#33 - Beyond Grab Bars: Rethinking How We Age at Home

Creating a safer, more organized living space requires practical modifications that support changing bodies and prevent falls. Simple changes in lighting, organization, and technology can dramatically improve quality of life for seniors aging in place.

• Remove tripping hazards like loose rugs and secure remaining rugs with non-slip backing
• Install bright lighting in hallways and stairways, with motion sensors for nighttime safety
• Add grab bars near toilets, showers, and bathtubs for balance support
• Consider stairlifts for multi-level homes and widen doorways for mobility devices
• Install lever handles on doors and faucets instead of traditional knobs
• Start decluttering one small area at a time using the keep-donate-discard method
• Use clear containers with labels and vertical storage to maximize space
• Choose ergonomic, stable furniture that doesn't move when transitioning
• Select medical alert systems with non-cancellable signals to prevent accidental cancellations
• Explore smart home technology for lighting, temperature, and security control
• Build community connections through local senior groups for support and resources

Please share this episode with someone who could benefit from this information and subscribe to our channel for more tips and stories in our next episode.

Thanks for listening!

Sign up to our Homeowners Newsletter - it's a weekly newsletter filled with expert tips and advice on how to age safely and more comfortably in your own home.

If you provide services for modifying homes for disabled or seniors aging in place, sign up to our directory and expand your business.

Chapters

• 1:05 Welcome and Episode Introduction
• 1:39 Fall Prevention Strategies
• 2:14 Lighting and Nighttime Safety
• 3:47 Accessibility Modifications
• 5:46 Organization and Decluttering Tips
• 7:39 Technology and Safety Solutions
• 9:45 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:33

Welcome to the Aging in Place Directories podcast. Today, we're exploring one of the most important topics for all of us as we age, and that is creating a safer and more organized living space. Whether you're a senior looking to stay in your home, a caregiver supporting a loved one, or a professional specializing in home modifications, this episode is for you. I'm your host, robin Schultz, and I'm excited to share some practical tips and insights to help make your home a comfortable and secure place to live. So let's get started. So we're going to start with safety. As we age, our bodies change and our homes need to adapt to support us. Falls are one of the biggest risks for seniors, so let's talk about how to prevent them. First, it makes sense to remove any tripping hazards like loose rugs or clutter from walkways. Next, secure rugs with non-slip backing and make sure your flooring is even and obstacle-free. Also, consider using non-slip mats in the bathroom and kitchen, where floors can get slippery. Another crucial aspect is lighting. Good lighting can make all the difference, especially for those with diminished vision. Install bright lights in hallways and stairways, and consider using motion sensor lights to ensure that pathways are always well lit. This way, you'll never have to fumble for switches in the dark. Plus, motion sensor lights can be especially helpful for those who might need to get up during the night. I remember a friend who installed motion sensor lights in her home and she said it completely changed her nighttime routine and made her feel much safer moving around the house. And for caregivers, this can be a huge relief, knowing your loved one is safer at night. In addition to lighting, install grab bars in strategic locations like near the toilet, shower or bathtub. These can provide much-needed support and balance. And don't forget about stair safety. If you have stairs, make sure they're well lit and consider installing handrails on both sides of the staircase for extra support. For professionals who specialize in home modifications, be sure to assess each home individually and consider factors like the homeowner's specific needs and mobility challenges when you're recommending safety modifications. This personalized approach ensures that every home is tailored to support its occupants effectively.

Speaker 1: 3:13

Now let's talk about accessibility. As mobility becomes more challenging, it's essential to make your home easier to navigate. Adding handrails in hallways and stairways can provide much needed support, while ramps or stair lifts can be lifesavers for those with mobility impairments. If you have a multi-story home, consider installing a stairlift. It can completely change your life and allow you to move freely between floors without worrying about falls. Another important modification could be to consider widening interior doorways for better access if you're using a walker or a wheelchair Also. Also, some easy and cost-effective modifications include installing lever handles on doors and faucets instead of a traditional door knob and handle that turns. A lever handle makes it easier to open doors and to turn faucets on and off without straining your hands and wrists. And don't forget about bathroom modifications, like changing a tub-shower combination into a zero-threshold walk-in shower or installing a raised toilet seat, which can make daily routines much more manageable For caregivers. These modifications can significantly reduce the risk of injury and can make your caregiving duties easier. By creating a more accessible environment, you can help your loved one maintain independence and confidence in their daily activities. For contractors and other aging in place specialists, when you're recommending accessibility modifications, consider the long-term benefits. Accessibility modifications consider the long-term benefits. Changes such as the ones we've been talking about not only improve safety for your client, but also enhance the overall quality of life for seniors, allowing them to live more independently and comfortably in their homes.

