Guest Post: Working with the Elderly – Our Comprehensive Solution to a Client’s Mobility Problems

Disclaimer: I make no warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of this guest post and accept no liability for its content. Any opinions expressed
do not necessarily reflect the opinions of my own:

As someone who works with the elderly, I often provide solutions to a number of problems faced by those suffering from issues with mobility and movement. One person I have recently worked with needed a full home transformation after suffering from consistent hip problems over the last decade. Movement became a big problem and certain parts of the home became difficult for her to access. In order to resolve this issue and improve her quality of life, I was able to make numerous modifications in the home including:

• Stairlifts
• Wheelchair
• Mobility Scooter
• Walk in Baths
• Support Bars
• Ramps

   

  Stairlifts can be attractive additions to a seniors’ home

Wheelchairs

The first and most obvious piece of equipment we provided for our client was an electrical wheelchair. The wheelchair allowed for ease of movement and ensured she could continue to frequent the places she would normally visit.

Mobility Scooter

A mobility scooter is something that our client uses in certain situations. Mobility scooters can travel at greater speeds and can carry more load. Our client often uses the scooter when shopping at different venues  or travelling longer distances.

Lowering Bath Seat

Our client experienced considerable stress when trying to bathe. She found it difficult to bathe without being assisted into the bath and found that she would often not bathe in order to avoid the nightmare of bath time. Once we installed a bath lift, our client received the independence she sought. The lowered bath seat combined with her walk-in bath has ensured she can now enjoy her baths like she used to.

Support Bars

Support bars are essential tools that help our client around the home. It is important to install the bars in strategic areas where the person may need the most assistance. Support bars are typically installed around the bath, toilet and seating and sleeping areas.

Ramps

Ramps go hand in hand with wheelchairs and one is rendered useless without the other. It is important to place ramps to cover small steps with the front door being the most common area where ramps are installed.

Stairlifts

A stairlift can aid in mobility when aging in place.

Stairs pose a major problem for people who suffer from mobility issues. Left without adequate equipment, stairs are a truly horrendous prospect for the disabled or the elderly. In order to allow our client to negotiate the stairs easily and comfortably, we installed a remote controlled stairlift. The stairlift provides a smooth ride and comes with a swivel seat that allows the user to get on and off the lift easily.

Author Bio:

Richard Telfer is the founder of Willow Mobility, a company that offers mobility solutions for people who have difficulty with mobility and movement. Having worked with people with an array of disabilities, Richard often writes about his experiences and offers practical advice based on decades of experience. Connect with me on Google Plus to stay in touch with my latest activities, events and writing.

An Aging in Place Couple Search for a Home: Finishes Choices

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Elsie and John are looking for find a home that will work for their mature senior living. They are hoping that with the recent attention that aging in place is getting that they will find a home that will provide them with the safety, comfort and low maintenance that they want and need.

Elsie was talking to Beth about another open house she and John had walked through just this morning.  “Beth, I am really getting discouraged with this search for a home that we can, first of all, afford on a limited retirement income, and two, that has finishes that are easy to maintain and safe for us.”

“I know everyone is all into the expensive finishes and the wow factor but honestly Beth, we just want something we can take care of and looks decent.  We don’t need all of the shiny hardwood and marble.  I can’t take care of that and frankly, I don’t want to be stuck having to pay someone to come in and take care of it,” said an exasperated Elsie.

“Well, exactly, what are you looking for Elsie?” asked Beth.  “Maybe if you list what you do want, you can get a builder to help you.”

“It seems builders are all doing the same thing.  When I spoke to the gentleman today he said that the finishes we are finding are what buyers are looking for.  It isn’t what we are looking for!”

“We are looking for flooring that will be heavy-duty enough to resist wear but also be comfortable to walk on.  I really want the laminates that look like hard wood or even an engineered wood floor with some texture to it for safety.  They are also resistant to scratches and I wouldn’t have to worry about the grandkids spilling on the floor and it leaving a mark.  I think I could actually stand and fold clothes or work in the kitchen without my legs hurting on that floor instead of on hard tile.  It kills my legs after even a little while on tile.”

