Life's journey takes us through many different stages; the birth of children, the visit of an elderly relative, an accident that is temporarily or permanently disabling, a health condition that changes how we handle our daily needs. How well is your home prepared to adapt to your changing needs?

Most of us don't think about the demands on our home until a situation arises that makes it difficult to function independently. Planning ahead for these events can save a lot of difficulty during stressful times. Best of all, these changes can enhance your daily life right away.

If you are lucky enough to be building a new home, think through the curves that life can throw your way and discuss these with your architect. It is much easier to build in special features now than to try to adapt later. Be careful not to build in obstacles that will present problems. For instance, make sure that the bathroom door is at least 32" wide to accommodate crutches, a walker or a wheelchair.

For most of us, however, our current home is where we'd like to stay. In this case, it is important to identify what modifications might be needed over the next decade. We are used to seeing articles about reorganizing our closets, but how about planning for the changes every family goes through?

Create a checklist for yourself that might include the following kinds of questions:

• How easy is it for our children or grandchildren to reach the light switches?

• How easy is it to turn the water faucets and doorknobs?

• What would we need in the event our home requires wheelchair accessibility?

Once this is done, look over your list and think about the projects that could be created to resolve the problems areas. You don't have to tackle everything at once. By starting before there is a crisis, you can pace your effort and your budget.

Dynamic Living offers some low-cost specialized adaptive hardware and home automation ideas that can help to improve some of the areas that could be troublesome:

• Door Knob Adapters: Lever handles are considerably easier to use than round knobs. If you can't afford to change all of the knobs in your home, there are adaptive devices that can be installed over the current knob. One inexpensive solution is the Great Grips cover, a soft rubber-like aid with a small protrusion that enables you to turn knobs or faucets with less effort. Another alternative is a Door Knob Adapter that converts a round knob into a levered handle.

• Offset Hinges: These specialty hinges use the same screws and holes as the existing hinge. The elongated shape of the hinge allows the door to open wider, creating greater access for wheelchairs or walkers.

• Faucet Adapters: Lever faucets work well, but there is also a remedy that requires no turning. The EZ-Flo valve controls the flow of water. A small rod under the spigot allows easy release of the water rather than twisting the faucet handle. Or try a hands-free infrared faucet, that will automatically turn the water on once it senses motion.

• Light Switch Adapters: Light Switch Extenders are terrific if you need the wall switch to be accessible at a lower level or you might prefer a Voice Activated Switch that controls the electricity to the lamp with your verbal command.

• Low Vision Thermostats: You don't have to squint at hard-to-read thermostats! Install a thermostat that has big, easy to see numbers.

• Stove Knobs and Deadlocks: Small knobs can be turned easily with the Universal Turner, a tool that covers the knob and uses a long handle to make it easy to turn.

• Home Automation: These devices allow you to turn lights and appliances on and off with the press of a convenient remote button or by voice or motion. Some home automation devices also perform simple tasks in response to a cue, like a Caller ID unit that announces who is calling.

Other home modifications should be considered to enhance your safety and well-being.

While some security systems are quite complex and require professional installation, there are also simple devices that offer terrific security features at a fraction of the cost.

• Personal Emergency Devices can call a family member, neighbor or emergency unit for help when you need them. There are also Personal Emergency Response Systems that call a monitoring center where trained attendants are always available.

• Alerting Devices: Personal pagers can be used within a home to call for assistance and a Motion Pad can let you know when a loved one is out of bed.

Some professionals in our field refer to this topic as Home Modification, while others use terms like Universal Design. Even the generic term Home Improvement can touch upon some of the changes you might be considering. Whatever you call it, the time to start planning is now!

© Copyright 2001 Dynamic Living, Inc.
Dynamic Living Newsletter may only be redistributed in its unedited form. Written permission from the editor must be obtained to reprint or cite the information contained within this newsletter.

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