#33 - Beyond Grab Bars: Rethinking How We Age at Home

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Creating a safer, more organized living space requires practical modifications that support changing bodies and prevent falls. Simple changes in lighting, organization, and technology can dramatically improve quality of life for seniors aging in place.

• Remove tripping hazards like loose rugs and secure remaining rugs with non-slip backing
• Install bright lighting in hallways and stairways, with motion sensors for nighttime safety
• Add grab bars near toilets, showers, and bathtubs for balance support
• Consider stairlifts for multi-level homes and widen doorways for mobility devices
• Install lever handles on doors and faucets instead of traditional knobs
• Start decluttering one small area at a time using the keep-donate-discard method
• Use clear containers with labels and vertical storage to maximize space
• Choose ergonomic, stable furniture that doesn't move when transitioning
• Select medical alert systems with non-cancellable signals to prevent accidental cancellations
• Explore smart home technology for lighting, temperature, and security control
• Build community connections through local senior groups for support and resources

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:01):
Welcome to the Aging in Place Directories podcast.
Today, we're exploring one ofthe most important topics for
all of us as we age, and that iscreating a safer and more
organized living space.
Whether you're a senior lookingto stay in your home, a
caregiver supporting a loved one, or a professional specializing
in home modifications, thisepisode is for you.

(00:24):
I'm your host, robin Schultz,and I'm excited to share some
practical tips and insights tohelp make your home a
comfortable and secure place tolive.
So let's get started.
So we're going to start withsafety.
As we age, our bodies changeand our homes need to adapt to
support us.
Falls are one of the biggestrisks for seniors, so let's talk

(00:47):
about how to prevent them.
First, it makes sense to removeany tripping hazards like loose
rugs or clutter from walkways.
Next, secure rugs with non-slipbacking and make sure your
flooring is even andobstacle-free.
Also, consider using non-slipmats in the bathroom and kitchen

(01:08):
, where floors can get slippery.
Another crucial aspect islighting.
Good lighting can make all thedifference, especially for those
with diminished vision.
Install bright lights inhallways and stairways, and
consider using motion sensorlights to ensure that pathways
are always well lit.
This way, you'll never have tofumble for switches in the dark.

(01:31):
Plus, motion sensor lights canbe especially helpful for those
who might need to get up duringthe night.
I remember a friend whoinstalled motion sensor lights
in her home and she said itcompletely changed her nighttime
routine and made her feel muchsafer moving around the house.
And for caregivers, this can bea huge relief, knowing your

(01:53):
loved one is safer at night.
In addition to lighting,install grab bars in strategic
locations like near the toilet,shower or bathtub.
These can provide much-neededsupport and balance.
And don't forget about stairsafety.
If you have stairs, make surethey're well lit and consider

(02:13):
installing handrails on bothsides of the staircase for extra
support.
For professionals whospecialize in home modifications
, be sure to assess each homeindividually and consider
factors like the homeowner'sspecific needs and mobility
challenges when you'rerecommending safety
modifications.

(02:33):
This personalized approachensures that every home is
tailored to support itsoccupants effectively.
Now let's talk aboutaccessibility.
As mobility becomes morechallenging, it's essential to
make your home easier tonavigate.
Adding handrails in hallwaysand stairways can provide much

(02:54):
needed support, while ramps orstair lifts can be lifesavers
for those with mobilityimpairments.
If you have a multi-story home,consider installing a stairlift
.
It can completely change yourlife and allow you to move
freely between floors withoutworrying about falls.
Another important modificationcould be to consider widening

(03:16):
interior doorways for betteraccess if you're using a walker
or a wheelchair Also.
Also, some easy andcost-effective modifications
include installing lever handleson doors and faucets instead of
a traditional door knob andhandle that turns.
A lever handle makes it easierto open doors and to turn

(03:39):
faucets on and off withoutstraining your hands and wrists.
And don't forget about bathroommodifications, like changing a
tub-shower combination into azero-threshold walk-in shower or
installing a raised toilet seat, which can make daily routines
much more manageable Forcaregivers.

