AGING IN PLACE Simple changes to make now to help you live in your home longer, remain independent, decrease the risk of falls, and maintain function.

AGING IN PLACE Simple changes to make now to help you live in your home longer, remain independent, decrease the risk of falls, and maintain function.

Accessible Bathrooms Roll-In Showers with: No Lip (always preferred!) A Place to Sit ADA Grab Bars Hand Held Shower Heads

Shower Chairs Shower Chair in Walk-In Shower Shower Chair in Bath Tub

Consider Sitting Surfaces Hips should be level with or higher than knees (seat surface usually ~ 18-21 from floor, depending on person s height) and feet flat on the floor (use blocks, platforms or firmer cushions to elevate favorite chairs). Use sturdy surfaces (that do not roll) with arms for reaching back to lower and for pushing up to stand. Bedside or 3-in-1 Commode Toilet Rails Raised Toilet Seat with Arms

Access to Tub Tub Transfer Bench Motorized Bench with Remote Control lowers you into the tub

Tub Cut Out or TubCut A newer option for increasing safe access to a tub/shower combo is to cut a panel out of the side of the tub wall. The opening is then finished, leaving a lower and safer step-over into the tub. Some options include a door that seals and still allows you to take a bath. This is more costeffective than replacing a tub with a walk-in or roll-in shower.

Access to Soaking in a Tub Walk-in Tubs and Showers with doors that seal shut; many offer special features.

Hand Held Shower Heads and ADA Grab Bars

Be Creative with Grab Bars! Grab bars are not just for bathrooms. Make sure grab bars are secured to studs of walls or other proper mounting. Images taken from www.paulsgrabbars.com

Tension Poles Standers Security Pole and Curve Grab Bar Health Craft SuperPole with SuperBar Both found at www.activeforever.com

Flexible Spaces A Place to Stand and Sit!

Other Features in Bathrooms Easy to Grasp Faucet Handles and Drawer Pulls Open space under sink with low mirror

One-Handed Toilet Paper Holder

For Those with Vision Deficits

One More Look at Contrast Colors and Glare Can you find the eye glasses in the top images?

Contrast Colors highlight where one surface starts and the other ends especially helpful with stairs! Anti-Skid Tread Tape Where there are stairs (inside or out) make sure they are well-lit and have sturdy railings on both sides of the stairwell!

Safety in the Bedroom No Throw Rugs Good Lighting (bedside lamps and overhead lighting) Accessible Bedside Tables with room for phone, light, clock, water, medicine, etc. Nightlights to light the way to the bathroom Bed Rails Leg Lifter

Common Adaptive Equipment to Aid in Getting Dressed - Elastic Laces - Sock Aid - Long Handled Sponge - Reacher - Dressing Stick - Long Handled Shoe Horn

Entrances Goal: No Step Entry

Zero Entry Thresholds

Wheelchair/ Vertical Platform Lifts

Stair Lifts

Examples of Functional and Accessible Kitchens

Appliances GE Induction Cook Top Side-by-Side Refrigerator Microwave or Wall Oven with Side Opening Door and shelf below Dishwasher Drawers Accessible Cooktop

Lighting

When Purchasing New Windows: Remember that Casement Windows are the first choice for Universal Design; they are the easiest to open and often have easy-grip handles. Next would be Gliding Windows with the hardest to open being Double-Hung. Casement Windows: Have a hinge at the side and crank out to open. Gliding Windows: Open by sliding one sash horizontally past the other. Double-Hung Windows: Open by sliding one sash vertically past another. Images from Anderson Windows

Door Levers Rocker Light Switch

With vision and cognition changes, remember that the little things do matter and that simple is always better!

Low Tech Ideas for Cognitive Changes Large Print Calendar with Stickers or a To-Do List Using velcro and elastic waist bands instead of buttons and zippers Painting the toilet seat a bright color to help remind a loved one of why they have entered the bathroom Posting a red STOP sign on the door Alarm pads for the bed, floor, chairs, and toilets Safety locks on cabinets with cleaning supplies and medicines www.azdes.gov/internetfiles/pamphlets/pdf/aaa-1101aforpd.pdf

Cognitive Changes: Simple Tech Solutions Clarity Amplified Photo Phone From Drugstore.com The Simple 6 Button Universal Remote From AssistiveTechnologyServices.com Orientation Clock From Amazon.com Reizen Vibrating Five Alarm Pill Box From addconsults.com

Cognitive Changes: High Tech Solutions Location Finding Bracelets (Comfort Zone Location Device through the Alzheimer s Association) Home Monitoring Systems and Alarms Sensor Alarms (to show movement through the house or even into cabinets, the refrigerator, etc.) Stove Alarm/ Stove Guard USB medical alert tags provide EMS with quick and easy access to medical information Use of an ebook Reader (Kindle, Nook, ipad, etc.) Use of Applications on Smart Phones and Electronic Tablets

Medical Alert Systems / Senior Alarms Benefits Include: Immediate access to emergency assistance Helps maintain independence Decreases pressure/worry on loved ones Less expensive than many other alternatives Easy to set-up Virtually maintenance-free Offer flexibility & peace of mind

Floors and Walls

Clear out the Clutter!

Exercise Regularly and Stay Active! Find an exercise program that you enjoy (so you will do it!) that focuses on increasing strength and flexibility and improves balance. Tai Chi * Walking * Weight Training * Stretching * Yoga * Pilates It is better to wear out than to rust away. -quote from 93 year old living independently

Finally, please ask for help.

RESOURCES Websites to consider: Senior Resource Website: www.seniorresource.com Aging in Place website: www.aginginplace.com Simply Home: www.simplyhome.com Innovative Technology for Independent Living; Local Company: 877-684-3581 The Alzheimer s Store: An Ageless Design Company: www.alzstore.com; 1-800-752-3238 This Caring Home: thiscaringhome.org Active Forever: Medical Supplies, Safety Equipment & Innovative Health Products: www.activeforever.com; 480-767-6800 or 623-215- 8470 (company in Arizona but ships nationally; has catalogues) Amazon.com sells many products and they usually have helpful reviews. National Association of Home Builders: www.nahb.org/caps

Ann W. Thomson, MS, OTR/L, CAPS CarePartners Health Services athomson@carepartners.org