Preparing a Home for Aging in Place

Most recently I visited my friend’s 83-year-old Mom to assist with some tasks. She is such a delightful person! I need to go back to visit on a regular basis. My friend managed to find an affordable apartment for her mom in my little town but it’s one hour travel time for my friend to visit her mother on a regular basis and she has a demanding job.

Her Mom uses a wheelchair and a walker to get around, although she does amazingly well on her own, ?she is struggling a bit and getting weaker.

Many adult children are facing this dilemma of how to help their aging parents out who cannot afford the rent in a retirement community which many include assisted living or memory care. The agencies that can help with this are far and few between and have many conditions in order to offer any financial aid. It is a situation that could turn into a crisis for our country if we do not act fast to help the millions of seniors who cannot afford the rising costs of everyday living.

If a senior is aging in place there are several things they can do to make it work. I would say number one on my list is getting an ALERT system. They have the buttons you can wear on your neck or wrist and as long as you put them on…they work. But so many seniors forget or just do not like it and leave it on the table next to them, go to the bathroom and forget it and need it. My own mother did that all the time. She was very prideful and would say “I’m not wearing that!” Even after she fell and was left on the floor in her living room for five hours!!!

Today, you can make it easy and get a speaker device like Alexa or Google Dot or other devices where you can yell into it and have it call 911 or a relative.

There are other important practices to follow also if your elderly parent has to stay at home. Here a just suggestions you can do yourself in the bathroom and kitchen: ?

-?????????Have a surveillance system installed in important areas of the house or apartment.

-?????????Add extra lighting in each room.

-????????If possible, a small power generator should be available since we have more and more crazy weather patterns. (I heard some terrible stories recently where the elderly could not be reached and were freezing in their homes.) Think creatively and prepare ahead for all situations.

???Modify the bathroom. (These ideas are for any size bathroom)

o??Can the doorway accept a wheelchair or walker?

o??Install a higher toilet or a device that makes it higher.

o??Install bar handles – everywhere – you would be surprised how much this can help a person who is a bit weaker due to aging. 250 – 500 pounds capacity

o??Step-in shower is vital. Add a fold down seat or bench to the shower area.

o??Install a 6-foot hose with shower head for easy access.

o??Make sure there is a toilet paper holder that can be reached easily.

o??Buy a toilet paper holder so there is always paper handy.

o??Keep all area rugs out of the bathroom – even if it’s a cold floor – install a carpet if necessary.

o??Go to hardware store for suggestions that make the bathroom safe.

o??Install a speaker device in the bathroom – make sure it is charged when you visit.

o??Make sure the sink in not too low.

o??Install a fold down seat outside of shower to sit on for balance.

o??Put a stand for other toiletry items that can be reached without a lot of bending.

o??There are all sorts of shelving that fit between the sink and toilet.

???Kitchen safety?

o??Leaving on the stove is a common hazard for many people – young and old- Have system for people to remember. Use a kitchen timer for an alarm.

o??Move everything from the very top shelve down.

o??Only have a few dishes and cups to use – plastic is great – easy to wash too.

o??Have pots and pans easy to reach.

o??Add grip handles wherever you can – the type that screw into something.

o??Keep throw rugs out of everywhere – rubber ones may be useful but even those you can trip on. The floor can be cleaned so it is safer without them.

o??Refrigerator – do not put anything in the drawers – it is a hazard to open and get things out if you are in a walker or wheelchair.

These are only a few suggestions to consider. As a Life Transition Specialist I can guide you through this process and have partners that are certified in Home Modifications. Act now and begin to create peace of mind that you are doing everything possible to help the aging process. If you are an adult child, I understand, I lived this process with my mother (my sister was her manager). Our system worked so well, it kept all six siblings and in laws working together as a team to see my mom have successful aging process. Our parents deserve to be safe and comfortable! After all they paved the way for us in this world.

I guide Seniors and their adult children to be ahead of the aging process. Reach out for a free 30 minute consultation and begin to create a positive transition! Message me on LinkedIn or email at [email protected]