David York Home Healthcare Agency
Offers Elderproofing Services
from our Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS).
Call for a free phone consultation and estimate.
We often think in terms of babyproofing homes, but elderproofing is just as important. Elderproofing an elderly person’s environment is critical if they are to remain in their familiar surroundings and age in place safely and comfortably. It also becomes an issue when you have a loved one coming to live with you or you are helping prepare a senior’s home upon returning from a hospital or rehab stay. You must make sure that they come home to a safe environment.
Elderproofing is making modifications to a home to conform to the specific requirements of the elderly. Modifications can range from something as simple as putting in nightlights along a passageway or stove safety knobs in the kitchen to the more extensive stairlift for a stairway or a complete bathroom re-do to comply with handicap requirements.
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A poorly placed area rug or a slippery shower with no grab bar or chair can lead to a devastating fall. Senior-friendly devices like cordless phones with large buttons and numbers or light switches that can be reached from a sitting position could greatly improve a senior’s quality of life.
If you are serious about elderproofing, it is a good idea to call in a professional to assess your situation. These are Certified Aging-In-Place Specialists (CAPS). They come with a checklist for each room: bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, living areas, halls, and stairways. CAPS professionals are credentialed by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). They are trained in the logistics of managing the entire job and are well aware of the cost and convenience factors for the elderly when making their recommendations.
Here are some of the things CAPS professionals look for:
Walking
Mobility can be one of the largest issues facing the elderly.
- Walkways throughout the home must be clear and wide.
- Handrails on both sides of a stairway are a must.
- Remove tripping hazards. This includes throw rugs, electrical cords, and even furniture. A table or ottoman can easily be a dangerous obstacle for an elderly person.
Bathrooms
Falls in a bathroom are so dangerous because of all the hard surfaces. Tile floors and fixtures have no give and the edges of the sink and tub can cause injury.
- Floors can be slippery or wet, and the person may have difficulty sitting or standing unassisted. Bath mats can be a tripping hazard, so place bath strips on existing tile floor and in the bath or shower to make it non-skid. If remodeling, place a rough cut tile on the floor for more traction.
- Try anti-skid scuba socks for your loved one, especially for bathing.
- Make sure you have grab bars for toilets, showers, and tubs.
- Consider a toilet surround to help with getting up and down, especially if a grab bar is not an option. Consider buying an elevated seat if the existing seat is too low.
- Other precautions include setting the household hot water temperature at 120° to avoid burns and placing drain traps in the sink for any small items that might fall in.
Living Areas
Set up common living areas so as to minimize tripping hazards. A dark, cluttered home is a safety issue.
- Remove clutter from rooms and walkways. If you must, put items in storage. Clear paths are critical.
- Night lights are important so that your loved one can see when it’s dark. Seeing properly is even more important now since they become disoriented more easily.
- Remove any loose carpeting.
- Bright light is beneficial. Install new lighting if lighting is not adequate.
- Remotes for televisions and other often-used items should be within reach.
- Make sure wires do not run along walkways. Relocate wires to the edges of the room and tack them along the walls.
Stairways
These are tips for both indoor and outdoor stairways.
- Install handrails on both sides of the stairs. Most stairways only have handrails on one side.
- Be sure the handrails are sturdy. Tighten down any that are wobbly.
- Clear the stairway of all clutter. Do not store any items on the stairs.
- Check the stairs for adequate lighting. They should be visible when it is dark, either inside or outside.
General Safety
- Make a printout or handwritten sheet with large letters spelling out emergency numbers for your loved one to have by the phone.
- A list of medications, family member contacts, and doctor’s information is important to have on-hand in case of an emergency situation.
- Use lighting and color contrasts to define areas and recognize objects. Research has shown that people with declining vision are more likely to recognize bold colors aiding their effectiveness.
If you have an elderly loved one living at home, there are many steps you can take to reduce the risk of falls. Implementing the above safety tips will help keep your loved one from being injured.
David York Agency Can Help
Martin Kamiel, our administrator is a Certified Aging In Place Specialist credentialed by the National Association of Home Builders to inspect and make recommendations regarding the safety of your home environment with respect to special needs and requirements for the elderly. Martin can manage the entire project, whether large or small, from the start through to completion.
Martin’s vast experience in healthcare coupled with years in the home furnishing industry makes him a real ‘go-to’ person for elderproofing your home to ensure the safety of an elderly loved one. Please call him at 908.373.5300 today to discuss your situation and to schedule a free phone consultation and your in-home assessment.
