Adapting the Home to a Senior’s Changing Needs

More Americans are choosing to stay in their homes, to “age in place,” rather than move to alternative retirement settings, such as assisted living facilities or nursing homes. But for many seniors who turn to the aid of a home health agency or in-home caregiver, this decision often means modifications must be made to their current place of residence, so it’s not a danger to their safety and health as their physical abilities change over time.

A new profession has developed to address this need: the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS), a program started and directed by the National Association of Home Builders (www.nahb.org). CAPS certified specialists will evaluate an elder’s home to recognize and propose modifications to prevent a senior from injuries caused by falls and other at-home risks.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately one third of Americans who are over the age of 65 fall each year. In addition, the CDC states that about half of all falls that occur at home are caused by environmental factors. Factors to consider include tripping and slipping, poor lighting, or lack of necessary home modifications, such as handicapped showers, bathroom grab bars, stair railings and ramps. (See the CDC’s “Check for Safety: A Home Fall Prevention Checklist for Older Adults” brochure at www.cdc.gov/ncipc/duip/fallsmaterial.htm.)

Home modifications can help our aging loved ones maintain a higher quality of life because they can prevent injuries and loss of independence from early admission to an assisted living or long-term care facility, such as a nursing home.

Following are examples of commonly-recommended modifications:

• Remove unnecessary throw rugs and fasten down rugs or floor runners to prevent slipping
• Install grab bars for toilets and tubs and install a walk-in tub and/or tub seat
• Keep objects off the floor and coil or secure cords to the wall to prevent tripping
• Move furniture to create clear walking paths
• Replace knobs with lever door handles
• Replace standard light switches with rocker-style switches
• Apply non-slip tape on uncarpeted indoor and outdoor steps
• Move often-used items to lower cabinets to avoid the need for step stools
• Increase the width of doorways and hallways to accommodate wheelchairs, and where possible, lower sinks and countertops
• Install an elevator or chair lift
• Repair or replace loose handrails and install adequate lighting in stairways
• Replace ceramic tile floors with hardwood or vinyl for safe standing
• Replace old stoves with induction cook tops to help prevent burns
• Install an elevated dishwasher or one with drawers for easy access

Shedding Light on Home Modification

Don’t forget the importance of good lighting when modifying a senior’s home. Seniors typically require two to three times as much light to see as well as people who are younger.

Good lighting—especially natural light—gives seniors other advantages besides safety:

• Sunlight produces a good dose of Vitamin D, which helps the body absorb more calcium to strengthen bones and teeth. If possible, choose window treatments which allow in sunlight without glare to enhance the health of seniors, many of whom get outside less than they used to.
• Daylight also uplifts psychological health, as it lessens the energy-zapping effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and other common forms of depression.