Smart Senior

Storage Sheds for Senior Downsizing

Outdoor Storage Sheds for Senior Housing

 

Whether you have downsized to the point of not having enough room to store your ‘stuff’ or just are just plain tired of not having enough space in your garage for your car; an outdoor storage shed might be just the thing for you.

 

You’ve seen them in other yards and probably hated them, but I ran into an article by Annie Groer in the Seattle Times (Saturday, May 31, 2008) called “Not your grandfather’s storage shed,” that caught my eye.  She featured designs by (www.metroshed.com) and (www.modern-shed.com ) that are quite eye catching. They design trim sleek sheds that can be used from anything from an art studio to a smoking room to a guest suite.  I also checked on line and was pleased to find a number of companies that feature a line of “designer” storage sheds.

Things to consider when adding a storage shed to your landscape:  1) shop around, cheapest isn’t always best in the long run, 2) the appearance of a storage shed affects the overall appearance of your property, so pick a design that complements your home, 3) integrate the shed as part of your landscape (so that it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb) by using trellises, ivy, vines, and window boxes, 4) pick the right siding material and learn how to care for it properly.  Last but not least check out building codes, zoning ordinances and deed restrictions in your area.

Space Saving Shoe Storage

Space Saving Shoe Storage

 

I have a very modest selection of shoes, but even with my new space saving closet organization system my shoes seem to spill out all over the place.

 

Arthritis Today (May/June 2008) featured the perfect solution and boy do I want one of these! It is a shoe wheel (okay, it looks like a slotted hamster wheel) but it stores up to 30 pairs of shoes. A spin of the wheel brings the shoes to you and each slot adjusts to the height of the shoe. The cost is $65 and would be the perfect Mother’s Day (or any other day) gift (www.rakkudesigns.com).

Remote Control Door Openers

Remote Control Door Openers

 

Protected entryways, opting to use levers instead of knobs, or even keyless entry systems that are operated by a touch, are the first steps to take to assure easy access into your house. 

 

An automatic door opener is another good option. These devices attach to your existing door and automatically open, close, lock or unlock your door by means of a remote control system or a touch pad. Devices are available that include a hold-open setting to allow you time to get safely through your doorway. Turn garages or utility rooms into well lighted and organized areas where everything from car to lawn care equipment can be stored in a safe easy to access environment.  Install automatic door openers and keyless dead bolts to open entryways in your home. Remember to update lighting near entrances to come on automatically to eliminate shadowed areas, and rework thresholds so that they are no higher than ¼ inch.

 

If limited hand or arm strength is an issue an automatic door opener can make life easier for you. An automatic garage door opener can make it easier for you to get in and out of your garage. Special features like keyless entry systems can provide secure access without the need for keys, and electronic sensors can prevent people or pets from being crushed by the heavy door.

 

Garage door openers are available in keychain versions, visor clip-on units or touchpad systems. The three basic models are chain-drive, belt drives, and screw drives. The chain-drive is the most common but it is noisier than the more expensive models.

Automatic Curtains and Blinds

Automatic Curtains and Blinds

 

It seems like science fiction but in today’s electronic age, practically everything can be automated and activate by sound, motion, timers, or even commands sent over the internet or by your cell phone. If you have a disability these features can make the difference between dependence and independence.

 

Glare from windows and shiny surfaces can be a problem for people with limited vision. You can reduce glare with anti-glare window films or by installing adjustable blinds or shades. Automatic window covering openers make it easier for people with limited arm or hand strength to adjust windows, blinds and shutters.  You can control hard to reach window blinds by remote control.

 

Controlling the amount of light that you want to let into your room is reason enough, but don’t forget to consider how you can increase energy efficiency, privacy and personal security by installing timers. Shades on a timer or sensor can open and close the blinds at certain hours or even be configured to close them when the sun hits that side of the house. Motorized blinds are available as wall mounted, hand held or by a fully automated system that can adjust each blind individually, as a group or both.  There are starter kits available at home improvement stores for do-it-yourselfers or hire a professional if you are interested in a more sophisticated set up.

