Easy Ways To Fix It

I came across a nice check list of fixes for possible problems some of us may have at home (see below).  Problems that come with age and thus a decrease in physical abilities.  Some of the suggestions are easy, do-it-yourself type solutions.  Some are a little more labor intensive and may require the help of a builder.  But I found the checklist to be very thorough.  Please pass it along to anyone you think may benefit from such a list.  If you need further assistance, please contact Sadler Construction.  We are a CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist) builder and are more then happy to offer advice on any aging in place issues.

Balance and Coordination Problems
Bath seat in the tub or shower
Bath tub with transfer bench
Counters edges are rounded
Grab bars near the bath and toilet
Handrails extend beyond the top and bottom of the stairs
No stairs to bedroom or bathroom
Phone in the bathroom
Stairway handrails on both sides
Walk-in shower with pull-down seat
Hearing Impairment
Dishwasher is ultra-quiet to reduce background noise
Increased volume on phones
Smoke detectors have strobe lights
Limited Reach
Cabinet shelves are no more than 10 inches deep
Closet organizer to reach belongings
Closet rods pull down to a comfortable level
Clothes washer and dryer are front-loading
Cooktop has easy-to-reach controls at the front
Electrical outlets are 27 inches above the floor
Hand-held shower in bathroom
Kitchen and closets have pull-down shelving
Lazy Susan to reach things stored on deep shelves
Microwave oven is no higher than 48 inches above the floor
Oven doors swing to the side
Pull-out shelves in the kitchen
Side-by-side refrigerator
Sink controls are on the side
Upper kitchen cabinets are 48 inches from the floor
Limited Vision
Edge of counters a different color than the top
Edge of each step is a color that stands out
Increased wattage of light bulbs
Lights are in all closets
Outside walkways, and entrances are all well-lit
Stairs are well lit
Steps are a different color than the surrounding area
Stove controls are clearly marked and easy to see
Stove has big numbers that can seen from across the room
Stove uses different colors to tell which parts are hot
Under-the-cabinet lights are over the kitchen counter
Poor Hand and Arm Strength
Automatic garage door opener
Cabinets and drawers have D-shape handles
Countertops smooth so heavy pans can slide across them
Doors have lever handles
Garbage disposal to reduce trash
Heat-resistant counter near microwave oven
Push-button controls are 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
Trash compactor to minimize trash bags
Dishwasher is eight inches from the floor
Trouble Bending
Elevated toilet or toilet seat
Lower kitchen cabinets six inches above the floor
Sink no more than 6 inches deep.
Carpet is low pile and a firm pad.
Clutter and electric cords are out of pathways
Countertop that can be used while sitting
Doors are wide enough for a walker to get through
Trouble Walking and Climbing Stairs
Driveway is smooth, but not slippery
Floors are smooth and slip-resistant
Knee space under sinks, can sit while washing
Knee space under the stove, can sit while cooking
No area rugs
Ramp to front door with handrails on both sides
Stairs have slip-resistant surface
The threshold on door is no higher than 1/4 inch
Uses a Wheelchair
“Walk-in” closet wide enough for wheelchair
Appliances have controls at the front
Cabinet shelves no more than 10 inches deep
Can use my counter while sitting in a wheelchair
Can wheel from car to the front door and then inside
Can wheel to bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen
Closet organizer to help reach all belongings
Closet rods pull down to a comfortable level
Clutter and electric cords are out of pathways
Doors and hallways are wide enough for a wheelchair
Electrical outlets are 27 inches above the floor
Enough floor space near doors to move wheelchair
Floors are smooth; carpet has a low pile and a firm pad
Handheld shower
Heat-resistant counter near my microwave oven
Kitchen ad closets have pull-down shelving
Knee space under all sinks
Knee space under the stove
Lazy Susan to reach things stored on deep shelves
Microwave oven is no higher than 48 inches above the floor
Oven doors swing to the side
Pullout shelves in the kitchen
Ramp has an edging
Ramp to my front door with landings at bottom and top
Roll-in shower
Side-by-side refrigerator
Space to transfer from wheelchair to toilet
Threshold on door is 1/4 inch or less
Walkway and driveway are smooth but not slippery
Way to transfer into the tub