A common problem among senior citizens who are capable of caring for
themselves is how to make their environment more practical and safe.
According to a survey conducted by researchers at Iowa State University, the
uppermost concerns among the elderly are convenience, comfort and safety.
In the survey, 85 homemakers aged 65 and over offered suggestions on how to
make a house more 'age-proof.'
Convenience and comfort
A small and compact kitchen area where everything is within reach is ideal.
Thus, distances between utilities and appliances are reduced. In addition,
easily maneuverable faucets and knobs make cooking and washing less
traumatic for the elderly person.
Low-level and accessible cabinets are necessary both to prevent items
falling and so that the person does not have to strain to reach them. Plus,
sliding doors require less finger control and are easy to operate. There
should also be adequate counter space with plenty of 'elbow room' for
preparing food. An easy-care floor material such as linoleum, or vinyl is
also ideal, although on slippery floor surfaces, textured strips that allow
more traction should be added.
To conserve energy, the homemakers indicated that a house should be
one-story with installed aluminum storm windows and screens - aluminum
requires the least amount of care and does not suffer from corrosion or
rust. Similarly, brick or aluminum sidings minimizes the cost of exterior
maintenance.
Inside the house, draperies or curtains instead of Venetian blinds can
reduce the potential for stress and maintenance. In addition, a low ceiling
disposes of the need to climb on ladders and stools to access the curtains
for washing.
Safety first
The following safety tips were suggested by the survey respondents:
don't have steps; keep everything on one level as much as possible. If
steps are necessary, they need to be deep and flat for easy balance
add color strips on any floor areas that have a variation in level
install hand railings along stairways
remove high doorway thresholds to avoid tripping
install overhead lights to illuminate all areas of a room
install extra lights where specific activities or household tasks are
performed, such as cooking or reading
install a light switch at the top and bottom of the staircase so there is
good visibility both ways
keep passageways clear and store items on tables and countertops rather
than on the floor to avoid tripping
add an extra phone jack to avoid trailing telephone wire or use a portable
phone
install shelters over entryways to protect the steps from rain and
minimize potential for slipping
install overhead lights over the entryway so any visitors can be seen
use securing tape for rugs and mats so they don't easily move
install grab bars, especially by the toilet, shower and bathtubs or a
bench inside the showers or bath.
Safety in utility
When it comes to fuel and water, if moving house or buying a house for an
elderly relative, stick to the usual form of fuel so as to dispense with the
need to re-learn a new process of use and care. Install a gas leaking
detection device if gas is used. A dull sense of smell may make it difficult
for the older person to detect odors associated with gas leaks.
In addition, install a circuit breaker box rather than a fuse box. When a
light goes out, it's easier to restore electricity with a circuit breaker
than to hunt for fuses. The chances of shock are far smaller when
re-connecting a circuit breaker compared with replacing a fuse if standing
on a damp floor.
A low-pitch and longer-ringing doorbell and telephone should be installed.
Lower tones are heard better than high tones and longer rings give those
less mobile a chance to get to the phone without hurrying.
Matthew Eng is a content producer for Global Estate
www.globalestate.com, the first true portal site designed to cater
exclusively to real estate. The site includes property listings, news, and
advice articles on everything from buying a home to eliminating household
pests to using the Internet to find a home.
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