My mother is a vibrant 92-year-old living in Corvallis. She has chosen to age in place for as long as is feasible. Gradually, she has added more and more “tricks” to her aging independently repertoire. I appreciate the opportunity to learn from her experiences. A reader, Dale Potts, suggested that I write about modifications for aging in place. Many seniors would like to stay in their current home for as long as possible. The surroundings are comfortable and familiar, so why not? Some adjustments can help us age at home independently, and thinking ahead is helpful. I had a productive conversation with my mom about smaller, less expensive adjustments and modifications.
One of the smallest, but most welcome ideas is using a rubber jar gripper. As wrist and hand strength lessens, these little grippers are nothing short of miracle workers when it comes to opening jars. I’d be lost without mine. There are silicone sleeves that will assist with gripping drinking glasses. Utensil padding grips can be used with flatware, and inexpensive button hooks can make buttoning clothes easier. In the shower or tub, a bar of soap can become quite slippery, so a dispenser of liquid soap is a helpful alternative. Attaching a small keyring to a zipper pull makes it easier to pull up and down.Another great little helper, the pill bottle magnifier, can be found at most pharmacies. Shaped like a bottle, it slips over the pill bottle and magnifies the directions and other details – no more hunting for a magnifying glass.
Daily, weekly, or monthly pill organizers can simplify the task of medication preparation. There are many varieties, some written in large print. I find it convenient to set up my supplements for the entire month and not worry about it on a daily basis. As we age, our vision changes. Proper lighting becomes especially important. Motion sensor nightlights can make moving about the house in the dark safer. Task lighting, which is focused lighting designed to help someone perform a specific activity, is desirable. This might be a reading lamp, a desk lamp, or extra lighting in the kitchen. Check, too, to make sure that light switches are easily accessible and not hard to reach. Consider smart lights that are voice-controlled. My mom loves hers, which is connected to her Alexa. Stick-on battery-operated lights are useful in closets and the garage. Removing fall hazards is another worthwhile project. Replace throw rugs, which can be tripping hazards, with slip-resistant mats. Rubber-backed bathmats are perfect for the bathroom. Adhesive nonslip strips can be put on stairs that are uncarpeted and in bathtubs and showers. A shower chair can be helpful. Rearrange furniture to create wide, clear pathways. Beware of loose cords or other items that can be easily bumped into. Do you need to do some decluttering?Other simple fixes include ensuring that the address number on the front of your house is large and easily seen from the street in case emergency personnel ever need to find your home quickly. Think about the items used most often in your kitchen, and put them in easy-to-reach spots. A Lazy Susan in a cupboard will make it easier to reach items. Consider placing a small bench outside on your front doorstep to set bags and other items while unlocking the door. An indoor bench is also helpful for sitting on while taking shoes off or placing packages on when entering the house. Keep flashlights handy throughout the house in case of a power shortage. I have three strategically placed around the house, so I won’t ever be caught in the dark. Most of these ideas are affordable and will make life just a bit easier. If you have any favorite simple adjustments that I’ve missed, please share. In my next column, I’ll delve into the tasks that might require a handyman’s help, or even a contractor. Knowledge is power.
