Age in Place
| "The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned." -Maya Angelou |
As we get older we don’t want to think about being too old to remain in our homes. And maybe you don’t need help right now, but, it eventually becomes harder to safely perform everyday tasks when you have weakened joints, vision or even hearing loss.
Aging at Home with Bob Hardina from LCTV on Vimeo.
What's next? What are your options?
The obvious choice: We’ve all heard it been called “The Home”. Cold images of big empty linoleum floored hallways that echo, wheelchair ramps with ugly steel grab bars and bad overheard lighting everywhere. Not to mention the fees associated with existing this way. The starting costs for inferior assisted living facilities are $60,000 annually. It’s shocking to think that you could blow through your life savings in just a couple of years.
Savvy Seniors plants their seeds...
A growing number of people are rejecting this gloomy expectation that we’ve all become accustomed and instead they’re making smart changes for their futures. The concept has many names: Aging In Place, Independent Living or Accessible Design. Though, with any title it’s about lengthening independence by making modifications to your home.
Some Interesting Statistics:
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Maine has the oldest population in the Nation. |
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Lincoln County has the oldest per capita population in the State of Maine. |
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More than one third of adults 65 and older fall each year in the United States. (CDC) |
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In 2005, about 1.8 million non-fatal falls were treated in the emergency room. However, 15,800 people 65+ died from injuries related to unintentional falls. (CDC) |
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Among the most common injuries related to falls are hip, forearm, leg spine, ankle, pelvis and hand. |
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Falls outside the house 400,000 vs. falls inside the house 837,000. (NHIS) |
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The cause of most falls: Slipping, Tripping or Stumbling on level ground/floor. (NHIS) |
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Those who fall develop a fear of falling. This fear causes them to limit their activities, leading to reduction of mobility, possible muscle atrophy and an increase in their risk of future falls. |
There are many products on the market to help you move around your home with ease…and you don’t have to give up style. Not all “Age In Place” relevant products are unattractive. Many of them are quite beautiful. (Click on our products tab)
Many spots in the home are “hot spots” for injury related issues. Bathrooms, especially, are dangerous and can be difficult to maneuver for those with handicaps. Aesthetically pleasing suggestions? Raised toilets (3” higher than standard) are not what they once were. Today they’re quite beautiful and so are grab bars. No longer do you have that one institutional brushed steel option. Seniors are also leaving behind their knob handled faucets and buying lever handles which are easier to maneuver. Hand held and adjustable shower heads may be a luxury now but someday it could make the difference between enjoying your shower and having to endeavor it. Check out our products for links to such items and more.
These simple changes and accessories don’t just affect our aging population but they’re also perfect for those with younger families who may find these products useful during: sports injury recovery, expectant motherhood, etc. All age ranges and physical abilities are involved with “Universal Design”…so think ahead.
Other ideas: Thermostatic and Pressure Balanced Valves, Converting your Bathtub to a Shower, Fold-Out Shower Benches, Walk-In Tubs, Motion-Sensing Faucets, Wall-Hung Sinks with Knee Space, Barrier-Free Showers, Etc.
Old age is like everything else. To make a success of it, you've got to start young. -Fred AstaireThe above are just the plumbing aspects that should be addressed. What can you convert electrically to make your home more accessible? How about Rocker or Touch switches? You may even go one step further and install an Occupancy or Vacancy Sensor which allows free roam of your home without constantly fumbling for a switch. Also, additional lighting is essential for safety: lights along paths, stairs and under countertops can help to aid vision. Light helps the young and the old see better, not just those with poor eyesight.
Certainly there is a standard list of starter changes that ultimately make your home and bathroom more “Universal”. However, not everyone has the same expectations and many don’t have any idea where to begin. Mid-Coast Energy Systems will sit and discuss your personal circumstance with you and help with the custom changes that will keep you living comfortably in your home for years to come.
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Let Mid-Coast Energy Systems help you bridge the gap between luxury and practicality. |
VIDEOS:
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Bob Hardina onAging in Place |