Making an Aging in Place Seniors’ Bedroom Safer Without Having to Remodel

Beth is an active 90-year-old woman who lives alone in her one level townhouse. 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 how he and his wife Elsie are searching for a home to age in place. Beth has no intention of moving or spending her retirement on a pricey remodel. She likes her townhouse and, except for a few inconvenient nuisances, she is pretty content.

Beth was at the after mass social and heard about a fellow Parishioner who had an accident in his bedroom. Beth is concerned and wants to make her bedroom safer and more comfortable. Since the bedroom can potentially be an unsafe place without taking some extra precautions, she asked her nephew Caleb to consult the internet for what she should do.

Caleb found an article that had some good information that he printed out and sat down with Beth to talk about it.

“Beth, it says here that lighting, heat sources and communications are the main things that we should consider first to make your bedroom safer,“ said Caleb.

“First, are there lamps or light switches within reach of the bed? It says here that nighttime falls can be prevented by locating furniture closer to switches or moving lamps closer to the bed.”

“Okay, will you help me move the one over there closer to my bed? I always have to sit up and reach way over to get to the switch.”

“Sure, no problem. We should also install a night-light in here and in your bathroom so it isn’t pitch black for you.”

“Oh, I already have that one that turns off when the light is on in the bathroom but that is a good idea to put one in here, Caleb. I need to get another light that will turn off during the day when it is light on my list for us to pick up next time you take me to Wal-Mart. “

“Beth, I think there are too many cords plugged into this outlet and it could be a potential fire hazard. It is most definitely a tripping hazard. What don’t you need plugged in here?”

Beth stood for a minute and examined the six outlet adapter she had put in soon after she moved in. “Well, I suppose that lamp should be plugged into the other outlet that it is closer to and my electric blanket could go into the other outlet on the other side of the bed. I just liked them all centrally located but maybe you are right about the fire hazard. I had no idea that wasn’t a good thing to do.”

“Beth, this article mentions glare from the lighting possibly causing unsafe conditions. Do you have a lampshade for your lamp here?”

“Oh, yes, somewhere. Try the back bedroom. I just wanted more light so I could read in bed,” said Beth.

“How about if we put a higher wattage bulb in this lamp? If we use a fluorescent bulb, we can use a pretty bright one without exceeding the recommended wattage.”

“Oh, I hadn’t thought of that, will you get me one out of the linen closet?”

“Sure thing, Beth,” pausing briefly, “Beth, the article also mentioned there shouldn’t be anything on top of the electric blanket. Electric blankets should not be tucked-in and the manufacturer’s instructions should be closely followed. We should take that bed spread there.”

“Oh, but I don’t like that awful, boring electric blanket Caleb! Are you sure there can’t be anything on top?” asked Beth in frustration.

“Beth, it says it right on the label. It says caution and everything.”

“Oh, all right, I suppose I could just fold down the bed spread at night. I remember my cousin John once fell asleep with a heating pad on his shoulder and he got the worst burn! I have always tried to be very careful with the electric blanket and not put it on very high. I just bought that electric blanket this fall because it will automatically turn off after a while. I tend to run cold when I’m not moving around much. That’s why I have that portable heater in here too. I have it over here so I can be really careful not to have it near anything that can catch fire.”

“That was a smart move Beth. The article said burns are a large cause of accidental death among seniors. We need to put a phone near the bed too. That way, if there is an emergency, you can at least reach the phone.”

“Oh, Caleb, that is a good idea. I will keep my cell phone there because it is pre-programmed with one touch 911 and it is set so I can hear the ringer and the speaker on the other end of the line without having to change anything. The keys light too so I can see the numbers without my glasses.”

“Beth, are you registered with the reverse 911 system? I can set that up on-line through the city website. Why don’t I do that for you right now?“

Caleb, thank you. Just taking these precautions like keeping the pathway to the bathroom lit with night lights, preventing heat sources from being near bedding and locating my pre-programmed phone next to the bed can make my bedroom safer. I just wish that fellow from church had known about this stuff. That poor, poor man,” sighed Beth, shaking her head in disbelief.

Aging In Place Remodeling Focuses on Remodeling For Easy Living, Comfort and Visitability

It’s design that is practical, functional, and efficient and yes, even beautiful: it is about making the home more livable now and in the future. Planning for and including some of the following features will make the home more accessible to all who live there or who come to visit. There is no one way to make universal design work; the key is to take the home owners individual needs and situation into account and plan for the future. The basis of the design is to provide for flexibility and functionality.

• Some general features that should be considered throughout the home include planned areas for eating, sleeping, and bathing activities located on the main floor without having to use stairs. If considering an addition to the home, plan for main floor accessibility and no stairs.
• Plan all doorways that access the main areas to be at least 32 inches wide but ideally, plan for 36 inches wide. Install lever style door handles since they are much easier to use than a round door knob.
• Plan for hallways that are 42 inches wide and, if possible, 48 inches wide. Not only is it easier to maneuver should someone in the home have a mobility issue, but it is also easier to move furniture if the halls are wider. This is especially important for the hallways leading to the master bedroom and bathrooms.
• Locate light switches approximately 42-48 inches above the floor for easy reach and place them in an easy reach location near the door or entry area of each room. Use rocker switches and dimmers to control the lighting. Electrical outlets are more accessible if they are located 18-24 inches above the floor. Also plan for enough electrical outlets so that there are reduced needs for extension cords since they create a tripping hazard. Remember to place the thermostat no higher than 48 inches from the floor so that a seated person can adjust them. Make sure the thermostat has readable numbers with large print and good contrast.
• Provide phone jacks in the main areas of the home including the kitchen, living room and master bedrooms. Consider the future needs of the home owner and allow for accessible locations that meet their health needs.
• Window sills in the main areas of the home like the living room, dining room and bedroom should be no higher than 30 inches off the floor so a person who is seated or lying in a bed would be able to see out of them.
• Lighting in the home should be even and placed to minimize glare on smooth surfaces. Light fixtures, lamps, and window treatments should also be chosen and located to reduce and avoid glare. Dimmable switches help with changeable lighting needs.
• Choose flooring that has a non-slip surface that is easy to maintain. If carpeting is preferred, use a tightly woven, low pile over a thin pad.

