How Well Does Your Home Meet Your Needs?

Home Sweet Home

According to a recent AARP housing survey, 83% of older Americans want to stay in their current homes for the rest of their lives. They find their homes comfortable and convenient and feel secure and independent there.

However, as people age, the design of their homes plays an increasingly important role in how they manage their daily activities. Homes that were perfectly convenient at age 55 can cause problems in later years, as diminishing physical abilities make daily routines more difficult without some design modifications.

Take a good look at your home

Simple alterations can prevent one-third of all home accidents. These changes not only increase your safety, but enhance your comfort and increase the likelihood of your remaining independent in your home and community.

So it is important to look at your home with a critical eye. Use the checklist that follows to identify problem areas in every part of your house. On a separate sheet of paper, not any ideas you have for improvement (see sample below). Look at the list of modifications on the inside panel of this brochure for additional ideas.

Room / area of the house Yes No Ideas for improvement
Kitchen
Are faucets easy to use?		 X Replace with lever handles

Then make a list of your daily activities and what you like to do most. Your home should not be a roadblock to your goals. Review your checklist, compare it with your goals, and draw up a plan for modifying your home that will make your everyday living easier, safer, and more fulfilling.

Look at your home as if for the first time...

Answer the following questions for each room / area of the house. Write down any problems you find and your ideas for improvement.

Windows/doors

Are windows / doors easy to open / close?

  Yes  No 

Are locks sturdy / easy to operate?

  Yes  No 

Are doors wide enough for a walker / wheelchair?

  Yes  No 

Are door thresholds raised too high?

  Yes  No 

Is there space to maneuver while opening / closing doors?

  Yes  No 

Does the front door have a view panel?

  Yes  No 

If so, is it at a proper height for you?

  Yes  No 

 

Floor surfaces

Is the surface safe? Non-slip?

  Yes  No 

Are there scatter rugs or door mats that may be dangerous?

  Yes  No 

If so, are they obvious or marked in some way?

Yes  No 

 

Steps / stairways / walkways

Are they in good repair? smooth / safe surfaces?

Yes  No 

Are there hand rails on both sides of stairway?

  Yes  No 

Is there grasping space for both knuckles and fingers on railings?

  Yes  No 

Are the stair treads deep enough for your whole foot?

  Yes  No 

Are there any hazardous open risers on stairs?

  Yes  No 

Would a ramp be feasible in any of these areas if it became necessary?

  Yes  No 

 

Appliances / kitchen / bath

Is arrangement convenient and safe?

  Yes  No 

Can oven / refrigerator be opened easily?

  Yes  No 

Are stove controls easy to use?

  Yes  No 

Are they clearly marked?

  Yes  No 

Is counter height / depth good for you?

  Yes  No 

Can you sit while working?

  Yes  No 

Are door cabinet knobs easy to use?

  Yes  No 

Are faucets easy to use?

Yes  No 

Do you have convenience items such as a garbage disposal?

Yes  No 

A trash compactor?

Yes  No 

A hand-held shower head?

Yes  No 

Can you get in and out of tub / shower with ease?

Yes  No 

Do you have bath / shower seat?

Yes  No 

Are there grab bars where needed?

  Yes  No 

Is hot water heater regulated to prevent scalding / burning?

  Yes  No 

 

Storage

Is storage located conveniently

  Yes  No 

Is storage adequate and usable?

  Yes  No 

Can you easily reach closet items?

  Yes  No 

Have you maximized your storage space with innovative products?

  Yes  No 

 

Electrical outlets / switches / alarms

Are outlets / switches easy to turn on / off?

  Yes  No 

Are outlets properly grounded to prevent electrical shock?

Yes  No 

Are extension cords in good condition?

  Yes  No 

Are they needed?

  Yes  No 

Do you have smoke detectors in all necessary areas?

  Yes  No 

Do you have an alarm system?

  Yes  No 

Is the telephone readily available for emergencies?

  Yes  No 

Is the telephone equipped for hearing enhancement if necessary?

Yes  No 

Can you hear the doorbell in every part of the house?

Yes  No 

 

Lighting / ventilation

Is lighting sufficient for purpose of area?

  Yes  No 

Is lighting bright enough for safety?

  Yes  No 

Do you have night lights where needed?

  Yes  No 

Is area well-ventilated?

  Yes  No 

 

Driveway / garage

Is parking space available?

  Yes  No 

Is it convenient to entrance way?

  Yes  No 

Does garage door have an automatic opener?

  Yes  No 

 

FYI: Ideas for improvement that can enhance your comfort, safety, and independence

  • Lever door handles and faucet handles that operate easily with a push
  • Adjustable closet rods
  • A night light in bedroom
  • No scatter rugs
  • Handrails on both sides of staircases and outside steps
  • Brighter staircase lighting
  • Large rocker light switches that turn on /off with a push
  • Electric outlets 27 inches above floor
  • Peephole or view panel in front door
  • Walk-in shower with grab bars and portable or adjustable shower seat
  • Hand-held adjustable shower head
  • Non-skid surface for bath tub and shower floor
  • Grab bars by the toilet and tub
  • Tilting or full length mirror in bathroom
  • Bathroom telephone that is reachable if you should fall
  • Adjustable countertops or lower counter for work space in kitchen
  • Rounded kitchen counter tops
  • Sliding shelves in cupboards, lazy susan in corner cabinet
  • First floor bedroom and bath allow living entirely on one level if necessary

Home Safety For Seniors

General

  • Consider a medical alert or a buddy system.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher and smoke detector on every floor.
  • Use extreme caution when smoking. Never smoke when alone or in bed.
  • Always get up slowly after sitting or lying down. Take your time, and make sure you have your balance.
  • Wear proper fitting shoes with low heels.
  • Use a correctly measured walking aid.
  • Remove scatter rugs. Tack down all others.
  • Remove electrical or telephone cords from traffic areas.
  • Avoid using slippery wax on floors.
  • Wipe up spills promptly.
  • Avoid standing on ladders or chairs.
  • Have sturdy rails for all stairs inside and outside the house.
  • Use only non-glare 100 watt bulbs (or greater wattage).
  • Make sure that all stair cases have good lighting with switches at top and bottom.
  • Staircase steps should have a non-slip surface.

