aging in place
The fact is that of those 1.7 million Americans living in nursing homes, over 100,000 of them with lower needs could be living at home with proper planning. Jenny Martin, R.N., treats many elderly accident victims during the course of her work day in the emergency room at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida. When asked what was the number one contributing factor resulting in injuries to her elderly patients, she did not hesitate. "Rugs." Rugs? Yes, rugs. She continues, "Elderly people love to wear slippers and drag their feet. That combined with throw rugs or prominent rugs equals trips and falls. So avoid all throw down rugs. If you insist upon having them then good lighting and slip-resistant rugs are a must, otherwise, you're risking a broken hip...or worse..and then it's usually all downhill from there."
lighting concerns for aging in place
It's no secret that our eyesight becomes compromised with aging - all the more reason to make certain that your home is equipped with lighting that illuminates your home effectively to help avoid those dastardly pitfalls that can lead you on a painful journey to the ER. This doesn't mean you have to equip your home with wall to wall, ugly, fluorescent lighting (see THE MOST IMPORTANT DESIGN ELEMENT IN YOUR HOME). It can (and should be) beautiful and stylish. You just need a little planning to make sure that there are no black holes or dark areas that can hide that errant dog toy, pillow or banana peel. (It's always the banana peel!)
the bathroom
One of the most hazardous areas and the first area that should be tackled and renovated is the bathroom. Consider changing your shower to a curbless or zero entry shower. This eliminates that small lip or step to get over to enter your shower and thus, the tripping hazard. It also allows for a wheelchair to enter if need be. 
Additionally, grab bars and a bench could be added as well to your shower to facilitate mobility. Grab bars aren't as ugly as they once were. Kohler has a series in a variety of styles and finishes that do away with that institutional look that we all have come to know and dislike. Toilets now come in "comfort height' selections which is code for taller and makes getting on and off the toilet easier as we age.
in the kitchen
When considering a kitchen remodel for aging in place, choose a side by side refrigerator as opposed to other models as they are easier to open and reach items. Especially from a wheelchair. Avoid overhead appliances such as microwaves and choose counter height varieties instead.
the investment
Making these changes will be a pretty decent investment. Lighting refits, bathroom remodels and other accommodations can cost a pretty penny but when you consider that nursing home care runs an average of $84,000 per year, it's an investment that will not only save you money but afford you the luxury of seeing your golden years through in the comfort of your very own home.
Have you or a loved one recently retrofitted your home to age in place? Please post your comments below.
