Home Modification Tips for Elderly Independent Living
HOME MODIFICATIONS
Checklist for Home Modifications
The use of low technology devices and interventions can reduce the older person's frustration and struggle with daily activities. Products strategically introduced into the environment of the older person can provide that individual with a method to complete daily living tasks more safely and / or easily. Environmental interventions can reduce the incidence of falls. A sample of these is listed below:
- FLOOR SURFACES
Carpet
Edges should be tacked down
Carpet should be wall-to-wall
Carpet should have low pile
Scatter -rugs should be discouraged. If they are present:
They should have non-skid backing of one of the following: Rubberized backing, Double-faced adhesive tape, Stay-put nettingˇ
It should not be placed at top or bottom of stairs.
Hard floors (wood or vinyl)
Floor surface should provide stability when wet.
Non-skid wax should be used.
Spills should be cleaned up immediately,
Dust, crumbs, and other dry contaminates should be removed.
Thresholds
Thresholds should be removed or be low and beveled,
- STAIRS
"Lip" on. tread should not overhang.
There should not be loose or uneven stairs.
There should not be torn or curled carpet.
All carpet and nails should be tacked down.
Carpet should have low pile.
Wooden stairs should have non-skid rubber or vinyl trends.
No objects should be placed on stairs, even temporarily.
TELEPHONE
Letters and numbers should be easy to read.
Ring should be easily heard by resident.
List of emergency telephone numbers should be beside phone.
Phone should be within reach of the floor.
- KITCHEN
Hot water temperature should not exceed 130 degrees,
Dials on stove, microwave should be large and easy to read.
Stepstool should be stable and have an extension that supports balance.
Sharp knives/utensils should be stored in a separate, safe place.
Commonly used items should be, within easy reach.
Household cleaners and disinfectants should be stored separately.
- BATHROOM
Floor surface should provide stability when wet and preferably be rubberized.
There should be a non-skid mat/surface used - In the tub/shower, and On the bathroom floor
Overflow drain must be in good working order.
Bathroom door should open outward.
Bathroom door lock should have a safety release.
Toilet seat should be at a height that allows the person to get up or down easily.
Grab bars:
- Should be attached securely to structural wall supports.
- Should be installed by toilet.
- Should be located for entering and exiting tub or shower at shower height (about 40" above the floor), or a wall-mounted, well-supported hand-held shower should be installed
A bench, stool, or seat in should be installed in the tub or shower
- BEDROOM
Height of mattress should allow the person to place both feet on floor' when seated on edge of bed. , . '
A night stand or other storage unit should be accessible from, the bed. ,
Storage units/dresser should be sturdy enough to act as a support for person when walking.
Heating pads should have controlled heat
CLOCK
Should have large numerals on contrasting background.
Face should be lighted.
Emergency numbers should be placed near the telephone.
STEPS & STAIRS
The edges of the steps should be distinguishable from the remainder of the step. (Ideally this
would be marked with paint, but on interior carpeted steps this would rarely be acceptable.
An alternative solution is well lighted stairs.)
No two-dimensional patterns should be used on stair surfaces.
Outdoor and/or basement steps should be highlighted with paint or non-slip tape,
One-step elevation changes should be marked or lighted.
- LIGHTING
Glare
Lighting should not create any glare.
There should be no exposed bulbs in ceiling or table lamps. Lamps should be checked from a seated position. .
There should be- no direct glare on stairs through a window.
Place light switch at door before entering the room.
Light bulbs should be appropriate size and wattage; if correct size is not known, they should be no more than 60 watts. .
Light switches or outlets:
Light switches should be easily accessible.
Outlets and/or switches should not be warm or hot to the touch.
Switch/outlet plates should be present
Extension cords:
Should never cross traffic path.
Should not be under furniture legs or carpet.
Lamps:
Should be difficult to knock over. .
Consideration should be given to converting a lamp into one that can be operated by touch only, thus eliminating the need to search for the switch at night.
- FURNITURE
Furniture arrangement should provide clear traffic path.
There should be no lightweight; unstable furniture.
Chairs should provide good body support to neck and back.
Chair arms should extend far enough forward to provide good support when getting in or out.
Circulation should not be cut off behind the knees when both feet are flat on the floor.
Drawers/doors should open easily.
Drawer pulls should be easy to grasp.
- OTHER AREAS OF CONCERN
Additional areas that must receive attention are the design of exterior walking surfaces and railings, interior floors, color-contrasts, chairs, acoustical products to remove distracting background noise, as well as the utilization of an array of simple inexpensive adaptations that can foster support and create a more secure environment for the older person.
Source: Margaret A. Christenson, Aging in the Designed Environment, 1994. Published by Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
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