Aging in Place : Making Safe Choices
Jane Thrall
My mother wanted to live in her own home as long as possible , as do many aging Canadians . She lived alone in a remote area , so this presented all sorts of problems for the family . How could we help her remain both independent and safe ?
She passed away several years ago , and now I find myself wondering what I can do to assure my own self-reliance as I grow older . What things can we do to prevent injuries in our own homes as we age in place ?
A friend of mine fell in her shower last month , bruising her back and pulling some muscles . Her lovely glass shower enclosure had no safety bars , nothing to grasp as she slipped on the wet shower floor .
I installed a horizontal grab bar for her along the rear tile wall , so now she has something to hang on to if she needs to lean over or turn around . Ideally , a vertical bar should be installed near the shower door so she could hold it while stepping in and out , but there was no suitable place to put one and she didn ’ t want a suction-style bar on the glass .
Shower safety bars don ’ t have to look like the ones you ’ d find in hospitals ; there are a number of companies that make very stylish bars that match the other fixtures in the bathroom . The installation can be tricky because it ’ s important to drill into a stud or use a special anchor to assure the bar is secure . A good handyman can do the job .
If you ’ re having a shower bar installed , consider adding an angled bar adjacent to the bathtub as well . A sleek bar next to the toilet can be helpful for getting up ; some of them even incorporate a toilet roll holder .
While you ’ re at it , look into raised toilet seats that make it easier to get on and off the loo . Anyone with balance issues or reduced mobility can benefit from sitting in a higher position .
44 | arta . net MAKING IT
For those with flexibility issues , I can ’ t say enough good things about aftermarket bidets — no more twisting , and the cleanest tushie you ’ ll ever experience . Once you ’ ve made some modifications to the bathroom , have a good look at your home ’ s flooring . Long-fibre carpets such as shags have an increased risk of causing a fall , particularly for those using a mobility aid such as a walker or cane . Stone and tile floors can be slippery , especially when they get wet .
BATHROOM Install grab bars
Use non-slip mats Add raised toilet seat
Install a bidet
ROOMS / STAIRS
Improve lighting Fix steps and floors
Install handrails and anti-slip mats
Remove clutter , rugs , and electrical cords from pathways / stairs