(03:59):
These modifications cansignificantly reduce the risk of
injury and can make yourcaregiving duties easier.
By creating a more accessibleenvironment, you can help your
loved one maintain independenceand confidence in their daily
activities.
For contractors and other agingin place specialists, when

(04:19):
you're recommendingaccessibility modifications,
consider the long-term benefits.
Accessibility modificationsconsider the long-term benefits.
Changes such as the ones we'vebeen talking about not only
improve safety for your client,but also enhance the overall
quality of life for seniors,allowing them to live more
independently and comfortably intheir homes.

(04:39):
All right, let's move on toorganization.
A clutter-free home is not onlysafer, but also less stressful.
Ahem, excuse me.
Here are a few tips to get youstarted.
Start small.
Begin with one area at a time,like a drawer or a shelf.
Use the keep donate discardmethod to sort through

(05:00):
belongings and be brutallyhonest with yourself Do you
really need that item, or can itbe donated or discarded?
Also, invest in storagesolutions like clear containers
and labels.
This will help you find whatyou need quickly and will keep
your space tidy.
You might also consider usingvertical storage to maximize

(05:24):
space without cluttering yourfloors.
And don't forget aboutergonomic furniture.
Choose chairs and beds that areeasy to get in and out of and
that will stay put as the personusing them moves around.
You want to avoid things likechairs with casters that can
roll and move when the personstands or sits, which can

(05:45):
contribute to falls.
Going back to organizing yourspace, this also means
simplifying your routines.
For example, use a centralcalendar to keep track of
appointments and events, andconsider automating tasks like
bill payments to reduce clutterand stress.
This can be especially helpfulfor seniors, who might find it

(06:06):
challenging to keep up withpaperwork.
For the professionals who arelistening, here's a tip when
you're advising on organizationstrategies, emphasize the
importance of creating systemsthat are easy to maintain.
This might include setting upregular cleaning schedules or
using technology to streamlinetasks, ensuring that the home

(06:28):
remains organized and safe overtime.
All right, let's talk abouttechnology.
It can also play a big role inmaking your home safer.
For example, medical alertsystems are a great way to
ensure that help is just abutton press away in case of an
emergency.
These systems can be worn aspendants or wristbands, and they

(06:50):
provide peace of mind both foryou and your loved ones.
My biggest tip here is to getone that has a non-cancellable
alert signal.
Cancel-able alert signal.
In moments of panic, you don'twant to accidentally cancel
vital emergency help simplybecause you pressed the button
too many times.
Trust me, this actuallyhappened to a friend of mine's

(07:13):
elderly father.
He fell and got caught in thesafety rail of his bed, so he
pushed his medical alert button.
But when help didn't comequickly, he panicked and thought
the button hadn't worked, so hepressed it several more times
and effectively canceled thealert.
His daughter just happened tocome by a couple of hours later

(07:33):
and found him unconscious andhanging by one arm from the
guardrail on the bed.
Today he has lasting healthissues that are directly related
to this fall and the fact thathe didn't get help right away.
So definitely look for amedical alert that cannot be
canceled if you press the buttonAll right.
Moving on, another usefultechnology is smart home devices

(07:57):
.
These can help you controllighting, temperature and even
security systems from thecomfort of your chair.
And don't forget about videodoorbells, which allow you to
see who's at the door withouthaving to get up.
This can be especiallybeneficial for those who might
have difficulty moving around orwho may prefer not to answer
the door in person.
And lastly, don't underestimatethe power of professional home

(08:22):
care services.
They can provide assistancewith daily tasks, safety
assistance and assessments, andeven companionship.
Having someone check on youregularly can make a big
difference in your safety andwell-being.
And let's not forget aboutcommunity support either.
Whether it's family, friends orneighbors, having a network of

(08:44):
people who can check in on youcan be incredibly reassuring.
So consider joining localsenior groups or clubs to stay
connected and engaged.
For caregivers, joining thesenetworks can also provide
valuable support and resources.
All right, that's all for today.
As we've discussed, creating asafer and more organized living

(09:06):
space is all about making smallchanges that add up to a big
difference.
Whether you're a senior, acaregiver or a professional in
the field, these tips can helpyou create a home that supports
independence, comfort and safety.
And remember, it's not justabout safety, it's about living
life on your own terms.
So thanks for tuning in today.

(09:27):
Please share this episode withsomeone who could benefit from
the information, and pleasesubscribe to our channel,
because we look forward tosharing more tips and stories in
our next episode.
Until then, stay safe and stayorganized.
Thanks Bye.