“I saw some beautiful Armstrong vinyl flooring that would be perfect for the bathroom.  It wouldn’t have seams and would be sturdy.  It wouldn’t be slippery and it is really much easier to care for than the traditional tile I see in every bathroom I walk in.” 

“I would love to see a homebuilder use good old fashioned laminate on kitchen counters.  I saw the new patterns by Formica and they look so much like granite, I can’t imagine why they don’t use them.”

“I hear you, Elsie.  I had my handyman put vinyl in my kitchen even though he said that everyone wanted tile.  I didn’t want to have to worry about the grout and all of that.  It is a good thing I went with the vinyl too because when my dishwasher leaked, I just had to dry the floor and it was just fine,” said Beth. 

“The builder who was showing the house today had no idea what I was talking about and he just shook his head at me Beth!  I was so frustrated.  I felt like he was even talking down to me!  Would you believe they had an off-white carpet in most of the rooms?  I would be crazy trying to keep them clean.  I need something in a darker, variegated color that will disguise the dirt.  I don’t have the energy or muscle power to be cleaning floors every other day or some such non-sense,” said Elsie in an exasperated tone.

“Oh, uh-huh, I know what you mean.  That seems to be the “in” thing though.  That and the light tile.  I am with you on using a darker flooring.  It is easier for me to see the floor too with my eyes if it is darker next to a lighter wall color.  I don’t think builders understand that,” said Beth.

“Speaking of light wall color, everything was dark and taupe, I think.  John always says I am not seeing the colors right.  He says I see colors more yellow than he does.  We are always disagreeing on color.  Anyhow, dark wall colors and a horrible flat paint that would mark if I even bumped it.  Could you imagine after a couple months of bumping things into walls, what the walls would look like?  I just don’t know Beth,” said Elsie in a dejected tone.

“Beth, I don’t honestly know what we are going to do at this rate.  We don’t have a lot of money, as you know.  Especially with John’s pension and our small Social Security checks.  We don’t have $200,000 to spend on a home.  We are really feeling exasperated at this whole process.”

“Elsie, you just have to keep at it, you will find something.  Something will turn up.  You just have to keep looking is all.  I have to go, I need to take my medication.  Tell John I send my love.”

“I will.  Thanks Beth, I will talk to you next week. Love you, bye bye,” said Elsie as she hung up the phone.

An Aging in Place Kitchen Evaluation

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Elsie and John are looking for find a home that will work for their mature senior living. They are hoping that with the recent attention that aging in place is getting that they will find a home that will provide them with the safety, comfort and low maintenance that they want and need.

Elsie was talking to Beth about the open house she and John had walked through just this morning.

“Beth, we are getting so discouraged with trying to find the perfect home. The home we looked at today was better than some we have seen but just not exactly right.”

“What did this house have that worked,” asked Beth.

“Well, it had an open floor plan with wide aisles and the kitchen was actually zoned. It would work great when John and I are both in the kitchen. The appliances were far enough apart but not too far that walking between them would get to be too much. The sink had lever handles and a pull-out faucet and there was a beautiful stove that worked on something called induction. The realtor mentioned that we couldn’t get burned because it only warmed the food or something like that. John seemed to know all about induction from his Metallurgy days. I only caught that we couldn’t get burned.”

“The microwave was actually not above the oven but was at counter level. ohm and I actually got to see one of those drawer style dishwashers you had mentioned you had read about too. Beth, it would be fabulous! You should look into one for yourself!”

“Oh, is it? See, that article I read did say it was great,” mentioned Beth.

“The flooring was great too. It was that new laminate that looked just like tile. It almost fooled me until I noticed it wasn’t so hard under my feet. I would not mind having to do dishes standing on it.”

Elsie continued, “The sad thing was that with all of those positives, the negatives were pretty significant. The cabinets were really high, you know, like the ones I had told you about from the open houses? They looked pretty but we couldn’t use them and I don’t want to have to worry about dusting them. Only good thing about them was they had lighting underneath.”

“Elsie, why would you worry about dusting cabinets if you wouldn’t use them? I think that is silly. ”

“True, just would be a waste of cabinets and they would just catch all the junk, you know your cousin: out of sight, out of his mind.” They both laughed. “I want shallow cabinets that are lower. I read where you could have shallow shelves less than a foot deep, they would be perfect. ”

“I didn’t see any roll-outs or pull-outs either. I have that now and don’t think I would want to live without them.”

