Aging in Place: A Senior-Friendly Home

A little planning and a few small projects can make a home safe and comfortable for seniors.

By John Morrell

As the U.S. population ages, homeowners are looking for ways to help ensure that they — and their loved ones — live safely with fewer challenges in day-to-day life. Here are some tips to make the home as safe and comfortable as possible:

• Hand and grip rails are staples in a senior-safe home, especially in the bathroom. "What happens is that people start using a towel bar to help them stand up after using the bathroom, and towel bars aren't designed to support you," said Jo Nelson of Servant's Heart Homemaker Services in Logansport, Ind. "Grip bars firmly attached to the studs in the wall are what's needed near the toilet and in the bath and shower." With the increasing demand, many of these bars are designed with decorative details and finishes to match other hardware in the bathroom. There is nothing "institutional" about them!
  
  
• Many manufacturers offer "comfort height" toilets that are two inches higher than standard size, making it easier for users to get up and down.
  
  
• Open space underneath a sink provides knee room for those who are now in a wheelchair — or who might be in the future.
  
  
• In the shower and in sinks, levered fixture handles are easier to open and close than traditional knobs or rounded handles.
  
  
• A height-adjustable handheld shower head is usually a better choice for seniors since the individual can move the spray where he or she wants it.
  
  
• A shower cubicle with a shelf to allow sitting or enough room for a shower chair is a good idea.
  
  
• Make sure the water-heater temperature is no higher than 120 degrees to prevent scalding. The skin becomes more sensitive to heat as we age.
  
  
• Baths are often extremely difficult for some seniors, since they have trouble getting into or out of the tub. Bath lifts automatically assist a person getting into or out of the tub and can be installed outside of the tub. A special vertical grip bar can be mounted on the side of the tub to allow an individual to ease into the bath. In addition, several manufacturers make walk-in tubs which have high sides and a door to allow easy access.
  
  
• Grip levers should be in the kitchen and bath to allow the senior to reach for items on the floor or over their heads. Use wall hooks to store them when not in use.
  
  
• In closets, place the clothing rod at shoulder level to allow for easier access to clothes.
  
  
• If an individuals is comfortable stepping up to reach an object, look for step stools with raised handles that the user can hold for extra stability.
  
  
• "In remodeling plans, look to lower kitchen and bathroom cabinets so that the highest shelf is no more than six feet from the floor," said Steve Smith, a general contractor based in Los Angeles who often works for elderly and disabled clients.
  
  
• Smith also advises adding a counter space with room for the knees, which allows someone to sit down safely and comfortably while preparing food.
  
  
• Stoves with controls on the front are preferred over those with rear controls to eliminate the need to reach across hot surfaces, potentially causing a severe burn.
  
  
• Install a wall-mounted oven, which doesn't require bending up and down to use it. Doors and windows need special attention.
  
  
• Doors should open and close easily, and locks should be lubricated to allow the resident to easily secure them.
  
  
• Lever-style door handles are easier to use for homeowners who have limited dexterity.
  
  
• Windows should move freely, and the locks should be simple and effective.
  
  
• It’s not a bad idea to put decals on sliding glass doors to remind the sight-impaired the door is closed.
  
  
• A favorite, comfortable chair can become a problem for those who may have difficulty standing up. There are seat assists that help give a boost, pushing the person up when they’re ready to rise.
  
  
• When looking at chairs, try to stay away from models that swivel, since these could cause an accident if the senior mistakenly tries to lean on one for support.

John Morrell is a California freelancer who often writes about residential construction and design topics. RELATED PROJECTS: Aging in Place: Good Lighting for Ages 55+ Aging in Place: Getting Around the House