What is one home accessibility solution for aging in place?
To help you find accessibility solutions for your home, we asked business leaders and home experts this question for their best solutions. From stair lifts to easy-to-grab door handles, there are several ways you can make your home more accessible.
Here are eight accessibility solutions for aging in a place:
- Massage Chairs
- Stair Lifts
- Shower Chairs
- Computer Workstations
- Bathroom Accessories
- Pathway Lighting
- Easy To Grab Door Handles
- Mobile Alert Buttons
Massage Chairs
Therapeutic massage chairs are not only striking in appearance and aesthetically appealing, they give you a deep, relaxing massage which is a wonderful solution when aging in place. Massage chairs can be used in facilities as well as at home for pain management and rehabilitation.
Dan Poliakov, Amica Medical Supply
Stair Lifts
Especially in the pandemic, we're seeing more aging adults choosing to live at home. As more adults choose to age in place, moving freely throughout a home may be met with accessibility challenges from staircases and basements. Stair lifts can be a great home accessibility solution that does not require construction and can attach directly to stair treads. By installing a stair lift, homeowners can gain access to their entire home and overcome accessibility challenges.
Brett Torfin, Arrow Lift
Shower Chairs
Over 36 million older adults fall every year! These falls can result in serious injury, which is why it is so important to invest in devices that can protect those at risk. Shower chairs are a great solution for older adults, as it provides them a comfortable and safe way to bathe. It is far too easy to fall in a slippery bathroom, and a device like this or anti-slip mats are a must.
Elliott Greenberg, Wholesale Janitorial Supply
Computer Workstations
Ergonomics in the home is very important to age gracefully in place. Everyone has bills they do at home, sends emails, surf the internet, and reads news online regardless if a person is 25 or 95. If this work is done without the correct workstation or postures, seniors can get injured. Therefore if one is retired, it is still very important that the computer workstation is set up to promote healthy postures. Seniors should invest in a quality ergonomic chair that fits their body and a workstation that is supportive and ergonomically correct. This is all prevention that promotes long-term health. This is not only true for computer work but as people age, they have hobbies that also need to be set up ergonomically. We work with seniors sewing 4–8 hours a day without proper chairs or table height. Or they are painting with their neck leaning down for hours. Seniors need to be aware of ergonomics to feel great aging and to enjoy their life at home.
Annie Berzanski,Pacific Ergonomics
Bathroom Accessories
Many people do not think of making small modifications until they can no longer perform certain tasks or until an accident has happened. Most often than not, those accidents occur in the bathroom. Manageable solutions like adding grab bars and handles are a secure and safe way to get in and out of a bath or shower. There are many types of adaptive bath equipment like shower and bath chairs, toilet seat risers, and more that can make a difference in the life of the elderly, and it is a simple solution that assists with aging in place.
Piyushi Dhir, Help and Wellness
Pathway Lighting
One home accessibility solution for aging in place is to add pathway lighting. This can be especially beneficial for people with visual deficits, mobility limitations, and dementia. Pathway lighting is illumination low to the ground that can help people navigate down hallways and through living spaces without the need to turn on bright lights. It can also help those with dementia to orient them toward specific rooms. These can be small, battery-operated units or rope lighting. It is available in several colors to fit your needs.
Tyler Forte, Felix Homes
Easy To Grab Door Handles
Replace the doorknobs in your home with lever-style handles. The ADA approves these because they’re easy to operate, even if you don’t have full use of your hands. People with arthritis, in a wheelchair, or who have general mobility issues will retain their independence to move about the home. Lever door handles can also add a feeling of elegance to your home.
Andra DelMonico, Trendey
Mobile Alert Buttons
Aging in place is a big topic for many elderly—and rightfully so. Often the house isn’t ready for the change. Often door sills and stairs make it harder and add additional risks. While not all risks can be avoided, at least the effects can be mitigated. In case of a fall, it might be hard to get back up and call for help. An alert button connected to the phone carried around like a necklace can help prevent the worst here. It keeps the confidence up that someone is in reach.
Edward Briggs,Home Reviews
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