Aging In Place/Living Room

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Part of the aging-in-place scenario is having a home that is safe, comfortable, and usable in every room. We often talk about the kitchen and the bathroom, but another room that deserves a look is the living/family room. Research says that, for most of us, half of our awake time is spent in the family room.

First, observe how you use the room. Do you spend your time watching TV, playing video games, searching on computers, visiting with others, or crafting?

What would you like to do in that living space, and what will you need to do it? The idea is to make the changes needed but still make the room feel inviting.

Safe Passage is #1

Are you aware of the dreaded T word?  That T word is tripping, and tripping leads to falling.  The statistics on falling, and the resulting consequences of injury, or worse, are dire.  All professionals who deal with aging agree on one thing: do everything possible to prevent trips and falls. Many of our suggestions today support safe movement.

Layout

An open layout is ideal. The ideal family room leaves room for easy maneuvering of walkers, canes, or wheelchairs. Keep the room organized, prevent clutter from accumulating, and make passage as direct as possible.

Flooring

1. Avoid loose area rugs; use non-slip rugs or add non- slip backing.
2. Carpet and area rugs should be low-nap, not long, plush, or shaggy.
3. Color contrast- changes in flooring should be different shades or of contrasting colors so that transitions are easy to see.
4. Sunken living rooms have been in and out of favor but are definitely a trip hazard for those aging in place.

Lighting

1. Provide natural light- make sure windows and window coverings are in good working order to let the sunshine in!
2. Keep light fixtures working and replace burned-out bulbs.
3. Lighting should cover all areas of the room, and lamps should be placed to avoid casting shadows.

   

4. A combination of task lighting and overhead lighting is helpful.
5. Motion-sensor lights help with nighttime navigation.

Electrical outlets

1. Install enough outlets so extension cords aren’t necessary.
2. Consider installing floor outlets for lighting that might be needed by a mid-room sofa.
3. Wall outlets installed at 15-24 inches (instead of the normal 12 inches) make access much easier and are recommended by the ADA code.
4. Don’t overload extension cords, and keep all cords tucked out of the way.

Furniture

1. Choose sturdy furniture that fits your size.
2. Look for additional features in furniture that make life easier. For example, chairs can come with lift assistance, lumbar support, wide padded seating, non-slip feet, sturdy frames, and even massage or heat for arthritis relief.
3. Use a couch caddy or basket to keep essentials close by and prevent them from getting lost under the couch or in the cushions.

Entertainment

Not everyone can hear at the same volume, and it can be uncomfortable and disruptive when a movie or music is too loud. Here are a few products to try if a significant part of your time is spent with the TV on, and hearing is an issue:

1. Clear Caption – this telephone transcribes the caller’s words on a screen so those who struggle to hear can catch every word!
2. Closed Caption feature- activate the closed caption feature on the TV.
3. Bluetooth headphones- With these headphones, you can set the volume to your liking- some sets come in pairs. There are lots of styles available- look for sets with a money-back guarantee.

Tech Solutions

Technical devices can be overwhelming. But those who are open to it have lots of choices to make life easier and safer. Ideas for choosing the best technology for you include understanding what the product can and cannot do, finding out what support is available, and learning one new product at a time.

Tech for Ease:

1. Motion-activated lighting
2. Video doorbells
3. Smart thermostats

Tech for safety:

1. Fall detection wearables
2. Stove shut-off sensor
3. Medication reminders
4. Wander alerts (for dementia)
5. Voice assistants for hands-free calls
6. GPS location devices

Products

1. Anti-slip pads for tabletops or TV trays
2. Reachers and grabbers

   

3. Couch caddy

Professionals can help create a comfortable living space

Not everyone needs everything listed above. A good place to start is with a professional! They can pinpoint what you need and save you time and money in the long run.

1. An occupational therapist is a healthcare professional who evaluates people with injuries, illnesses, disabilities, or cognitive challenges to help them perform everyday activities.
2. Physical Therapist (PT) – A good PT can pinpoint your physical challenges and help you strengthen your body so falls are less likely.
   • *Pt and OT services are often covered by insurance if they are prescribed by a doctor. Check with your insurance to see what services are available.
3. Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS): A CAPS specialist can assess your home and recommend adaptations to meet your needs.

This list isn’t exhaustive, but hopefully it will show you the changes you can make to create an enjoyable living room as you age!

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Homeowner Handbook | #AgingInPlaceLivingRoom

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