If you or a senior loved one are aging in place, here are some checklists to make your living environment safer for your aging years. Featured here are checklists for the exterior and interior of your home and a home-care provider checklist.

Aging in Place: Exterior Checklist

Walkways and Sidewalks

  • Replace embedded pavers with sidewalks or even gravel walkways
  • All areas should be well lit and contain motion sensors
  • Clear walkways and outdoor patios of clutter or planters that could
    be tripped over
  • Make sure all deck areas and walk ways are cleaned regularly to reduce slippery surfaces
  • Replace uneven walk ways or paths that are uneven with even concrete at least 34 inches wide If there are more than 10 steps to any given area, make sure there are benches or areas to sit
  • Install railings on ALL stair and step areas
  • Cover patio and walk way areas to keep dry and reduce slippage
  • Install anti-slip stick-on matting on all deck and walkway areas

Everyday Maintenance

  • Keep roof and gutters cleaned to reduce risk of puddles or leaks
  • Make sure there is adequate lighting and replace light bulbs on a regular basis
  • Keep brush and overgrowth well-trimmed
  • Keep all walkways and patios swept and clean
  • Trim back overgrowing trees

In the Garden

  • Raise up lower beds to reduce back strain, or replace existing garden area with containers
  • Remove viney ground covers such as ivy, vinca or vines that can trip and catch on walkers
  • Plant low maintenance plants and shrubs
  • Install underground sprinkler systems on timers
  • Reduce weed growth by putting in a solid mulch over-layer
  • Keep a watchful eye on overgrowth.  Always keep things trimmed back to reduce accidents
  • If Mom/Dad like to garden, make sure they have long gloves that cover their forearms and good garden tools

On the Go

  • When transporting a senior loved one in the car, make sure they sit on a blanket so it’s easy for them to turn to enter/exit the car
  • If they still drive:
  • Make sure Mom & Dad have a cell phone and know how to use it
  • Install GPS tracking in Mom & Dad’s car
  • Keep vehicle well maintained and flush out fluids annually if car isn’t driven much.  Drive it on the freeway at least once per week
  • Keep garage area free of clutter and well-lit with motion detectors

If Mobility Challenges Exist

  • Have ramps professionally installed
  • Widen all walk ways to 40 inches
  • Widen parking areas to accommodate wheelchair mobility

Aging in Place: Interior Checklist

Hallways and Walkways

  • Clear floor clutter, such as throw rugs, figurines and planters
  • Widen doorways! (Must be at least 33-36 inches wide to accommodate walkers/wheelchairs)
  • If there are more than 10 steps from one area to the next, provide a bench or interim seating
  • Install hand rails in the hallways and stairs
  • Replace door knobs with door levers. They are much easier if Mom or Dad have any joint problems
  • Double check all stair railings for stability
  • Make sure all walkways and hall areas are well lit. Install motion detectors if needed.

In the Bathroom

  • Make sure grab bars are properly (professionally) installed in the bathroom and secured to studs in the walls
  • Professionally Install walk-in showers or tubs which include a seat and hand- shower
  • If tile is slippery, replace with flooring that is non-slip
  • Raise the toilet at least two inches
  • Place and adhere non-slip mats which are a fixed solidly to bathtub or shower
  • Make sure tiling and doors have strong contrast to allow better sight lines
  • Install night lighting on a motion sensor
  • Make sure all toiletries are in secure locations, to reduce risk of tripping- (i.e. stored in containers, baskets, cabinets.)
  • Remove any and all throw rugs
  • Install GFI Electrical Outlets

In the Main Living Areas

  • Make sure seating is higher and/or raised to accommodate easy seating and standing
  • Provide enhanced volume telephones in all main sitting areas to keep phone reachable
  • Remove throw rugs
  • Make sure room is well lit, and at least one light should be on a motion sensor
  • Eliminate clutter

In the Kitchen:

  • Make sure a fire extinguisher is within reach
  • Provide seating or a stool in the kitchen if your parent still cooks
  • Make sure there is a 60-inch diameter radius to be able to walk and turn around easily
  • Convert all lower cabinets to pull out drawers
  • Set Hot Water heater down to 120 degrees
  • Install GFI Electrical Outlets

If Mobility Challenges Exist

  • Lower kitchen and bathroom counters
  • Install ramps and in-home elevators
  • Integrate technology into the home. is includes smart panels, home alert systems and closed-circuit TV systems

 

In-Home Care Checklist

Before You Call

  • ALWAYS hire a professionally licensed, insured and bonded agency (Do NOT hire someone off of Craigslist!)
  • Set a relationship with a professional Home Care Agency BEFORE you need them
  • If your need is current, be prepared to convey to the agency what level of assistance does your senior need? Imagining what services, he or she would need in an average day, week, and month is a good place to start.
  • Are there certain qualities that you need or prefer in a caregiver? Are you looking for a certain personality type, first language, or gender?
  • What can you afford to pay for at- home care?
  • Does your senior have veteran’s benefits or long-term care insurance?  (Check coverage in advance. Unless caregivers provide medical care, caregiver services are not covered by Medicaid/Medicare.)
  • Be prepared to answer questions about your loved ones’ health care, their doctor and patient information
  • Some seniors will at first reject the idea of getting help from a stranger but will come to accept or enjoy the visits. The process takes some time.

Questions To Ask When Interviewing and Hiring

  • What services do/don’t your caregivers provide?
  • Will it be possible to increase the level of care later, if needed?
  • Will you be sending the same caregiver every visit, or will it vary based on who is available?
  • Are there different rates for different types of care?
  • What is your hiring process for your caregivers? Are caregivers background-checked?
  • Do you assign just one caregiver, or do you have a team approach?
  • What training and experience do your caregivers have?
  • Do you have references from previous clients?
  • Do you have specific references for the caregiver(s) you will be sending?

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