Image Up Advertising & Design

FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | JULY 2025 35 The Stephen Foster song "Old Folks at Home," also better-known as "Swanee River," evokes a sense of comfort and nostalgia making it a preferable option to assisted living for many seniors. So, what can be done to help seniors stay independent as long as possible in their own homes? Safety is paramount, and numerous simple measures can be taken to ensure seniors are able to live independently without needing emergency assistance. AgingCare.com has many helpful suggestions. Why not take a quiz to see if your home is safe for independent seniors? If not, you may consider the following ideas for modifications and improvements that will enable senior living at home as long as possible. HOME INTERIOR • Move furniture to create clear walking paths. • Replace lighting toggle switches with rocker switches. • Improve overall lighting in the home. Light dark pathways or countertop areas with easy-to-install rope lighting. Add task lights and night lights wherever needed. • Replace doorknobs with levered handles or pulls. • Mark any steps or changes in f loor level with tape or paint in a contrasting color, like that tiny step from the driveway into your garage. • Remove loose carpeting and unnecessary throw rugs/mats. Secure area rugs with double-sided rug tape, making sure to focus on corners and edges. • Remove any electric and cable cords that run across or near walkways. Place all wiring behind furniture, or secure cords neatly against walls with clips or cord covers. • Ensure that seating throughout the home is sturdy, ideally with supportive arms to make sitting and standing easier. • Ensure that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are changed to avoid night time alerts. Many people have them changed on the first day of the year. A handyman may be necessary to get to the detectors or light bulbs in high ceiling homes. Several handymen advertise in the Breeze. • Keep a long-handled grabber to reach objects that may be out of reach, like that dryer sheet box that fell behind the washing machine. • Adjust the height of the bed. Seniors should be able to sit on the edge of the bed with knees bent and feet f lat on the f loor. • Keep a working f lashlight in the nightstand for emergencies or getting up at night. BATHROOM • Install grab bars for additional support while on the toilet, or getting into and out of the shower or bathtub. • Consider installing motion-activated night lights along the path to the bathroom to make nighttime trips safer and more convenient. • Ensure showers have a step-free entry. Step-in tub models feature a door for easy entrance and exit. The shower/tub should be fitted with a seat, a hand-held showerhead, and a shelf at a convenient height so bath products can be reached easily. • Add non-skid decals to any slippery areas in the bathroom. • Install a comfort-height toilet, a few inches taller than standard models, or add a toilet seat riser, especially important after joint replacements. HOME EXTERIOR • Make sure trashcans are easily accessible and can be brought to the curb without difficulty. Waste Management will replace large cans with smaller ones and give a discount to seniors. • Inspect all walkways for cracks, loose bricks or stones, and uneven surfaces. Provide a level walking surface free of trip hazards. • Consider installing a doorbell with a camera or a mailbox alert to know when someone is at the door. • Install handrails on entry stairs. • Evaluate if there is room to install a ramp. Stepless entries make it easier and safer to gain access. • Many stores in our area, such as Albertsons, Walgreens, and Walmart, have free home-delivery, pick-up areas, and online ordering. • A rolling cart will help with getting large heavy items into the kitchen. And finally, many areas in the United States are federally required to have handicapped entries and seating. That handicapped row in theaters is often necessary for those who find steps are difficult. It's also amazing how kind people can be with opening doors for a person hobbling along with a cane or walker. Seniors should also be able to swallow their pride and accept help when offered by those more able. So, it is possible to be those "old folks at home" if just a few simple steps are taken to make senior independent living happier and safer. What's Next? Part 2 SPOTLIGHT ON AGING By Andrea Henderson SAFELY AGING AT HOME

• Cover