“So, besides the tall cabinets, what else was wrong?” Asked Beth

“The main thing was our refrigerator wouldn’t fit because it is an older home. Did I ever tell you about your cousin when he cut out the wall to fit our refrigerator at the Sierra Street house? He worked and worked to make room and he even had to cut the cabinet above the refrigerator to make it fit. He couldn’t do that again; he doesn’t have the strength and we couldn’t expect the boys to do it. That refrigerator of ours is not that old and John wouldn’t even consider getting a new one,” said Elsie.

“Oh, and it had tiled countertops that weren’t in good shape. I don’t want that! Can you imagine the coffee stains in the grout and what if John dropped the dishes bringing them out of the cupboards like he does? It was just the deal breaker. I want either the quartz, a solid surface or a regular laminate. I was looking at those beautiful new countertops that are laminate but look like stone. John could drop something on those and I don’t think they will break as easily.”

“Well, I guess that was just not the right house for you. You two are really having a hard time, aren’t you? Maybe you should move closer to me and we could get together more often than we do now,” said Beth.

“That is an idea but I don’t think we can move away from the kids. We would really never get to see them. Worse than we do now. I don’t know what we are going to do.”

“Well Elsie, don’t give up. It will happen,” replied Beth.

“I know, I just wish we could find a place and get moved and settled. I am tired of looking. Love you Beth.”

“Love you too Elsie. Give that cousin of mine a hug from me and tell him to put in his hearing aids so we can carry on a conversation on the phone!”

“I will. Talk to you soon. Bye Beth.”

About Alesha E. Churba. A.E.Churba Design: Simple and Divine Interior Design. Alesha is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist with experience in Residential and Commercial Interior Design and Decorating in Southeast Idaho. She designs with her clients futures in mind (i.e. aging in place, color story investment, and designing for the long term safety and comfort of her clients). Alesha resides in Pocatello, Idaho. (208) 313-6414. Alesha@aechurba-design.com http://aechurba-design.com.

Elsie and John Spend Their Anniversary Looking for a Home to Age In Place

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It is Elsie and John’s 46^th anniversary and they are spending the day visiting two open houses that are on the market near them. They are trying to find a home that will work for them as they live out their retirement. They are hoping that with the recent attention that aging in place is getting that they will find a home that will provide them with the safety, comfort and low maintenance that they want and need.

In the two homes they toured they noticed a trend. Can you say brown?  Most of the walls were painted brown or dark taupe.  “This isn’t going to work,” mentioned Elsie.  “My eyes just don’t see as well as they used to and everything just seems dark.”

John nodded in agreement and said, “That already dark space would be a recipe for disaster and even depression!”  John just found out that he is suffering from macular degeneration and even has some cataracts and he was told he isn’t a candidate for surgery. “My eyes require more light to see things clearly, and the dark walls will absorb the light creating an even darker space.”

Elsie frowned; “Did those walls seem almost a dark mustard color to you?”

John shook his head, “I think that is more the yellowing of your eyes adding that effect to the paint. It was more a taupe to me. Remember how we decided you see things more yellowed than I do?”

“What did you think of those shiny floors and all that tile everywhere? That last house had marble in the shower and on the bathroom floor! Good Lord, can you imagine me trying to navigate that with my new hip? We would have to get someone to come in and clean that, exactly what we are trying to avoid,” exclaimed John.

“I did like the cabinets in that last house, did you? I think you could actually reach those shelves since they are varied in height. Those tall ones in that first house would be a nightmare!  I couldn’t reach that high with my arthritis. We would have all those cabinets that would be useless and the lower ones wouldn’t hold all of our posts and pans,” said Elsie.

“You have to admit, those granite countertops looked great but I wish they had spent the money on Quartz countertops instead. If I were going to put out all that money for a home, I wouldn’t want to have to have it sealed or anything. Even at that, that expense is something we just don’t need,” said John.

