RetirementHomes.com - Home Safety

Senior-friendly designs help keep older people at home longer

aadmin — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 12:10:57 +0000

With a senior population burgeoning across the United States and Canada, not to mention Europe and even China, more and more businesses are being created to specifically cater to this growing – and wealthy – demographic cohort.

As seniors continue to age, relocation and downsizing becomes an important conversation to have. Many opt to make the move into an active living or independent living retirement community, others choose to move in with loved ones, while others opt to stay living by themselves or with a significant other.

As a result of this significant shift, millions of homes across the United States and Canada need to be retrofitted in order to be accessible for their aging residents, and the trends in this area are nothing short of extraordinary.

There are small, simple changes many companies offer, which include making accessible living spaces by making them wheelchair-accessible, open concept, and without significant barriers. For example, in kitchens, hollowing out the area underneath the sink allows wheelchair users to roll underneath and wash the dishes, which could otherwise prove to be difficult for them. In addition, lower countertops – or even adjustable countertops – can allow multiple people in the same household to find the same level of functionality in the same kitchen.

Additionally, different technologies are being created to help address the cognitive impairment common among seniors (such as Alzheimer’s Disease). These technologies can include sensors which identify when someone is no longer in the kitchen for an extended period of time, upon which the appliances automatically shut down, or it could include an alarm system which tracks movement of a wandering resident or someone who is forgetful.

One company based in Short Hills, New Jersey, just outside of New York City, specifically designs residential lighting systems exclusively aimed at older people.

Josh Scharf, president of Archetype Ltd., told RetirementHomes.com that the challenge in designing senior-friendly products is that few consumers consciously want to buy them!

“There are very few stylish products in the market designed specifically for Boomers and older adults. Most screamed 'geriatric' and who the heck wants that in their home, unless absolutely necessary,” Scharf said.

Archetype Ltd. designs wireless floor lighting which, while available to anyone, has found a niche in the older population because it offers a simple way for seniors to have better vision and mobility while at home, during nighttime hours, Scharf said. And regardless of the aging population, there will always be a need for such products.

“Regardless of age, everyone is at danger of falling down ill-lit stairs,” Scharf said.

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Family and Personal Care

Home Safety

Hosting seniors for the holidays? Here's what you need to know

aadmin — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 13:09:09 +0000

There are only 20 shopping days left until Christmas Day 2012, and that means busy shopping malls and frenzied shoppers across North America.

And when the shopping is over and Christmas arrives, millions of families will gather across the United States and Canada in their homes for celebrations, and millions of seniors and the elderly are likely to be among them. So when hosting family gatherings, it is important to make sure one’s home is safe and secure for older visitors.

Courtesy of the Cleveland Plain Dealer newspaper, here are three ways holiday hosts can prepare their home for gatherings, and to ‘senior-proof:’

1/ Evaluate the house – Walk around the house as a guest might – visiting the kitchen, living and dining rooms, and bathroom – and check if there are any hazards that might come their way.

2/ Confirm about pets – Ask the older visitors if they mind a dog or cat at the house. A small kitten might not be a problem, but a larger dog might have the potential to knock over a senior and cause severe injuries, so make sure to ask beforehand.

3/ Ask about night guests – If there are any seniors who will be sleeping over during the holidays, make sure there is sufficient lighting in the hallways, bedroom and bathroom to help minimize risk of trips and falls.

Are you hosting family and friends this holiday season? How are you creating a safe home for seniors? Tell us about it in the comments below.

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Home Safety

9 Ways to Renovate Your Home to be Age Friendly

aadmin — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 15:09:37 +0000

When an aging couple in Maryland decided to spend $110,000 they weren't buying into a fixed annuity. They were remodeling their house to be a place where they can age gracefully, and allay their fears of retirement residences, reported Bloomberg BusinessWeek.

Here are 9 ways to renovate your homes instead of entering a retirement residence.

1. Make it user-friendly and safe for aging bodies.

Be proactive. It's too late during an emergency situation and someone needs an immediate remodel to accommodate an injury or illness. Necessary designs, permits and construction are impossible in a short timeline.

2. Build in age-friendly features

Incorporate age-friendly features into every renovation project. Aesthetics aren't so important. For example, honed marble is less slippery though less appealing than polished marble.

3. Don't shy away from bigger-ticket projects

Dollars spent today may mean less time - or no time - in an assisted living facility or nursing home. An expensive aging-in-place project could equate to years against moving to an assisted-living facility.

4. Insta-prep your home

Get rid of area rugs. They are sure-fire tripping accidents. Grip-easy handles should replace knobs that can be harder for arthritic hands. Heighten electrical outlets and lower light switches at doorways. These measures reduce the need to reach high up.

5. Do a serious lighting upgrade

A 75-year-old has lost the vision ability of 30 to 40-year-olds and needs about three times more light. Hallways and task lighting in the kitchen and in the bathroom are key areas for improvement.

6. Focus on the bathroom

Install grab bars near the toilet and at the entrance to a shower/bath. Hire a pro to install the washroom renovations. The bars need to be properly anchored in the toilet and shower areas.

7. Secure the stairs

Focus on making the stairs as safe as possible. Install railings on both sides to make it easier to navigate. Install wider doorways rather than the usual 28-to 32-inch clearance. Create contrast on each step by alternating coloration.

8. Utilize your sweet spots

Bring appliances and work spaces into spots that don't require a person to stoop high or low. A contractor can build a raised floor for both washer and dryer. There may be expenses involved, but far less than the price of living in a Continuing Care retirement residence.

9. Tips for the kitchen

Relocate the microwave from above the stove to a counter top or low cabinet. Work areas can be relocated to low-height counters for sitting while preparing meals.

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Home Safety