Seniors spend millions of dollars a year making home modifications to accommodate their changing bodies. The AARP has devised a comprehensive list of resources on financing and contractors to assist with these changes. Visit www.aarp.org for more information.

This brochure is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. For further information, please consult a medical professional. © 2007, 2014 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

Health and wellness tips for your work, home and life—brought to you by the insurance specialists at Lamb, Little & Company

SIMPLE TIPS FOR HEALTHY SNACKING

HOME MODIFICATIONS

FOR SENIORS

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and a recent AARP survey, the vast majority of older Americans would like to remain living in their own homes for as long as physically and/or mentally possible. Of these individuals, most said they could live for an extra 10 years in their homes because of these adjustments, according to the survey.

What are Home Modifications?

Home modifications are adjustments or adaptations made to the home so that an elderly or disabled person can perform daily tasks as safely as possible while maintaining his/her independence. The type of modifications made will depend on the individual’s abilities and home layout.

Many times those who require home modifications have problems with areas such as the stairs, kitchen, bathroom, driveway and basement.

These areas of the home present complications and dangers because the elderly or disabled individual is suffering from one or more of the following problems:

Bad vision or hearing Trouble with depth perception Diminished sense of smell and touch or

sensitivity to pain and heat Obesity Too short or too tall Weakness or reduced mobility Poor balance and grip Lack of coordination Cognitive impairments History of falling

Solutions

There are so many simple solutions to allow individuals to remain in their homes while still being allowed to perform daily activities with minimal to no trouble. Here are some useful home modifications:

Improving Lighting and Visibility:

Place light switches on the top and bottom of staircases and close to room entrances

Install lighted switch plates

Install voice- or sound-activated systems Install motion-censored exterior lighting

Improving Safety and Support:

Take away loose rugs or secure them with non-skid backing or double-sided carpet tape

Install non-slip flooring in bathrooms and kitchens

Place bright-colored non-skid tape on the edges of stairs to highlight them

Install rubber treads on uncarpeted indoor and outdoor stairs

Install handrails and grab bars in stairways and bathrooms

Place an adjustable rail on the edge of the bathtub

Install anti-scald devices in the bathroom sinks and showers

Install an emergency response system

Improve Convenience and Accessibility:

Install wheelchair ramps Install bed rails Place a portable toilet in the bedroom Replace round doorknobs with levers Install a raised toilet seat Place a shower chair in the shower or tub Install crank windows Purchase clocks and telephones with larger

numbers