Speaker 1: 5:11

All right, let's move on to organization. A clutter-free home is not only safer, but also less stressful. Ahem, excuse me. Here are a few tips to get you started. Start small. Begin with one area at a time, like a drawer or a shelf. Use the keep donate discard method to sort through belongings and be brutally honest with yourself Do you really need that item, or can it be donated or discarded? Also, invest in storage solutions like clear containers and labels. This will help you find what you need quickly and will keep your space tidy. You might also consider using vertical storage to maximize space without cluttering your floors. And don't forget about ergonomic furniture. Choose chairs and beds that are easy to get in and out of and that will stay put as the person using them moves around. You want to avoid things like chairs with casters that can roll and move when the person stands or sits, which can contribute to falls.

Speaker 1: 6:19

Going back to organizing your space, this also means simplifying your routines. For example, use a central calendar to keep track of appointments and events, and consider automating tasks like bill payments to reduce clutter and stress. This can be especially helpful for seniors, who might find it challenging to keep up with paperwork. For the professionals who are listening, here's a tip when you're advising on organization strategies, emphasize the importance of creating systems that are easy to maintain. This might include setting up regular cleaning schedules or using technology to streamline tasks, ensuring that the home remains organized and safe over time. All right, let's talk about technology. It can also play a big role in making your home safer.

Speaker 1: 7:11

For example, medical alert systems are a great way to ensure that help is just a button press away in case of an emergency. These systems can be worn as pendants or wristbands, and they provide peace of mind both for you and your loved ones. My biggest tip here is to get one that has a non-cancellable alert signal. Cancel-able alert signal. In moments of panic, you don't want to accidentally cancel vital emergency help simply because you pressed the button too many times. Trust me, this actually happened to a friend of mine's elderly father. He fell and got caught in the safety rail of his bed, so he pushed his medical alert button. But when help didn't come quickly, he panicked and thought the button hadn't worked, so he pressed it several more times and effectively canceled the alert. His daughter just happened to come by a couple of hours later and found him unconscious and hanging by one arm from the guardrail on the bed. Today he has lasting health issues that are directly related to this fall and the fact that he didn't get help right away. So definitely look for a medical alert that cannot be canceled if you press the button All right.

Speaker 1: 8:25

Moving on, another useful technology is smart home devices. These can help you control lighting, temperature and even security systems from the comfort of your chair. And don't forget about video doorbells, which allow you to see who's at the door without having to get up. This can be especially beneficial for those who might have difficulty moving around or who may prefer not to answer the door in person. And lastly, don't underestimate the power of professional home care services. They can provide assistance with daily tasks, safety assistance and assessments, and even companionship. Having someone check on you regularly can make a big difference in your safety and well-being. And let's not forget about community support either. Whether it's family, friends or neighbors, having a network of people who can check in on you can be incredibly reassuring. So consider joining local senior groups or clubs to stay connected and engaged. For caregivers, joining these networks can also provide valuable support and resources.

Speaker 1: 9:32

All right, that's all for today. As we've discussed, creating a safer and more organized living space is all about making small changes that add up to a big difference. Whether you're a senior, a caregiver or a professional in the field, these tips can help you create a home that supports independence, comfort and safety. And remember, it's not just about safety, it's about living life on your own terms. So thanks for tuning in today. Please share this episode with someone who could benefit from the information, and please subscribe to our channel, because we look forward to sharing more tips and stories in our next episode. Until then, stay safe and stay organized. Thanks Bye.