“Where are we going to find a home with regular countertops and a price we can afford John? Why can’t these builders just put in those beautiful countertops that look like granite but are just regular laminate?”

“I don’t know Elsie; it seems we are in the minority with wanting these easy care finishes. These houses are really out of our price bracket too.”

“You would think for the prices of these homes, they would have at least installed pull-outs and have varying heights of workspaces in the kitchens and bathrooms to make it easier to navigate. Even younger families with small children would benefit from that, John.  What did you think about that pretty, very shiny and sleek stainless steel refrigerator in that last house?  I don’t think I would like to have to clean up the fingerprints after the grandkids were visiting. I would much rather have one of those textured stainless steel looking ones with the French-style doors so I could reach things easier,” said Elsie.

“Did you see the microwave above the stove in the first house? I would never be able to reach that or pull something out of there when it is hot. I would much rather just have it on the counter where I can just reach in and pull things out,” said John.

“I think we are going to have to keep looking. What a waste of our anniversary day! Maybe we should go get a bite to eat with Tilly and Harold. Do you want to call Beth and see if she can come with us too?” Asked Elsie as they drove off together.

The search will continue…

What Every Aging In Place Home Foyer Should Have

In the last post I introduced you to Elsie and John, a mature, senior couple who live in their fifty year old home.  Both are relatively healthy and live on their fixed retirement that hasn’t increased since John’s retirement thirty years ago. They, like many senior couples, face rising costs of medication and cost of living but do not have an increase in income.  Money is tight and their home is beginning to show its age and things are breaking down. 

Because of this, Elsie and John are considering making a move to a different home that will be easier to take care of and safer for them.  They continue to compile a list of some things that would be beneficial in their new home.  Following are some of the items they placed on their list for optimum safety and comfort at the interior entry:

§ The entryway should be at least four foot wide preferably more.

§ The entryway should lead to the main areas like the kitchen, living room, bathroom and bedroom areas.

§ There should be plenty of lighting with switches (rocker type are best) at the entry and at each opening.

• There needs to be access to light switch without having to walk through the dark.  Shadowed or dark areas can be a tripping hazard.
• They will need to make sure the bulbs used are the right type and wattage for the light fixtures.
• It is a good idea for the fixtures to have two light bulbs so that if one burns out, there is still lighting.
• They should prevent glare from the lights by choosing frosted bulbs or using upward casting lighting.

§ They will need an electrical outlet in the entryway or main hallway. 

• This is a good idea for several reasons including the ability to plug in a vacuum and placing a night light in the hallway.

§ They will need a slip resistant floor surface either through a walk-off type of carpet or by choosing a type of flooring that will not become slick if there is wetness on it.

• If they opt for a walk-off style of carpet, they will need to periodically make sure the backing has not worn away.
• They will need to make sure the flooring doesn’t become a trip hazard too. It should not have a lip that is greater than ¼” in height either at the threshold or at the edges of the carpeting.
• Another thing they will need to consider is the doorbell. Will they be able to hear it or should they consider getting one that has a flashing light that will alert them to a visitor?
• The door itself is an important consideration because they will need to be able to open it, see who is on the other side and also be able to lock it.
  • Can they turn the handle to open the door?  A lever style handle is the best choice for them and will work even if they have both hands full.
  • Is there a deadbolt on the door and can they both work it?
  • Is there a peep hole that they can both see out of?
  • Can the door be opened easily? If the door is too heavy to open, can it be adjusted?

This list is not all-inclusive but it is a good start.  I hope you will continue to follow us as Elsie and John determine the best options for their mature living home. The AARP site has a link to locate a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) who can help you with your own mature living at home recommendations. Each family has unique needs and situations that should be evaluated. Not all recommendations and Aging In Place modifications require extensive remodeling or moving. Please remember that Aging In Place is really about making your home safe and comfortable for you and everyone in your home.

Written by Alesha E. Churba, a Certified Aging in Place Specialist with experience in Residential and Commercial Interior Design in Southeast Idaho. Her business niche is primarily designing and decorating with her clients futures in mind- i.e. aging in place, color story investment, and designing for the long term safety and comfort of her clients. Alesha resides in Pocatello, Idaho. (208)-313-6414. Alesha@aechurba-design.com http://aechurba-design.com.

