Aging Parents and Adult Children Together

Aging Parents and Adult Children Together (A/PACT)

It’s wise to address concerns about your parents’ safety and comfort in their home before a problem arises. Your parents probably share your concerns. Great strides have been made in designing and retrofitting public and private spaces to allow greater freedom and access for people with limitations and disabilities. These elements also can be used to enhance a home and eliminate safety hazards.

Evaluating your parents’ home begins with a general safety check. Use this checklist to identify problem areas:

Throughout the home

• Are handrails securely fastened on both sides of all stairways?
• Are all areas, including stairways, well lit? Are switches easy to operate?
• Do outside lights illuminate entrances and exits?
• Is a telephone accessible at all times? You may want to suggest a cordless telephone with charger.
• Are outside doors protected by security locks that can be easily operated?
• Are smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors strategically located?
• Are batteries replaced on a regular basis?
• Are floors and stairs kept free of cords and loose objects?

Bathroom

• Is safety equipment properly installed? The basics are grab bars for the tub, shower and near the toilet.
• Do the tub and shower have non-slip surfaces?
• Is the hot water heater set to prevent scalding?
• Can you remove tripping hazards, such as cords and throw rugs?
• Is there a night light?

Bedroom

• Is there a sturdy bedside table with a non-tip lamp and space for eyeglasses?
• Does furniture placement allow a clear path between the bathroom and bedroom?
• Do rugs have non-slip backing?
• Is there a comfortable chair with arms for rest or comfort when dressing?

Kitchen

• Can frequently used items be reached without using a chair or stool?
• Is a fire extinguisher within easy reach of the stove?
• Is there a work area where a person can sit while preparing food?

Simple improvements identified through the checklist are inexpensive, barely affect the appearance of the home, and can make all the difference in an aging person’s ability to continue living at home.

For older people with health problems, a home evaluation by an occupational therapist also can be helpful. This health professional can identify ways to improve home safety, arrange resources and modify the environment to compensate for specific disabilities. For example, home improvements for someone with severe arthritis could include installing lever-action faucets in sinks and tubs, replacing door knobs with lever handles, equipping the kitchen with an under-cabinet jar opener and electric can opener and replacing knobs or small handles on cupboards and drawers with larger "C" handles. Similarly, an avid gardener with knee or hip problems could continue gardening by having raised plant beds installed that can be reached from a standing or sitting position.

While some improvements can be done by the homeowner, others, such as a wheelchair ramp, may require a builder or contractor.

For More Information

The American Occupational Therapy Association
4720 Montgomery Lane
Bethesda, MD 20824-1220
(800) 668-8255 or (301) 652-2682; fax: (301) 652-7711

The AOTA has information on: home safety for people with health problems, including Alzheimer’s disease, adapting homes for older people, driver safety, and locating occupational therapy resources.

National Association of Area Agencies on Aging
1112 16th Street NW, Suite 100
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 296-8130

NAAAA provides information on locating community resources for older adults.

Alzheimer’s Association National Headquarters
919 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1000
Chicago, IL 60611
(800) 272-3900

American Association of Retired Persons
601 E Street, NW
Washington, DC 20049

AARP pamphlets include, Home Modification: Independent Living Kit, Stock No. D16427; DoAble Renewable Home, Stock No. D12470; and Consumer Tipsheet: Home Modification, Stock No. D16236. Refer to the stock numbers when ordering.

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