Walls and Ceilings - Senior Citizen Home Improvements

I'm not sure which sub board would be best for this, but this seems good. Admin, please move this where you see fit, if need be.

I'm curious about home improvements for senior citizens. My grandmother took a nasty spill out the other day and broke a bone, which got me thinking about improvements that I should make for her home. Railings, non-slip surfaces, Rubber on the steps? Have you run across any good guides, books, or thoughts on improvements that should be made to a senior's home?

I'd wrather DIY a lot of things if possible.

Thanks for the input.

--JC

Really, if you were to walk carefully through the house, placing yourself in their shoes, you will see what needs to be done. Rails need to be graspable by feeble hands; they can't be flat 2x6's. Rather than rubber on the treads, look for the contractor's cans of clear traction spray. It goes on clear but gives super traction without being ugly. Pitch of steps and ramps. It is easier to build steps with a 6:12 pitch with landings rather than the standard 7:11, giving a longer set of steps with a shallower rise for weaker legs to negotiate. Ramps need to be 1:12 with proper turns and 42"+ widths to accomodate wheelchair turnaround.
I would consult the ADA for specific requirements for the disabled and handicapped. Alot of their stuff is retrofittable in today's houses. Good luck with the modifications, and hope she gets better fast.

One of the best things you can do is install grab bars in the bathroom. At least two in the shower or tub and whatever is appropriate at the commode. These are available in varying lengths at Lowe's or Home Depot. A handy tool to have if these are to be mounted on a ceramic tile wall is a drill bit designed to drill ceramic tile. It has a triangle shaped tip. Remember to caulk the predrilled screw holes with silicon caulk to keep water out of the wall. Good luck, and I admire your efforts.

Levered doorknobs and faucet handles make life easier for seniors. Handrails by entry steps are helpful. A portable shower seat and movable shower head make for safer showering. In case of an injury from a fall, a first floor bedroom and bath may be needed. Doors may need to be widened to accommodate a wheelchair. Ramps may be necessary if a walker or wheel chair is needed. Make sure smoke detectors are working. Adding a lower clothing rod in closets can make clothing more accessible, especially for those in wheelchairs.

Adding more light or wattage will make for greater safety, especially at entries and on stairs. A night light may prevent stubbing a toe. Rocker style light switches can be turned off and on with an elbow if necessary. Light fixtures without globes allow for easier bulb changing.

You might be interested in the following book:

The Accessible Home: Updating Your Home for Changing Physical Needs. Creative Publishing International (Editor), Bryan Trandem (Editor)

Thanks so much for your informative responses! I'm going to look into all of your suggestions. Also thanks for the book recommendation. I'll hit the book store shortly. I think railings are a good place to start.

First in mind, I'd like to add some railings or bannisters to the front steps out doors. They are a short flight about 4 feet high, but high enough for trouble. How would you mount things to brick steps with a concrete base? Drill into the concrete? or dig and create posts like fence posts?

Thanks again for the insight! It's great to see a number of people with good ideas!

Decide first whether you want metal or wood posts and railings. Keep in mind that the footer for the steps may extend out past the side of the steps which would make digging post holes difficult.

very good point. I was thinking metal would look best to match the house. The steps are pretty standard, so I figured I could find something pre-built to fit.