Tribune News Service
Even a house that has been a home for decades can become an obstacle course or pose unexpected problems.
AARP suggests these modifications for your home:
Vision:
Make sure lighting is adequate on exterior pathways, porches and doorways.
Improve lighting on stairs, such as with night lights or installing overhead fixtures or wall sconces.
Add lighting to closets.
During the day, open curtains, shades and blinds for plenty of natural light.
Consider automatic, light-sensor night lights in rooms and hallways.
Install glow-in-the-dark light switches.
Adequate kitchen lighting includes over the sink, stove and other work areas. Be sure you can easily see the stove’s controls.
Reaching and moving:
Place rolling casters on chairs.
Look into installing a walk-in or no-threshold shower and add a bath seat or bench plus an adjustable hand-held showerhead.
Consider drawers designed to close automatically, and use adjustable and low rods and shelves in closets and cabinets.
Handy tips:
Lever-style door handles are easier to operate than round doorknobs.
A chair or small table near your entrance door is a great place to put packages, mail or your purse while you lock or unlock the door.
Those larger rocker-style light switches are easier to use than traditional toggle-style switches.
The National Association of Home Builders offers these suggestions if you have a senior temporarily in your house:
Clear pathways: Look for obstacles, and look for furniture that people usually have to maneuver around. Look for and move any electrical cords that might be in the path of your visitor.
Light it up: Put nightlights in dark spots that might affect your guest, such as bathrooms, the guest room, nearby hallways and even the kitchen. Make sure there is a light source within easy reach of the bed.
Don’t slip up: Make sure the guest’s shower has a non-slip floor, non-slip strips or a suction-attached non-slip mat. Beware of throw rug and bathroom mats.
The right seat: Look for chairs that will best suit your guest. A chair or sofa that is too soft or low can make it difficult to stand up and maintain balance. A chair with arms provides something to grip while standing up or sitting down.
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