Accessibility: At Home and In Your Community

So many people we meet in the Resource Center express the desire to live independently in their own home as they age. This is known as “aging in place.” If you or a loved one also share this goal, it's crucial to consider various factors that impact ease and security as you age and your abilities or comfort performing certain tasks changes. Our Resource Coordinators would love to sit with you or your loved one to discuss these factors and provide helpful resources that can be found right here, in our community. Here are some essential considerations for evaluating and modifying your current lifestyle, including community features and home adjustments.  

Let's Look at Your Home

• Lighting and Maintenance: Ensure adequate lighting and upkeep of walkways, driveways, and vehicle spaces. Consider a covered parking area and a ramp if necessary.
• Mailbox Access: Ensure a safe route to the mailbox and its accessibility from your door.
• Accessibility Features: Doorways should be at least 32 inches wide with swing-clear hinges for potential wheelchair or walker access. Remove screen or storm doors if necessary and address any step or threshold issues.
• Safety Enhancements: Install handrails, grab bars, and ramps with handrails. Ensure a light switch is immediately inside doorways. Use lever-style door handles and appropriate locks. Consider a peephole and a doorbell that can be heard throughout the home.
• De-cluttering: Keep your home free of clutter to ensure clear paths and peace of mind.
• Single-Level Living: Ideally, all essential living spaces, including laundry facilities, should be on one level.
• Lighting and Accessibility: Light switches should be accessible from wheelchair positions. Remove or secure throw rugs and keep electrical cords out of traffic areas. Ensure hallways and doorways are wide enough for mobility devices.
• Steps and Stairways: Ensure adequate lighting with switches at both the top and bottom of the stairs. Provide handrails on both sides and consider installing a stair chair lift if needed.
• Furniture: Choose chairs and sofas that are a comfortable height and consider using leg extenders or a lift chair if needed. Maintain easy access to essential items like the TV, telephone, and lighting.
• Bed Accessibility: The bed should be at a height that makes it easy for you to get in and out. Consider adding a bed rail and using a sturdy chair with arms for dressing. Place a touch-controlled lamp beside the bed.
• Kitchen Accessibility: Consider non-slip flooring to ensure confidence and safety. Countertops should be low enough for wheelchair access and be sure there is counter space next to the stove for easy hand placement to support stability and mobility.
• Bathroom Safety: Install non-slip flooring and ensure countertops are wheelchair accessible. Use lever-style faucet handles and regulate water temperature to avoid scalding. Install a walk-in shower or tub with grab bars, a handheld shower wand and a raised toilet seat with grab bars.
• Assistive Devices: Consider canes, walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility aids. Ensure these devices can navigate through doorways and fit in your home. Additionally, install grab bars and personal emergency response systems and use medication dispensers as needed. 

Lets Look at Your Location

• Proximity to Essential Places: Ensure your home is near grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, and other frequently visited locations. 
• Medical Services: Look for a range of medical providers and pharmacies offering home delivery. 
• Support Services: Arrange for home-delivered meals, in-home aides, medication management, support group participation, and adult day-center services for socialization and caregiver respite. 
• Legal and Financial Assistance: Evaluate access to legal services, including elder law attorneys, in addition to information and access to local, state and federal assistance programs.   
• Medical Transport: Check availability of both emergency and non-emergency medical transportation. 
• Maintenance and Accessibility: Streets and sidewalks should be well-maintained with provisions for snow removal. Consider parking and sidewalk access, including curb cuts. 
• Alternative Transportation: Check for senior-specific transportation provisions, such as discounted fares, benches, and lighting at bus stops. Ensure bus stops are close to your home and accessible for mobility devices. 
• Recreational Activities: Determine availability of nearby parks, walking trails, libraries, theaters, fitness centers, and volunteer opportunities that enhance quality of life. 
• Technology Access: Stay connected through reliable TV, internet, and cell phone reception. 

By considering these factors and making necessary adjustments, you can create a living environment that enhances your ability to live independently for as long as possible.