Home Assessment / Home Maintenance

Falling is a Serious Issue as We Age

1 out ten 10 grown adults between the ages 65-80 falls every year and half. 

       •Falls are the main source of death because of injury for those over the age of 65.

       •Falls cause serious wounds, such as hip fractures and head trauma. 

       •Falls represent 25% of ALL hospital admissions.

       •Falls represent 40% of nursing home admissions.

       •Of the individuals who survive a fall half never regain their independence

Things You Can Do to Reduce Your Fall Risk

        •Start a normal activity program.

       •Review your medicines regularly.

       •Have your vision checked yearly.

       •Make your home climate more secure.

       •Wear durable, nonskid shoes consistently.

Aging In Place Home Assessment ChecklistTake a look around your home with the future in mind. Do you have handrails along the stairs? What about a walk-in shower? Are your doorways wide enough to allow a wheelchair to pass through? Evaluate your living space to see if it’s ready to age gracefully along with you.

Sample Check list

Start with the rooms you use the most and focus on something challenging for you at the moment, like navigating the stairs or reaching high for items. Then, move on to things like improving the lighting in your house or decluttering pathways.

Home Fit guide, which features smart ways to make a home comfortable, safe and a great fit for people of all ages, can help.

“Every year when you do your spring cleaning, maybe take one step in making your house age-friendly,” suggests focus on lighting, next year make sure that there are grab bars in the bathrooms.”

To help this process, we consulted experts to create a checklist of ideas that will keep you in your home longer. 

Bathroom:

• Install a walk-in shower to avoid falling.
• Place a shower chair or bench in the shower for bathing.
• Swap out a showerhead for a handheld nozzle to enable sitting while rinsing off.
• Install grab bars on the shower wall and near the toilet.
• Replace glass shower enclosures with non-shattering material.
• Apply slip-resistant strips/shapes to the floor of the shower, as these are more effective than mats.
• Swap out your toilet for a taller version or give it a boost with a toilet riser.
• Opt for lever-style faucets if arthritis or joint pain becomes an issue.

Bedroom:

• If stairs are hard to navigate, move a bedroom downstairs by turning a room like an office into a bedroom.
• Make sure the bed is easy to get in and out of. Purchase bed risers, if needed.
• Invest in an adjustable bed for extra comfort.

Kitchen:

• Purchase a stove with safety features that alert you when a burner is on.
• Adjust the location of major appliances so they are easier to reach.
• Get a refrigerator with handles accessible from a wheelchair or walker.
• Add slide-out drawers or trays to existing cabinets for better access.

Furniture:

• Declutter and get rid of extra furniture to make rooms easier to navigate.
• Opt for chairs with armrests to make it easier to stand and sit.
• If needed, purchase a lift chair — similar to a recliner — that you can electronically control for safe sitting and standing.
• Keep electric cords out of pathways — but don’t put them under rugs.

Lighting:

• Install easy-access light switches at room entrances.
• Have ample indoor and outdoor lighting to create safe navigation in all areas, including basements, attics and closets.
• Use night-lights, especially in bedrooms and bathrooms.
• Consider voice-activated smart lighting.

Flooring/rugs:

• Have non-shag carpeting installed over concrete, ceramic and marble floors to lessen falling injuries.
• Make sure carpet pile is short enough to accommodate a wheelchair or walker.
• Avoid use of scatter rugs that can be a tripping hazard.
• Secure area rugs with double-faced tape or slip-resistant backing. 

Doors:

1. Swap doorknobs for lever handles, which are easier to use with stiff hands or limited mobility.
2. Widen doors to accommodate wheelchairs or walkers. Have a contractor switch door hinge for swing-clear hinges, designed to provide more space.

How to Anchor Your Furniture

Stairs: 

• Install a sturdy railing and make sure lighting is adequate.
• Carpet stairs for better grip.
• Highlight the outline of stairs with colored tape to create contrast.
• Install an electric stair lift if needed to help you safely get up and down the stairs.

 Entries:

• Create at least one no-step entry into the home. 
• Consider a covered entryway for protection from the elements.
• Put a bench in the foyer to sit on when removing shoes.
• Clear entryways and walkways of tripping hazards.
• Install a ramp if necessary.
• Keep steps in good repair with no loose stone, concrete or rotted wood.

Yard:

• Swap out low flowerbeds for raised garden boxes to avoid excessive bending.
• Create stable and comfortable seating options.
• Install lights that turn on automatically when it gets dark.

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