Remember the first time you rode your bike without training wheels; crossed the street without your dad; walked into first grade all by yourself; told your mom to “Stay out” while you took a bath alone? You were FINIALLY independent and didn’t need anyone’s help. You were proud and “grown-up” because you could “do it all by myself!” Easy, right? Well, not for everyone.
What if, as an adult, you were not able to bathe yourself or accomplish the simplest of daily routine hygiene without help from a caregiver? What if you could no longer enjoy cooking with the grandkids because you can’t stand for long periods of time on hard tile floors? What if your best friend could no longer come to visit you in your home because they can’t climb the steps at your entry?
Plan Now
The most common answer to the question, “What is your biggest worry as you age?” is “I don’t want to be a burden to anyone. I want to be as independent as long as possible”. Well, you can, by planning for it now!
Assess Your Home
Start by assessing your home and how well it works for you (and for those who visit). These are but a few of the questions that you might ask yourself as you walk around your living space:
- Do you have to climb stairs to get to the front door?
- Do you entertain a great deal and have overnight guests, and can your friends visit without hindrances?
- Do younger children live there or come to visit often?
- Do you have trouble unlocking doors, using the door knob, mailbox, seeing in or out, walking over thresholds?
- Have you had a problem with tripping or walking on flooring surfaces and rugs?
- Do you have trouble reaching things in your cabinets or pantry?
- Is there a problem using the shower, tub, or water faucets?
Make Small Changes for Lasting Independence
If you answered yes to any one of these questions, you can make life easier for yourself by just addressing one or more of these issues
When planning new construction, opt for a “step-less” entry. These can be quite beautiful with landscaped paths leading up to the front door without ever having to climb stairs. At the very least, make sure that your home has one entry that is wheelchair accessible, even if it is a ramped entry into the back door, through the garage. (You will find that this is a nice feature to have even if you are just trying to bring the stroller inside!)
When friends come for dinner, everyone usually ends up in the kitchen. Allow for extra floor space and appliances with features that are easily accessible without bending or lifting from awkward positions. Counters should be at varying heights so that everyone, including children (or those in a wheelchair), can help prepare the meals or clean up afterwards.
When guests stay for extended periods of time, dirty laundry inevitably piles up. Consider replacing basement laundry rooms with smaller washers and dryers that fit into the bathroom or a utility closet near the bedrooms. Buy a front-loading washer and dryer with side-hinge doors and controls on the front for ease of use and energy efficiency. Finally, raise the washer and dryer 12 in. off the floor to prevent bending to reach clothes and provide access for wheelchair users.
Whether you have arthritis, agility issues, or are just dealing with a temporary cast or sprained wrist, taking a bath or turning on the faucets can be challenging. A few tips to improve safety in the bathroom include: Adding a few bars to grab near toilets, baths and in showers; installing showers with no threshold to step over; and using paddle–shaped handles on the faucets that are easy for anyone to use. Scald injuries can be avoided by reducing hot-water temperature. Also, do not use polished marble floors in your bathroom. They may look great in magazine photos, but they are slick and dangerous when wet. There are many beautiful alternatives out there that are textured to prevent the “ice rink” effect. Finally, steps should not be planned around the bath or shower area.
Eyesight tends to diminish with age, so ensure work areas, such as kitchen counters, sinks and stovetops are adequately lit and the lighting doesn’t cast shadows. Think about installing automatic sensors that turn lights on in baths, stairwells and closets. Remote controls on lighting and ceiling fans are a great idea.
You Don’t Have to Give Up the Joys of Independent Living
Just because you or your friends might need some assistance now or in the future, doesn’t mean that you have to give up the joys that come with independent living. By incorporating the above principals, a user-friendly environment can be provided that allows for comfort in day-to-day living for everyone in the household. By planning ahead, your home will continue to support your everyday needs and allow you to remain i ndependent and engaged in your community for as long as possible. After all, everyone deserves a supportive home environment.
Share your great ideas and comments with Leslie at leslie.shankman-cohn@50Fabulous.com
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