Accessible Window Openers

Accessible Window Openers

 

Opening and closing windows can require considerable strength. Both the classic double –hung and sliding windows present problems when it comes to ease of operation. Even windows that have sash weights and springs can be hard to open and close if hand strength is an issue for you.

 

Windows in an accessible home need to meet some basic criteria and it all involves around them being functional, easy to operate and of course being attractive. 

 

Experts recommend that you replace existing windows with casement windows. A casement window opens and closes using a hand crank. The window is hinged at the side so that it pivots out like a door. You can open and close it with little effort whether you are seated or standing.

 

If that is still to difficult you can opt to install an automatic window opener. The window can be opened, closed, locked or unlocked via remote control. In addition to immediate commands it can be programmed to close automatically if it starts to rain or open if it gets too warm. These units can be fitted to new or to existing casement windows.

 

 

Hand Rails and Grab Bars

 

Traditional housing design does not take into account issues related to dimming vision and potential human frailties, and as a result your home actually contributes to your problems. The failure to make your home safer contributes to potential falls and the end of life as you know it.

The first and easiest steps to safety should center on the instillation of grab bars and handrails. Your goal should focus on being able to get in and out of your house safely and in being able to move around your house without fear of falling. This includes figuring out how to get in and out of bed, dress, and toilet yourself without putting yourself at jeopardy. Simple changes can make a huge difference in people’s lives. Living independently and safety is important to a seniors’ mental and physical well-being.

It is important to install grab bars around the room, wherever a holding on place may be needed. Grab bars are available in many beautiful finishes, colors and design so they can actually be a stylish accessory as well as a safety feature.

Adding handrails to a long rail or living area can offer the extra support needed to move safely throughout the house. Handrails should be installed along every stairway (preferably on both sides) both inside the home and outside around decks and walkways. Handrails should be considered for any location where there is a change in floor levels. Choose a rail that can support your weight and look for a rail, preferably a round design that is easy to grip between thumb and fingers. The rail should be installed a 1 ½ from the wall in order to prevent an arm from sliding through and being trapped.

Think about how you move around your house and map out where to place bars and rails accordingly. Through the use of innovated products and accessible design, it is possible to help maintain personal independence as well as promote safety.

 

 

Accessible Gardening for Seniors

Gardening doesn’t have to be painful. With a little foresight, you could be thinking right now about things that you could be doing to make your yard/garden attractive and accessible, without screaming disability.

Anyone can garden, no matter what your situation or what the size of your space is. Adapting homes and gardens to accommodate aging has become a mainstream business.  Your can approach this aspect of your home remodeling project by consulting a profession designer or taking a good do-it-yourself attitude. The demand for adaptive or universal gardens will continue to grow.

There are gardening tools and techniques that made gardening possible for anyone that wants to do it. If you think about gardening from a sitting position you will  appreciate the idea of raised beds, window boxes, hanging baskets that operate using a pulley system, resting areas in the shade, handrails  and easy to reach watering systems, that are a must for the comfort of older gardeners. A variety of gadgets are available. Rocking seats, to kneelers, to tools with especially designed handles designed for people with arthritis or other conditions that decrease grip strength will make gardening fun again. It is important to find and use equipment that is comfortable for you.

Don’t let your infirmities prevent you from enjoying the therapeutic and practical aspects of gardening. We aren’t just talking about flowers but of good old fashioned vegetable gardening.  The price of produce continues to skyrocket and it won’t be long before your garden will be the hit of the neighborhood.

Gardening is Tough On Your Body

Gardening is Tough On Your Body

 

One of the reasons that you want to stay in your own home is that you love working in your yard.

 

You can continue to do this if you learn how to condition your body to prevent injuries to your back and joints, as well as learning how to incorporate accessibility features into your remodeling plans.

 

According to Dean Fosdick (Seattle Times, January 30, 2008) most gardeners are over 55, and are looking for gardening tools that are easier to use and will help prevent aches and pains.  Grip strength decreases an average of 15% in persons in their early 50’s and is another key factor indicating that ergonomic tools are important. 

