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Aging In Place Home Assessment

It is important to do a thorough assessment of the home to assure that it can properly handle the needs of the individual. The following table provides a summary of items to review and/or consider. Some remedies are a must have while others veer toward luxury upgrades.

Difficulty and Remedy:

1. 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.

2. Hearing Impairment-

• Dishwasher is ultra-quiet to reduce background noise.
• Increased volume on phones.
• Smoke detectors have strobe lights.

3. 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.

4. 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 be seen from across the room.
• Stove uses different colors to tell which parts are hot.
• Under-the-cabinet lights are over the kitchen counter.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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 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.