AARP has reported that 90% of members polled favored aging in place over institutional living and yet 85% haven't done anything to address it. Unfortunately, it is human nature to procrastinate until an unforeseen calamity happens. Seniors should openly communicate with their family and friends to create a proactive plan, starting with simple steps to make their home more aging in place friendly.
Here are some very straight forward things that can be done:
Must haves:
1) PERS: Personal emergency response system
2) Grab bars
Bathroom
- Grab bars and Tub bars
- Shower Bench or Chairs
- Raised toilet seat
- Non-Slip floor
Bedroom
- Remote lighting (motion sensing)
- PERS system monitoring
- Clear pathways
- Lighted path to bathroom
- Bedrails if needed
Kitchen
- Non-slip flooring
- Cabinet pulls
- Drop down cabinets
-Extra lighting for tasks
Living area
- Clear pathways
- Non-slip floors
- No mats (tack down and less then 1/4 inch thk if necessary)
Entrance Door Accessibility
- Lever Handles
- Non-Barrier Transitions
- Door Widening 36-38"
- Light motion sensor
- Small Bench (for packages and sitting)