Aging In Place Challenges: Strength, Mobility, Balance, Flexibility

There are many reasons why it may be difficult to age in place, but if you plan well for normal age related changes, you improve the odds significantly that you can stay safely in your home for a lifetime.  This article provides some tips and tricks to make your home safe for normal age related changes such as problems with balance, flexibility, poor arm strength, and mobility challenges. 

Limited Reach

• Cabinet shelves no more than 18 inches deep
• Closet organizer to reach belongings
• Closet rods that pull down to a comfortable level
• Front-loading clothes washer and dryer
• Cooktop with easy-to-reach controls at the front
• Electrical outlets 27 inches above the floor
• Hand-held shower in bathroom
• Kitchen and closets with pull-down shelving
• Lazy Susan to reach things stored on deep shelves
• Microwave oven no higher than 48 inches above the floor
• Oven doors that swing to the side
• Pull-out shelves in the kitchen
• Side-by-side refrigerator
• Sink controls on the side
• Upper kitchen cabinets 48 inches from the floor

Poor Hand and Arm Strength

• Automatic garage door opener
• Cabinets and drawers with D-shape handles
• Smooth countertops so heavy pans can slide across them
• Doors with lever handles
• Push-button controls on appliances
• Rocker light switches
• Sinks with lever faucet handles
• Special hardware to make drawers slide easily
• Spray hose to fill pots on the stove
• Dishwasher eight inches from the floor

Trouble Walking and Climbing Stairs

• Smooth, slip-resistant floors
• Knee space under sinks, so someone can sit while washing
• Knee space under the stove, so someone can sit while cooking
• No area rugs
• Ramp to front door with handrails on both sides
• Stairs with slip-resistant surface

Trouble Bending

• Elevated toilet or toilet seat
• Lower kitchen cabinets 6 inches above the floor
• Sink no more than 6 inches deep
• Countertop that can be used while sitting

Balance and Coordination Problem

• Bath seat in the tub or shower
• Transfer bench or lift for bathtub
• Walk-in shower or tub with door for walk-in
• Grab bars near the bath and toilet
• Handrails extended beyond the top and bottom of the stairs
• No stairs to bedroom or bathroom
• Phone in the bathroom

When care is needed, American Companion Care can help, not only with a qualified caregiver, but by coordinating community services so living at home longer is possible. We can also provide a free in-home safety assessment and make recommendations for comfortably aging in place.

See also:

Aging In Place Challenges: Low Vision and Hearing Impairment