Making Seniors’ Homes More Livable

Excerpted from Complete Legal Guide to Senior Care by Brette McWhorter Sember ©2003

Almost everyone who envisions their elderly years, does so with the hope of being able to remain at home, known as “aging in place.” Continuing to live in your own home is the most comfortable option most people can imagine. It is not always possible to remain at home, but it is possible to plan so that your parent’s home (and your home when you yourself reach this point) is as senior-friendly as possible, making remaining at home a feasible option. There are many things you can do to slightly alter your parent’s home to make it safer and easier for him or her to move around and perform the activities of daily life.

Not all of the suggestions in this chapter are needed for every person. It is a good idea to read the entire chapter so that you are familiar with the options you have should your or your parent’s condition change. You should also read this chapter with eye towards long-term planning for your own situation. For example, if you live in a two-story home now, you may wish to consider moving to a ranch at some point so that remaining in your own home will be a long-term possibility for you when you become older.

Evaluating the Situation
When considering whether it is appropriate for your parent to continue to remain at home on a long-term basis, you need to see the home with new eyes. There are many features of average homes that can make it difficult for an elderly person to manage.

If you notice conditions around your home that are mere inconveniences right now, remember that what is a mere inconvenience now, can become a danger when you are older. For example, a laundry room in the basement may just be a pain right now, but when you are older, navigating the stairs may become unsafe.

Modifying the Home
There are many products on the market designed to assist elderly people in modifying their homes. Once you begin to research the products available, you may be surprised at the sheer number of things available.

There is also some funding available to help cover the cost of home modifications. If you can obtain a prescription for the modification, it may be covered under Medicare or Medicaid. If the modification helps to weatherize the home, you or your parent may qualify for assistance from the U.S. Department of Energy. To locate the office in your state, visit their website at www.eren.doe.gov/buildings/weatherization_assistance/ state_contacts.html or call the number listed in the United States government section for Department of Energy.

The U.S. Administration of Children and Families’ Division of Energy Assistance in the Office of Community Services administers LIHEAP, the low income home energy assistance program, which also has funding available. Contact them at www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/liheap/faq.htm or 888-294-8662. You or your parent may also qualify for a low-interest loan for home modification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development Office. Call 202-720-2791 for information. Contact your local agency on aging for information about local loans and financial assistance.

Types of Modifications
There are solutions to many of the problems and difficulties facing elderly people who wish to remain in their own homes. What follows is a list of some of the common modifications that can be made to make a home safer and more accessible:

Bathrooms—

• handrails or grab bars by the toilet and tub
• a seat in the tub or shower
• transfer seat to allow easy access to the tub or shower
• hand-held shower head
• non-slip rugs and decals on the floor and tub
• overhead heat lamp
• handles instead of knobs on faucets and drawers
• nightlight
• raised toilet seat
• remove lock on door
• shower dispenser for liquid soap and shampoo
• disposable wet wipes

Kitchen—

• rearrangement of items in kitchen cupboards so everything is within reach without bending or reaching (may require the addition of a free standing cabinet)
• addition of bins that slide out from lower cabinets
• plastic plates and glasses to minimize breakage
• large letters and numbers for knobs on the stove
• handles instead of knobs on faucets and drawers
• placement of a fire extinguisher within reach of the stove
• nightlight
• jar opener
• potholders in easy reach of the stove and oven
• elevated dishwasher (instead of having it built in on the floor, build it in a foot or two higher for easier access); there are also dishwasher drawers that are the perfect size for a person living alone

Laundry Room—

• first floor location
• top loading dryer
• laundry chute from second floor
• smaller laundry baskets with grips on handles
• laundry cart on wheels

Bedroom—

• located on the first floor
• nightlight
• telephone next to the bed
• lamp next to bed
• a chair or bench to make dressing easier
• a hanging shoe rack
• remove lock on door
• hang as many things on hangers as possible instead of placing them in drawers

All areas of the home—

• higher-watt bulbs in lamps and light fixtures
• place electric cords out of the way and secure them against walls
• windows that can easily be opened
• ceiling fans instead of box fans
• electric appliances that automatically shut off (such as an iron)
• remove furniture that is low to the ground and difficult to get out of
• move tables with sharp edges away from high traffic areas or remove from the home
• a locked basement door, so he or she will not attempt to enter it
• brightly lit entrances to the home with handrails
• lock or remove any casters or rollers on chairs or furniture
• wall switches for lamps and overhead lighting
• carbon monoxide detector
• reflective tape on stairs
• a plowing or shoveling service
• a yard and garden service
• smoke detectors
• removal of area rugs that can cause tripping or catch on a walker
• ramps in place of short groups of stairs
• nightlights in hallways
• handles/levers instead of door knobs
• temperature controls on hot water heaters to prevent scalding
• digital clocks with large displays
• telephones with large number pads
• bulletin board or wipe off marker board for important phone numbers or medication schedule
• handrails in hallways and near steps
• large read-out thermostat or air conditioning controller
• large key pad remote control
• a medical alarm system
• medication dispenser or separator
• magnifying glass lamp for reading or
• delicate tasks
• doorways wide enough to accommodate a walker or wheelchair
• reflective decals on sliding glass doors and on stair risers
• an extendable gripping tool, to enable access to items on high shelves or items that fall to the floor
• non-slip backing on area rugs
• cordless phone
• hearing aid compatible telephones
• wall calendar with large numbers
• magnifying glass with battery powered light
• remove all needed items from basement or attic storage
• stopper for car in garage
• reflectors at edge of driveway
• book stand
• card holder (for playing cards)
• large button and display calculator
• blood pressure monitor
• large h