MINES Newsletter

Source: Federal Trade Commission (FTC). (n.d.). Making the home senior-friendly. Aging Parents and Adult Children Together (A/PACT). Retrieved August 2, 2005, from www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/services/apact/apact03.htm   Printer-friendly version Newsletter back issues

Your parents are healthy and living in their home, but you worry about the danger of falls and other household injuries. What if one of them becomes ill or disabled? How would they manage? What can you do now to improve their safety and comfort or mitigate any possible injury?

Evaluating your parents' home begins with a general safety check. Use the following checklist to identify problem areas.

Throughout the Home

• Are handrails securely fastened on both sides of all stairways?
• Are all areas, including stairways, well lit? Are switches easy to operate?
• Do outside lights illuminate entrances and exits?
• Is a telephone accessible at all times? You may want to suggest a cordless telephone with charger.
• Are outside doors protected by security locks that can be easily operated?
• Are smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors strategically located?
• Are batteries replaced on a regular basis?
• Are floors and stairs kept free of cords and loose objects?

Bathroom

• Is safety equipment properly installed? The basics are grab bars for the tub, shower and near the toilet.
• Do the tub and shower have non-slip surfaces?
• Is the hot water heater set to prevent scalding?
• Can you remove tripping hazards, such as cords and throw rugs?
• Is there a night-light?

Bedroom

• Is there a sturdy bedside table with a non-tip lamp and space for eyeglasses?
• Does furniture placement allow a clear path between the bathroom and bedroom?
• Do rugs have non-slip backing?
• Is there a comfortable chair with arms for rest or comfort when dressing?

Kitchen

• Can frequently used items be reached without using a chair or stool?
• Is a fire extinguisher within easy reach of the stove?
• Is there a work area where a person can sit while preparing food?

Simple improvements identified through the checklist are inexpensive, barely affect the appearance of the home, and can make all the difference in an aging person's ability to continue living at home.

For older people with health problems, a home evaluation by an occupational therapist also can be helpful. This health professional can identify ways to improve home safety, arrange resources and modify the environment to compensate for specific disabilities. For example, home improvements for someone with severe arthritis could include installing lever-action faucets in sinks and tubs, replacing door knobs with lever handles, equipping the kitchen with an under-cabinet jar opener and electric can opener and replacing knobs or small handles on cupboards and drawers with larger "C" handles. Similarly, an avid gardener with knee or hip problems could continue gardening by having raised plant beds installed that can be reached from a standing or sitting position. While some improvements can be done by the homeowner, others, such as a wheelchair ramp, may require a builder or contractor.

About MINES & Associates

For over 25 years MINES & Associates has been a nationally recognized business psychology firm that provides a variety of services to corporate employers including employee assistance programs (EAP), managed mental healthcare, organizational development and psychology services, wellness programs, behavioral risk management, disease management, PPO services, and a number of other technology based services. MINES & Associates is divided into two main divisions, Organizational Psychology and Health Psychology, and currently serves a diverse portfolio of clients in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, and the UK.

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