As we get older some things get harder; shelves are more difficult to reach, doorways or stairways are no longer so easily navigable. Some folks choose to opt out of what we call Aging in Place; they move in with family or choose a new home in a facility or community designed around their changing needs. This is a safe and valid choice for many; but maintaining independence and continuity in your current home—aging in place—is just as safe and valid… with a little care and preparation.
Over 80% of those over 65 want to age in place, but accessibility is sometimes a serious issue. Most of us still want to do the same things and experience our home as we’ve always done. But decreased range of motion, changes in eyesight or hearing, loss of strength, and slower reflexes all require some adjustment. That’s why it’s important to make your home an accessible home.
The Accessible Home
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Depending on your needs, transforming your space into an accessible home might be quick and easy—just a few adjustments in some problematic areas. Other issues may take a little more doing. Here are some common problems and some solutions for making your home accessible:
- Lighting. A big part of accessibility is visibility. After all, you can’t reach what you can’t see. Lighting mounted under cabinets is a great way to increase visibility on countertops. These can be professionally installed and wired; or for a quicker, cheaper fix, you can purchase inexpensive, easy to mount lights with cords (just make sure the power cords can reach your outlets and won’t get in the way). Stick-on lights near doorways, on high-risk steps, and other places with problematic visibility are a great way to cut down on accidents and make maneuvering at nighttime easier.
- Limited reach. Any number of issues can hinder your ability to reach everyday items. Cabinets over sinks and countertops are a perfect example. Leaning over sinks and countertops can be problematic for individuals with lessened range of motion. Think about lowering cabinets, moving them away from sinks, or even getting rid of cabinets altogether and opting for drawers or other types of storage within reach. In kitchens, cabinets can be equipped with slide out trays that bring the contents out to you. Wall- or cabinet-mounted microwaves can be difficult to reach. Solve this problem by mounting these small appliances on low, slide-out trays within cabinets. These are easily accessed by individuals in wheelchairs, or those who just can’t reach as far as they used to.
- Difficulty walking or climbing stairs. Handrails and grab bars are a necessity for maneuvering safely up and down stairs—even a step or two at an entrance can be tricky. For maximum safety, put rails on both sides of your staircase, and be sure to follow our previous advice of providing adequate lighting—and make sure those grab bars are easy to reach, no matter what your range of motion is.
- Doorways. These are tricky. For starters, a great many doors (on bathrooms in particular) are too narrow for individuals in wheelchairs or with large walkers to easily navigate. The solution: well, it depends on the size or the door, your needs, and what other accessibility issues surround the doorway. You might gain the clearance you need by switching to different types of hinges, or you might need to widen the frame or change the type of door altogether. When it doubt, consult an expert, particularly if weight-bearing walls (and any wiring within them) come into play. Just make sure you give yourself and any equipment you need at least two inches of extra clearance. The last thing you need is to hit your knuckles every time you pass through the doorway.
Your home is where you are and where you’ve been. With some work and a little forethought—keeping in mind that your mobility today won’t necessarily be your mobility tomorrow—you can make sure your home is where you’ll remain. Stay safe as you stay where you are by turning your space into an accessible home.