Careful planning and designing when choosing to remodel can make the home more flexible and functional now and in the future. Aging in Place is about active living and designing a practical, functional and efficient space that looks beautiful and is easy to maintain and promotes safety and comfort.

Please share your comments and let me know what you think. Thanks for reading and take care.

Summer Outdoor Ideas for an Aging in Place Couple

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Elsie and John are looking at their list of things they want and need in their home for their mature senior living. They know it is usually referred to as Aging in Place, but they don’t want to feel old. They are really looking for a home that is comfortable, is safe for their needs as they continue to age and is low maintenance.

Elsie and John are in a situation where their retirement that was once a very nice retirement is now forcing them to cut back on extras and really watch their pennies. They are worried about their current home this summer because they don’t have extra funds for maintenance and summer cooling needs. Their home is often very hot and stuffy because it is an older home and is not adequately weatherized. John has had a hip replacement and is pretty darn spry for his almost 85 years young but he is not able to complete the needed maintenance. Elsie and John are like many seniors because they have reduced physical flexibility, health issues and a lack of funds.

Elsie and John are sitting at the kitchen table with their list of things they need in their home. “Elsie, I don’t know what you wrote here. My eyes are giving me fits today. Can you read what you wrote?”

“Let me see here, I have been jotting down things you have been rattling off and things that I think of too,” she said. “I think these are geared more toward summertime and the outside-

• Exterior of the house has to be low maintenance like vinyl siding or brick. I think this is a safety issue too. Neither one of us is fit to be climbing a ladder to paint or whatever.
• You yelled to me about the slippery wooden steps out front, I think we need to have some type of textured surface or maybe add some of that non-slip tape to the steps.
• I also wrote about the outside lights since ours is really in a bad location. It is either nice and bright and blinding or if we put a bug light in, it gives off too little light. The glare is horrible no matter what. I think the fixtures should cast light downward and also be easy to change the darn bulbs. Speaking of outside lights, the one by the door is burned out and I can’t reach it to change the bulb. Would you put a frosted one in? That may help for now. Sure wish it lit enough to provide safety and not cause so many shadows. It’s a trip hazard!
• What is this about street numbers and curb? Oh, street numbers should be easy to read from the curb. We should consider a lighted street number sign. Beth said she had her street numbers painted on the curb too so emergency responders can find her house quickly. I think that’s a good idea also.
• You had me write down Trex for porches and stairs. What is that?”

John looked at Elsie and said, “It’s that Resin-based decking stuff that our son did his deck out of. He said it lasts longer than wood and doesn’t require sealing and/or painting. I think that is what we need to have too.”

“Okay, that sounds like a good idea. I do love their new deck. Let’s see what else is on this list-

• We need a low-maintenance yard. I hate those weeds in the flower bed out front and the grass is always at the mercy of the grandkids. I would think we would have to have good access to the gas or water shut off valves and hydrants so there shouldn’t be any crazy bushes that grow rampant. I would love to have some of those dwarf varieties that the greenhouse has but they are probably really expensive. Dwarf plants wouldn’t obstruct sidewalks as they grow.
• I really wish we could get a place that had raised beds built for gardens and flowers for easier access with my bad knees and arthritis. I really miss my flowers,” said Elsie.

“What else should be on here John?”

“I don’t want to have to water. It is getting way too expensive and hard to maintain the green grass. What about a yard like Beth’s, what did she call it? Oh, I know, something like Xeric landscaping. All I know is there is very little work in the hot sun taking care of the yard. That’s what I want,” sighed John.

“So we are talking local plants and stuff that kind of grows wild?”

“Well, not exactly wild, but something that doesn’t have to be watered or trimmed or cut or what have you. That’s what we need,” John looked at the notes Elsie had been writing. “So, do you think we are going to find a house like this?”

“I don’t know John, I sure hope so. We can’t go on like this without making some changes. It isn’t safe and I want to start to enjoy where I live.”

“I know Elsie. Should we go to some more open houses? They might have air-conditioning in the houses and that would be cooler than us sitting here in the heat.”

“Oh, alright, but please change that light bulb at the door. I don’t want to forget and not have a light there,” replied Elsie as she slowly got up from the chair to get ready.

Exterior Aging in Place concepts can help make life easier during the summer for seniors and for everyone. Many Aging in Place ideas are intuitive and just plain common sense. Summer can be a difficult time for seniors but with proper choices and precautions summertime can be an enjoyable and safe time.

Written by Alesha E. Churba, CAPS, CD, of A.E.Churba Design, LLC. Pocatello, Idaho. A.E.Churba is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) writing, designing and decorating with her client’s futures in mind. She can be reached by phone (208)-313-6414, by e-mail at Alesha@aechurba-design.com or through her business website http://aechurba-design.com/default.aspx or her blog: http://aechurba.wordpress.com/.

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.