Your home may be perfect for you right now, but will it meet your needs when you are 60, 70, 80?

Everyone ages differently, but one thing is certain: we are all aging. The American population will increase by almost 50 percent from 1995 to 2050, while the 65 and over age group will increase by 135 percent, according to the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA). People over 85, those most likely to have chronic care needs, are the fastest growing age group.

The functional problem most commonly reported in a recent AARP survey is climbing up and down stairs… as a result, falls are the major cause of injury, death, disabilities and hospital admissions for older adults.

Where the elderly will live is an individual choice. According to an AARP housing survey, 89 percent of older Americans want to stay in their current homes for the rest of their lives — despite the fact that one in four respondents expect that they, or a member of their household, will experience problems getting around within the next five years.

A Home Design for the Elderly

Fortunately, simple repairs can be made to a home to keep you safe or make things easier. Many of these modifications were included right from the start at Harvest Hill. Trumbull-Nelson, Construction Manager on the project, worked with Hanover’s Fleck & Lewis Architects and Norwich’s UK Architects PC to build a high-quality residential community that will accommodate resident needs over time.

Harvest Hill is an independent and assisted living residential community, located on the campus of Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital in Lebanon, N.H. The design of 72 stand-alone apartments offers a retirement community providing independence and, thanks to the proximity of APD, assistance to meet individual needs.

“Trumbull-Nelson and the architects worked hand in hand to design and build the facility,” says Ron Andrews, Harvest Hill’s administrator since 1998. During the second phase of construction in 2002, an addition of 21 apartments and garage space, Andrews worked closely with both firms to ensure that the design was kept comfortable, secure and independent. “We had to think about heating and cooling, and what would be more comfortable for a senior. The heat pumps blow hot air, but it first comes out as cold air and blows across the senior’s necks. At the suggestion of an engineer, we were able to add baseboard heat to some of the rooms.”

Seniors also offered their opinions during Phase Two of the project. “We installed thermostats that are easier for older people to handle,” says Andrews. “Instead of turning a dial, there is a style of thermostat that can be pushed up or down.”

The result is a home that makes it easier and safer to carry out activities such as bathing and climbing stairs. “The apartments are designed to look just like home, except there are features that you may not find in your typical home,” says Andrews, listing some of the safety features of Harvest Hill. “There are grab bars in the bathroom, by the toilet and the shower, to make getting in and out easier. There’s a seat in the shower, for those who may not feel well enough to stand, as well as two showerheads, regular and handheld. All apartments are on a single level, and hallways have a rail for people to hold on to while walking. We want people to spend time enjoying the things they want to do — art, writing — instead of worrying about safety.”

What You Can Do at Home

Older people tend to live in older homes. According to the National Resource Center, 60 percent of older persons live in homes more than 20 years old. Things that worked when you were 55 — such as the front steps to your home — may not be convenient at age 70.

Simple alterations can prevent one third of all home accidents, according to AARP, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to making life better for people 50 and over. AARP suggests making a list of your daily activities and what you like to do most, then look at your home with a critical eye. Their Web site offers a checklist as well as a free publication called “The Do-able Renewable Home.”

The functional problem most commonly reported in a recent AARP survey is climbing up and down stairs. About 35 percent of respondents have difficulty walking, a lack of mobility or specific problems with knees, hips, legs or arthritis. As a result, falls are the major cause of injury, death, disabilities and hospital admissions for older adults. One out of every three older adults falls every year, and 60 percent of all falls occur at home, according to Safe Aging, a safety, health and injury preventing Web site.

Most falls occur in the bedroom, bathroom and on the stairs. Falls have been attributed to lighting problems, slipping, tripping and going up and down stairs without rails. With these problem areas in mind, let’s look at safety modifications in a few areas of the home.

Bathroom

• Although walk-in showers are safer than a bathtub, assistive devices, such as grab bars and non-skit surfaces, may make daily routines easier.
• If you do install an elevated toilet seat, AARP suggests that it should be adaptable, that is, readjusted to different heights for different people.
• Regulate a hot water heater to prevent scalding and burning; keep it at 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Clearly mark faucets hot and cold.
• Leave a light on in bathroom at night. (If you’re half asleep, you may not be inclined to turn a light on!)
• Install door locks that can be opened from both sides.
• Consider installing a telephone in the bathroom so you can call for help in an emergency.

Stairs

• If possible, install handrails on both sides and the full length of stairs. Position rails at adult elbow height, about 36 to 39 inches, and fix securely to walls and posts so you can bear entire weight on handrail without damaging it.
• Whether inside or outside, make sure your stairs are well lit. Install lights and illuminate stairs with no less than two bulbs. Install nightlights that automatically click on at dusk.
• Treads should be deep enough for the whole foot.
• Keep risers and treads a consistent size. If steps are inconsistently sized, mark them by painting a contrasting stripe on all stepnosings so that the nonuniformity stands out.
• Remove thick carpets and underpads on steps. Use slip-resistant rough finish, rubber stair treads or nonskid contrasting tape (three long strips of tape on each step).
• Remove or repair tripping surfaces, such as projecting screws or nails on treads.
• Do not have rugs at the top or bottom of the stairs. “Remove scatter rugs,” says Andrews. “They are the biggest offenders.”

Kitchen

• If adjustable countertops are out of your budget, make sure there is one surface area that is lower for workspace. The height of this counter or workspace should allow you to sit while working.
• Install smoke detectors and make sure a fire extinguisher is available.
• Replace knob handles on cabinets and drawers with easier-to-grasp u-shaped or d-shaped handles.
• Increase wattage of light bulbs to help those with limited vision.
• Make sure stove controls are marked and easy to use.
• Check out the floor surfaces: Are the surfaces safe, nonslip? Remove dangerous scatter rugs.
• Have a telephone readily available for emergencies.