Home Modifications
Imagine the perfect senior home: no steps, wide doorways to accommodate wheelchairs, ramps, easy-to-use door levers, large cabinet knobs, nonslip floors, lowered cabinets, higher wall outlets and grab bars everywhere. Add low maintenance, inside and out, and you’d be all set! Well, that might be a little too much to ask. However, there are some simple modifications that can be done and some programs that can help you afford it.

With the rapid growth of the aging American population, home safety modification is becoming more and more common. By adding supportive features to your home, you increase your ability to move freely and safely about it. Ultimately, home modifications and repairs prevent injury and falls that can lead to expensive hospitalization and institutional living.
Home Modification Considerations

Here are a few age-proofing consideration to add to your list:

• Remove clutter and electrical cords throughout the house.
• Install grab bars in the shower, near the toilet and by the tub.
• Replace tubs with walk-in showers (nice alternative).
• Install flexible shower heads.
• Place nonskid strips or decals in the tub or shower.
• Replace hard-to-turn faucet handles and doorknobs with lever handles.
• Improve lighting.
• Put easy-to-grab ring handles on cabinets.
• Use sliding shelves.
• Widen doorways and hallways to a minimum of 35 inches.
• Lower door thresholds to one half inch or less. Transition wedges can be used if threshold is higher.
• Install handrails for support.
• Install ramps for accessible entry and exit.
• Install insulation, storm windows and air-conditioning.

“ Fall-Proof” Your Home

• Make sure there is a clear walkway through every room. It is a good idea to remove tripping hazards such as books, clothes, shoes and extension cords from walkways. Objects out of their normal place that are overlooked can cause a person to trip.
• Throw away the throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep the rugs from slipping. Tack down the edges of all loose carpets.
• Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool.
• Have grab bars put in next to your toilet and in the tub or shower.
• Use nonslip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors. Use nonskid mats, abrasive strips or carpet on any bathroom surface that may get wet.
• Good lighting can prevent many falls. Make sure that light switches are easy to get to and are installed at both the top and bottom of a stairway.
• Install nightlights in the bedroom, bathroom and hallways.
• Have handrails and lights put in on all staircases.
• Arrange furniture and other objects so that there are wide, clear aisles for walking.

“ Fall-Proof Yourself"

• Wear shoes that give good support and have thin, nonslip soles. Avoid wearing slippers and athletic shoes with deep tread.
• Have your eyes checked! You may be wearing the wrong glasses or have a condition such as glaucoma or cataracts that limits your vision.
• Have your hearing checked! You may have some inner ear problems that affect your balance.
• Review your medications with your doctor or pharmacist. Some drugs can make you drowsy, dizzy or unsteady.
• Do you drink alcohol? Even a small amount can affect coordination and reaction time.
• Exercise! Ask your doctor to help plan an exercise program that will improve your strength, flexibility and balance.

Source: The Savvy Senior, The Ultimate Guide to Health, Family, and Finances for Senior Citizens, Miller, Jim. ISBN 1-4013-0749-3.