 

Shopping for the right tools is important. Don’t assume that everything labeled ergonomic is the right tool for you.  Try out your tool selections in the store before you buy, and take things like weight, balance and sensitivity into consideration. In addition to size, studies show, that tools should be soft and comfortable. Your tools should make cutting, digging, bending and stretching easier. Don’t forget flexible gloves, tool belts, wagons, carts, knee pads when rounding out your gardening arsenal.

 

If you are remodeling think about ways to design or repair present walkways so that they are level and wide. Put in benches, hand rails, adequate lighting and raised gardening beds. An accessible garden can be as attractive as it is functional.

 

There are gardening tools and techniques that can make gardening accessible to anyone who wants to do it. Think creatively, come up with a functional design, do some smart shopping, and creative problem solving. By making a few changes over the years you can create a workable garden for yourself.

Senior Bathing Issues

Tub bathing can be tricky for seniors.  The fear of falling makes getting in to and out of a regulation bathtub scary business.  If you have given up the luxury of tub bathing because of age, mobility or safety concerns, you might investigate the world of bath lifts.

If you aren’t quite ready for an expensive bathroom remodel you will find that a lift is an inexpensive way for you to safely enjoy your tub.  A lift will lower your body carefully into the tub, and once again you can take a relaxing bubble bath. The touch of a button will raise you back up to the edge when you are finished and allow you to slide out onto a chair or stand up.

There are several types of lifts available (portable bath lifts, inflatable bath lifts, reclining lifts and water power lifts) in addition to custom-built models designed for special needs.

The portable lift is equipped with a seat that goes up and down.  The only down side is that you must be able to get on and off the seat from the side of the tub, and you must be able to lift your legs over the side of the tub.  The lift uses rechargeable batteries.

Inflatable lifts are a seat shaped air cushion with a compressor to pump air into the cushion.  These lifts are light weight and portable.  They do require good upper body strength to get in and out of the tub and might not be a good idea if you have balance issues.

A reclining lift is the height of luxury if you like to tip back and really relax.  You can select the amount of incline in addition to rising up and down with the touch of a button.

The water powered lifts use regular household water pressure to operate.  I haven’t seen this particular type of lift in operation but it is supposedly light weight, easy to operate and some models come with a rotating seat to facilitate getting in and out of the tub.

I have read ads in Arthritis Today and several other magazines by Archimedes for a lift that looks strong and is compact and attractive (www.bathliftdirect.com). My recommendation would be to shop around and if possible try them out.  Find a model that is comfortable and that makes you feel safe and secure when using it.

Fall Prevention for Seniors

Anti-skid Stairs for Seniors

You don’t have to be a senior to be frightened by the idea of slipping and falling on slippery stairs, but a fall at our age becomes a thing to be reckoned with.  A serious fall can mean the difference in life as we now know it, so plan ahead and think about your safety today.

Balance exercises are a plus and most senior exercise programs focus on teaching you how to prevent falls.  Diana Rossetti writing for Northwest Seniors (Herald, Tuesday, August 28, 2007) discusses a book by Dr. Betty Perkins-Carpenter called “How To Prevent Falls; Better Balance, Independence and Energy in 6 Simple Steps” (Senior Fitness Productions), that will give you some insights on the importance of taking charge of your life.   

A second area of focus is making your home a safer place for you to live.  Gene Austin for the Seattle Times (Saturday, December 1, 2007) fields a question about how to treat steps to make them both attractive and skid proof.    Did you know that you could buy anti-skid paints or that you could add nonslip grit to any regular porch and floor paint?  I didn’t but I am not particularly handy around the house.  You can also find stair treads at home improvement stores or on-line (www.improvementscatalog.com) that are both attractive and functional.   The final recommendation, and you can’t afford to ignore this one, is have a handrail installed if you don’t already have one.  A sturdy rail is the best protection against falls.