Archive for Safety and Home Modifications

5 Ways to Increase Independence in Your Bathroom

Bathroom Remodel

Shower remodel - Photo courtesy of Miguel Espinoza

By Miguel Espinoza

When it comes to privacy and living independently, having a safe, functional and accessible bathroom assumes top priority. Bathroom modifications are helpful to both caregivers and recipients, providing more freedom and safety.

Applying simple changes to your home can create a more comfortable and accessible lifestyle without the heartache and financial issues that often arise when considering assisted living options. Although today’s focus is on improving independence within your bathroom, several of these modifications are useful in other rooms throughout your home as well.

Here are five constructive ways to increase independence and safety in your bathroom:

  1. Doorway Expansions are a great way to increase mobility around the house, especially for those using a wheelchair, walker or scooter.
  2. Walk-in Showers help prevent falls caused by getting in and out of a bathtub or having to step into a shower. Walk-in showers allow for more balance and stability while bathing.
  3. Shower Safety Seats make showering a more relaxing routine. Especially when paired with an expandable showerhead, the safety seat helps one avoid the slippery shower floor and prevents injury from falling.
  4. Safety Grab Bars are an essential addition to any bathroom, providing stability and assistance in areas like the shower or near the toilet.
  5. Lowered sinks and countertops create a more accessible environment and encourage a more independent hygiene routine, enabling one to reach items on the countertop as well as the sink faucets.

Remember, modifications done inside your home do not have to be obtrusive or “hospitalized”; there are many ways to keep a sleek and stylish bathroom with these safe and functional updates. For example, safety grab bars can blend in with the style of your bathroom to be both aesthetically appealing and useful.

Whether the job is a simple door expansion or a total bathroom remodel, home modification is a great step towards a more independent and less stressful lifestyle for everyone involved.

About the Author: Miguel Espinoza is a general contractor in southern Arizona with over 30 years of building experience. As owner of Cienaga Canyon Contractors, Miguel specializes in handicap and independent living home renovations and complete home construction. Miguel is happy to answer any questions and can be contacted by email at Miguel@remodelbymiguel.com; more information can also be found on his website at http://www.rehabremodelaz.com.

Encouraging Loved Ones to Give Up The Keys

For many who are beginning the process of aging, the ability to drive can be the first that needs to be scaled back to ensure safety.  Since driving requires physical ability, quick reaction times, and directional planning, there are many different reasons that an elder may no longer be physically capable of driving.  Worst of all, it’s usually the biggest detriment to the elder’s sense of independence, requiring them to always plan appointments or simple trips to the grocery store around a spouse or adult child’s schedule.  Convincing a loved one that they are putting themselves and others in danger if they continue to drive must be handled delicately to ensure that they will take the advice to heart.

The Alzheimer’s Reading Room posted a terrific article and Podcast with Carole Larkin, a geriatric care manager who specializes in dementia, being interviewed by Max Wallack, advising caregivers on how to carefully explain that they should stop driving.  Larkin gives tips on how to frame your conversation to ensure that the loved one is not hurt by the accusation that they are no longer capable of such a high level of functioning, but rather to show concern for their safety.  She also explains what options are available if the loved one is still resisting giving up the keys.

Readers: Have you had this conversation with a loved one? What techniques worked? Did you have to resort to legal methods to get your loved one to stop driving?  Tell us in the comments!