Page 6 - Senior Times South Central Michigan April 2021 - 28-04
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Page 6 Senior Times - April 2021
AGING IN PLACE REMODELING CHECKLIST
By: Sherii Sherban, Publisher
You’ve decided an assisted living facility
is not for you, at least not yet. Is your home aging-in-place ready? Some things likely need to be done to ensure you can safely remain in your home for as long as possible. This aging in place remodeling checklist from Getty will help you get your home prepared, so you don’t have to worry about renovations down the road.
water heaters or bathtub faucets prevent
To help you keep things organized, this checklist is broken down in two ways. First is by area of the home. Second is by special con- cerns such as safety that may apply to multiple areas of the home.
Also, some of the items included do not require a contractor. For example, guide lighting in hallways may be as simple as adding a few nightlights and removing throw rugs. However, because falls are always a concern for seniors, these things are vital when aging in place, so they are included. For things that require con- tractors, remember that if you have a VA home loan, or are otherwise qualified, there are VA programs that can help with remodeling costs for seniors and those living with a disability. See page 12.
etc. should be repaired.
• Low maintenance landscaping – Consider
prevent scalding.
• Storage – Additional lower storage shelving
• Limited mobility entrances – Decks, patios, porches, and approaches to doorways should be wide enough to allow a walker, mobility scooter, or wheelchair to pass easily. Stairs should be replaced in favor of gently sloping ramps with handrails or guardrails. These areas should also be a non-slip surface and covered if possible. Door thresholds should not have a sudden lip or drop in height that could cause stumbling or be difficult for a wheelchair to cross.
should be installed to prevent falls from reach- ing for items in high storage or items in high storage falling on you.
• Freezer – A side-by-side or all-in-one refrig- erator/freezer unit can make reaching foods easier.
scalding.
• Taller toilet – Toilet seat risers are an easy
DIY fix.
Outside the home
• Repairs – Any roof damage, damaged weath-
erproofing, rotten deck or steps, door seals,
replacing high maintenance flowerbeds and temperamental grasses with hardier and slower growing grasses without a lot of lawn decora- tion to hamper mowing.
The edges of throw rugs can easily cause trips and falls and should be removed. Throw rugs are one of the two major home hazard categories recognized by the CDC for com- mon fall causation.
• Stove – An electric cooktop with controls on the side or front can be safer than a gas stove or controls on the back.
Hallways
• Hallways – Should be wide enough for a
Bathroom
• Tub and shower – Make sure your tub/
walker, mobility scooter, or wheelchair to eas- ily pass. The ADA recommends a minimum hallway width of 48 inches. Widening hall- ways may require a contractor.
Kitchen
• Counter height – Counter heights may need
shower is accessible. This may mean a roll-in shower or a walk-in tub and shower combina- tion that reduces the need to step up and over the side of a bathtub.
Doors
• Doorways – All doorways should be wide
adjusting to accommodate working from a seated position. The ADA recommends a mini- mum countertop height of 36 inches.
• Handrails – Should be installed near toilets and tub/shower entrances.
enough to comfortably admit a walker, mobil- ity scooter, or wheelchair to pass through
and thresholds should be flush or gently beveled for easy transition between rooms. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recommends a minimum doorway width of 36 inches. Widening doorways may require a contractor.
• Sinks – Sinks may need under-counter clear- ance for a wheelchair.
• Non-slip flooring – Should be installed for wet areas. This can mean non-slip mats or painting hard bathroom surfaces with non-slip paint.
• Water – Safety controls on water heaters to
• Safety controls – Anti-scalding valves on
Take Control of Your Choices 2021 Senior Housing Directory!
Feeling Overwelmed With Your Next Housing Decision?
The 2021 Senior Housing Directory can help guide you through the process of finding the right housing situation for you (or your loved one).
To read the online version visit scenepub.com and click on the 2021 Senior Housing Directory cover. Printed copies are available at senior agencies in Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Jackson, and Kalamazoo Counties.
(269) 979-1411, ext. 302 • scenepub.com • ssherban@scenepub.com