Optimum Exterior Entry Choices for an Aging in Place Couple

Elsie and John are in their mature senior years and live in their fifty year old home.  Elsie and John are relatively healthy for their ages and are living on their fixed retirement that hasn’t increased since John retired thirty years ago. Sure, they receive Social Security but with the cost of their medication and the increasing cost of living, things are getting pretty tight. Elsie and John haven’t had the money to put into their home so the home is beginning to show its age and things are breaking down. 

Elsie and John are considering making a move to a different home that will be easier to take care of and safer for them.  They decided to sit down and make a list of some things that would be beneficial in their new home.  Following are some of the items they placed on their list for optimum safety and comfort at the exterior entry:

• At least one entrance will need to be on the level so there would be no steps to navigate.
• An ideal situation for entrance accessibility would be a level surface with no ramp or stairs required. This is the safest and least expensive approach to the home. If this is not be possible, a ramp with a 1:12 or greater slope would be the next best choice. (For those not sure what that means, it means the ramp will go up no more than one foot in a twelve foot length of space). The drawback to the ramp in front of the home is that it is almost a billboard announcing someone older or with a disability lives there.
• If a ramp is required, they will need to consider access through the garage. A ramp or a special lift (think motorized platform) will need to be installed in the garage providing a protected entrance from the elements.  This would also be their best choice from a safety point.
• Their main entrance they will use will need to be at least three foot wide. Their optimum choice would be one of the newer, wider entrance doors that are more than 36 inches wide for easier maneuverability. Ever have to carry a bunch of groceries through a smaller doorway? Everyone will benefit from a wider doorway.
• The threshold should be flush or less than 1/4” difference.
• The front door and door at the level entrance will need a lever handle. The levers will be easier to open if there is any kind of limited dexterity.
• The exterior doors will need to be equipped with dead-bolt locks as well. 
• There will need to be a peep-hole that is at Elsie and John’s eye levels too. 
• The Exterior lighting should be installed so it doesn’t create a blinding glare. The fixtures should cast light downward, not horizontally. A light shining in their eyes and blinding them is less than ideal. If they aren’t the right fixtures then the fixtures will need to be shaded to reduce glare and avoid creating shadows because it could hide intruders and can hide tripping hazards. At the very least, a frosted light bulb rather than a clear one will be needed for clear glass enclosed fixtures. 
• The landscaping will need to provide easy access to utilities like electrical panels, gas or water shut off valves and fire hydrant. Easy access to these items will make it safer for them to access and for repairs or serviceability.
• The Street numbers will need to be easy to read from the curb. A Lighted street number sign and the numbers painted on their curb will be needed. Time is of the essence in an emergency and should not be lost by emergency responders trying to find their right address.

The exterior entry is an important first step for Elsie and John’s list.  This list is not all-inclusive but it is a good start.  I hope you will follow us as Elsie and John determine the best options for their mature living home. The AARP site has a link to locate a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) who can help you with your own mature living at home recommendations. Each family has unique needs and situations that should be evaluated. Not all recommendations and Aging In Place modifications require extensive remodeling or moving. Remember that Aging In Place is really about making your home safe and comfortable for you and everyone in your home.

Written by Alesha E. Churba, the only Certified Aging in Place Specialist with experience in Residential and Commercial Interior Design and Decorating in Southeast Idaho. Her business niche is primarily designing and decorating with her clients futures in mind- i.e. aging in place, color story investment, and designing for the long term safety and comfort of her clients. Alesha resides in Pocatello, Idaho. (208)-313-6414. Alesha@aechurba-design.com http://aechurba-design.com.

Art Dunn of Nanlow-Dunn, Inc. (YourHomeServesYou) has generously shared several safety and home electrical tips in addition to my information within this blog.  Art brings first hand experience in several electrical fields ranging from electrician to burglar alarm company contractor to home automation.  His experience and expertise will enhance the practical, real world solutions I provide.  He will continue to collaborate with me in future blog entries as well.  Please visit his website for more information in addition to what is presented within these entries and check back often for more practical information you can use in your home whether you are choosing to age in place or are planning for an active retirement.