Occupational Therapists Help Modify Homes for Life

I love working with occupational therapists. Why? Because we have the same goal of helping people live longer, fuller and more comfortable lives at home. 

Occupational therapists are big picture experts.  Let’s take Mary.  She’s 85, lives at home and is challenged with Parkinson’s.  Sue, her occupational therapist, assesses her physical strengths and weaknesses, how the natural aging process is affecting her (things like eyesight and hearing that affect everyone over time), her medical condition and any psychological issues.  And the psychological part doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with Mary—it could be just the typical fears of losing control over her own life and the lack of privacy that comes from depending on others. 

Aging-in-Place: How Can a Certified Professional Help?

If you’re caring for a senior who needs a little help to live in their home, you’ve probably heard the term “aging-in-place.”  It’s a catchy little phrase, but I prefer to think of it as “making a home for life.”  It’s all about living well, safely and comfortably as you age in the familiar surroundings called “home.”  It’s exactly what most people want to do.

To address the need, the Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) program was developed by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center, the 50+ Housing Council, and the American Association of Retired Professionals (AARP).  This program trains Certified Aging in Place Specialists how best to modify homes for safety and access so people can live there as long as they like. 

Why are seniors better off hiring a Certified Aging in Place Professional? 

Six Steps to a Safer Bathroom

Walk in Showers,
Safety can be Beautiful

You’ve seen signs that say “Beware of the Dog,” but have you ever seen one that says “Beware of the Bathroom?”  It sounds a little extreme, but in 2008 the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported that almost 22 million people over the age of 15 were injured in the bathroom.  In contrast, the CDC reports, a mere fraction of that number, 4.5 million, were bitten by dogs in 2009. 

The bathroom is considered the most dangerous room in the home. And while injuries span all age groups, people over 65 are most likely to end up with broken bones.

The CDC reports that many injuries could be prevented by making simple changes like adding grab bars .  So that got me thinking.  What else could be done? 

First, let’s look at how and where the CDC says the accidents are happening.  80%, of the injuries are from falling.  Whatever your age, the activities most hazardous to your health are:  bathing, showering, and getting in and out of the tub.  For older people there’s another bathroom hazard:  the toilet.  Over half the injuries to people 85 and over happen on or near the toilet.

Many people are simply unaware of the issues or what to do about them.  And ignorance isn’t bliss.  It’s dangerous. So here are six tips for bathroom safety, focusing on the main offenders: bathtubs, shower stalls and toilets.