When it all boils down to it, everybody just wants to feel comfortable and safe at home. We all want housing that’s appropriate for us. As I’ve aged and watched my mother age, I’ve become more aware of home modifications that can help seniors. Some of them require a handyman or contractor. They may seem expensive, but I suppose you have to weigh the trade-off for being able to stay in the home you love.
My family is full of planners. My mom is doing well on her own, but is thinking ahead to the what-ifs. She will eventually move to Tualatin to be close to her daughter, me. The question is, where? In keeping with our theme of planning ahead, I toured the independent cottages at The Marquis in Tualatin. I instantly fell in love with the modifications for seniors. The director, Aiyah Shepard, pointed out the wide doors and hallways, as well as a built-in hallway railing. The bathroom included reinforced towel bars that double as grab bars. The kitchens are designed with lower countertops, a lower oven, and self-closing drawers. These were only some of the many senior-friendly features.
I had the pleasure of helping deliver raffle prizes from the March Senior Resource Fair in Tualatin. One lovely winner invited us into her exquisitely decorated two-story home. The stairs created few issues for her because she had an elevator! A week later, I visited the Pittock Mansion and discovered an elevator had been installed for Georgiana Pittock when a stroke limited her mobility. I was reminded of an article I had read, addressing the issue of whether or not a private elevator was a financially sound idea. It ultimately explained that it could be a wise decision if it allows you to save on the cost of assisted living over a period of time. Stairlifts are another alternative.
My mom, who is my senior-in-the-know, has told me that all of her buddies who don’t have zero-step entry into their homes have installed access ramps. The walk from the sidewalk to her home is somewhat steep, so she has a ramp that starts near the street and gradually reaches her front door. Grab bars in the bathroom are common among her friends, and the few with stairs have added hall railings. Raised, or comfort height toilets seem to be popular, as are lever handles on faucets. Rocker-style light switches are often a preference, and D-shaped handles and drawer pulls receive a solid A+.
If a wheelchair is a necessity, widened doorways and hallways make moving about easier. At one time, my husband and I were both in wheelchairs. I had a broken ankle, and he was ill. Looking back, widened doorways would have been very welcome.
Smart technology is another area of home modification. There is technology that can control lights and locks. Video monitoring is an option, as are remote-controlled appliances. Technology allows me to see if my garage door is closed, no matter where I am. My mom wears a medical alert system that allows her to press a button for emergency help. Additionally, my brother or I receive a call letting us know there’s a problem. This gives the whole family peace of mind.
For some reason, I get an almost daily email extolling the virtues of walk-in showers and tubs. I don’t need an ad every day, but to be honest, they look inviting, and they do remove the usual shower or tub threshold.
Making decisions about where to start can be daunting, but there are professionals trained to help. You might try a certified aging-in-place specialist, an occupational therapist, or a contractor who specializes in working with seniors. Thank goodness there’s a long list of resources in place to help us as our needs in life change! We needn’t feel alone, because there’s always someone there to help.
