• Tell the kids they are responsible for taking care of their children and feeding them while they are here.
• Purchase gift cards for the kids and grandkids
  • Tell them they can shop the sales the day after Christmas and get some great stuff they want
• Bring out only the decorations we love
  • Put the ones we don’t like in a pile for the kids to see what they want then we can donate the rest
• Get some of those sprays that smell like pine instead of dealing with a live tree that we have to water, etc.
  • Put up the little pre-lit tree and John’s assorted Star Wars, Star Trek and plane ornaments.

Want to do:

• Enjoy the kids and grandkids
• Call our friends and wish them a Happy Holiday
• Stay healthy
• Get through without stressing out over the little things
  • No meltdowns over a missing juicer!
• Make my homemade cranberries that just isn’t a holiday without it
• Get the kids to fix a couple things we can’t do anymore
  • Remind them we aren’t able to do these things anymore and need their help

So, the plan is in place, the list is made for John and Elsie and their simplified holiday plan.

What are your plans to make the holiday easier for an Aging In Place person? 

Happy Holidays to you and yours and may you have peace and joy in the coming year.

Alesha E. Churba (A.E.Churba)

A nice, young man with a vest came over and answered, “a comfort height (registered trademark of Kohler brands) toilet is one that is just a little bit higher than a regular toilet.  An average, residential toilet is between 14” and 16” tall.  The height of a “comfort height” seat can be found anywhere between 17” and 19” high.  The best seat height is right at 18” but if you found a toilet that you really liked its features, then I would say if it is in that range, you are good to go.”  

Harold put his hand to his chin and said, “So, why make the Comfort choice?”

The young man said in a slightly louder than a whisper voice, “because it is much easier getting on and off- not just if you have limited mobility either.  It is also easier on the legs while sitting if the seat is in the higher range.  Of course, the size of the person using the bathroom should be considered if possible, for instance, if your lovely wife here was 4’10”, the Comfort Height probably would not provide comfort.  You would want to consider accessible limitations too.”

“Well young man, that sounds like something we should have,” said Tilly.

“Another good choice is to choose the elongated bowl.”

“Why?” asked Tilly.

“Because it fits the shape of the body more naturally.  I kind of think the round bowl is reminiscent of out-houses!” exclaimed the young man. “I take it you are considering remodeling?”

“Yes, we are, so things are safer for us,” said Harold. 

“There are many choices but I would really suggest those two items be placed on the top of your list of choices.  They are safer and more comfortable too,” said the young man.  “Do you have any other questions for me?”

“No, you have been so helpful!  Thank you so much young man,” said Tilly. 

“We will keep looking.  Thank you,” said Harold.

“You are very welcome.  Have a nice rest of your day,” said the nice young man as he walked toward the back of the store.

Image via Wikipedia

If you have followed along, you will remember Beth, an active, 89-year-old woman lives alone in her one level town-home. She has lived alone for many years and has a good support network of family and friends from church. Beth is John’s cousin and they talk weekly. John has mentioned their search for a home to age in place and Beth has mentioned she has no intention of moving or spending her retirement on a pricey remodel.  She likes her town-home and, except for a few inconvenient nuisances, she is pretty content.

Beth has noticed that opening her doors has gotten a little harder lately and she doesn’t have the strength she once had.  It sometimes hampers even everyday tasks like opening and closing her front door.

Beth’s door knob looks like the one shown. It is a basic contractor grade round door knob and dead bolt.

She mentioned her struggle to her nephew and she would like to look for some new handles that would be easier to open. They decided on their next outing together, they would visit the big box store and see what was available.

While looking at the many styles and finishes available, a nice clerk came over and asked if she could help them find something. Beth explained how her current door knob is getting harder to open and asked if there was something else that would work better.

The clerk took Beth and her nephew to a display and said, “Try this one and see what you think.”

Beth placed her hand on a lever-style handle and easily pushed it down to open. “This is much easier,” she exclaimed.  She had her nephew try it also, “See, isn’t it better?”

The clerk replied, “Isn’t it great? I bought one like this just because it is easier to open when I have my child in my arms or even a bag of groceries. I love it.”

Beth asked if it was hard to install and her nephew piped in and said, “I can change that out for you Beth.”

The clerk said, “You have a variety of choices of lever door knobs, not just this one. There are all kinds from plain to very ornate. They all work the same way.”

Beth felt like a kid in a candy store. There were all kinds of finishes and styles, some with curves and others that were straight.  She decided she wanted to change out all of her door knobs to handles.  “Why not? I ‘m not getting any younger you know!  I’m 89,” she whispered to the sales clerk.

Her nephew got a twinkle in his eye. “So, I’m guessing you want me to change out all of these?”

“Well, if you wouldn’t mind,” she said. “Or I could get my handyman to do it.”

“Oh Beth, I don’t mind, but you do realize this means we are going to have to order Chinese take-out from your favorite spot. All this work is going to make me hungry.”

They decided how many they needed and thanked the sales clerk. The sales clerk smiled and exclaimed, “Chinese food sounds yummy! I might have to do that myself after work.”

Beth looked at each style and, after a long while trying to decide, she made her choices and they made a plan for the installation the next day.

As they sat eating their Chinese food Beth thanked her nephew for installing her new door levers. “I really like the ones we chose. These are easy to take hold of and I don’t have to twist my wrist. Thank you for your help.”

Stay tuned as we continue to follow Beth as she makes her home safer and more comfortable without the major remodel or relocating that some of her friends and relatives are having to do.

Related articles

• How-To: Replace a Doorknob (casasugar.com)
• What Are Some Easy Adaptations in the Kitchen if Aging In Place? (aechurba.wordpress.com)