Bathroom

  • Leave a light on in your bathroom at night.
  • Use recommended bath aids, securely installed on the walls of the bath/shower stall and on the sides of the toilet.
  • Skid-proof the tub and make sure the bath mat has a non-slip bottom.
  • To avoid scalds, turn water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
  • Mark cold and hot faucets clearly.
  • Use door locks that can be opened from both sides.
  • If possible, bathe when help is available.
Kitchen
  • Keep floors clean and uncluttered.
  • Illuminate work areas.
  • Mark "on" and "off' positions on appliances clearly and with bright color.
  • Store sharp knives in a rack.
  • Use a kettle with an automatic shut off.
  • Store heavier objects at waist level. " Store hazardous items separate from food.
  • Avoid wearing long, lose clothing when cooking over the stove.
Drug Safety
  • Review your medicines frequently with your doctor or pharmacist and when you take new medication.
  • Make sure your medicines are clearly labeled.
  • Read medicine labels in good light to ensure you have the right medicine and always take the correct dose.
  • Dispose of any old or used medicines.
  • Never borrow prescription drugs from others.
  • Check with your doctor or pharmacist before you mix alcohol and your drugs.
  • Have medication dispensed in a bubble pack or convenient dosette.
  • Check with your doctor or pharmacist before mixing non-prescription drugs and prescription drugs.

A Checklist for Preventing Falls in Your Home
Put a check by each item as you modify your house for safety.

All Rooms

  • Use carpet with short dense pile.
  • Apply double-sided carpet tape to rugs that can slip.
  • Arrange furniture so you can walk easily around it.
  • Make sure electrical and extension cords are not in your walking path.
  • Make sure you can turn on lights without having to walk through dark areas. Use nightlights, especially in the bathroom.
  • Keep exits and hallways clear.
  • Use stable chairs with armrests to help you getup.
  • Provide bright, evenly distributed light.
  • Use window shades that reduce glare.
  • Make sure you can easily reach a light switch when you come into a room, and install nightlights.
  • Have more than one phone in the house.

Stairs

  • Put handrails on both sides on the steps.
  • Make sure steps are even.
  • Use non-skid contrasting tape, rubber stair treads, or coated skid resistant surface treatment on non-carpeted stairs. Apply tape to dry, clean surfaces at one-inch intervals. Use three long strips of tape on each step.
  • Check carpeting to make sure it is firmly attached along stairs.
  • Make repairs to worn or loose carpet promptly.
  • Select a carpet pattern that doesn't hide the edge of steps, making you think steps have ended when they haven't.
  • Don't place throw or scatter rugs at the top or bottom of stairways. All rugs should be secured firmly to the floor.
  • Use good lighting (at least60 watt bulbs) in the stairway. Install on/off switches at the top and bottom of stairs.
  • Never leave books, purses, packages, or other objects on stairs.
  • Watch out for a single step. People often trip when there is only one step.
  • Be especially careful when you:
    -- can't reach the handrails, or they're placed too low;
    -- can't grasp the railings;
    -- see obstacles on steps, non-uniform steps, or inadequately sized treads;
    -- see wax, poor surface maintenance, camouflaged tread surfaces, thick or poorly secured covering mats; or
    -- see distractions around you.
  • Avoid hurrying or not paying attention when you are on the stairs.
  • Be especially careful when you carry large loads or wear shoes that are easy to slip in.

Kitchen

  • Use sturdy stepstools - preferably with handrails.
  • Throw out any stepstools that have broken parts.
  • Clean spills immediately to avoid slipping.

Bathroom

  • Use rubber bathmats or strips in bathtubs and showers.
  • Install at least two grab bars in the bath.
  • Clean up water from the floor.
  • Use raised toilet seats and/or handrails, securely fastened, if you are at all unsteady.

Outside

  • Install handrails along any flight of outdoor steps.
  • Spread sand on icy walkways.
  • When using a ladder, follow these rules:
    -- Keep the base of the ladder firm, all ladder feet on level ground, and the ladder angled against the wall properly.
    -- Face the ladder when climbing, and hold on to ladder rungs firmly. If reaching, keep your hips and body weight centered between the rails.
    -- Keep a stepladder fully open, and make sure both spreaders are firmly locked.
    -- Never climb a closed stepladder; it may slip out from under you.
    -- Don't stand or sit on a stepladder's top or pail shelf.
    -- Never climb on the back side of a singled-sided stepladder. It is not designed to carry a person's weight.
    -- Use a ladder that is the right length for the task you are doing.
    -- Don't climb beyond the second step from the top of a stepladder, and the fourth rung from the top of an extension ladder.
  • Clean spills or slippery surfaces in garages immediately, before walking on them -- especially oil or grease on cement floors.
Preventing falls in the home is important. Reduce the risks through our checklist, and enjoy a safer home longer!

 

Other available materials:

The Do Able Renewable Home
(#D12470)

The Perfect Fit
(#D14823)

For a free copy, write to: AARP Fulfillment
601 E Street NW
Washington, DC 20049

© 1996. American Association of Retired Persons. Reprinted with permission.

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