Barrier Free Architecturals
December 15, 2011

Tips to Prevent Falls and Accidents this Winter Season

Winter steps. Image source: Tellablog.

Last week we talked about important tips to make sure that your holiday season won’t be threatened by preventable fire. This week, you ought to know important safety tips in light of the winter season. Since winter poses an increased threat of falls, frostbite, car accidents and hypothermia, older adults should be extra careful this winter season.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older adults, those who are above 65 years old, have a 33% chance of suffering from falls every year. During winter, they also face the threat of hypothermia and frostbite than most age groups. For these reasons, older adults and their relatives must plan ahead.

Here are some important ways for older adults and people with disabilities to prepare themselves for the winter season, as suggested by the American Geriatrics Society’s Foundation for Health in Aging:

  1. Wearing non-skid sole boots is necessary when going out of the house. Older adults must also replace the rubber tip of their canes. In order to further prevent falls, it is important to stay out of sidewalks covered with snow.
  2. Knowing the symptoms of hypothermia will help in preventing it. Ashy or pale skin, having trouble breathing and walking, a slowed heart rate, a lingering tired feeling, confusion, and a general feeling of weakness. Whenever any of the following symptoms become apparent, one should immediately go back inside the house. Wearing multiple layers of clothing can help in protecting against hypothermia.
  3. Aside from wearing multiple layer of clothing, it is also important to cover every part of the body when going out in order to protect one’s self against frostbite. When any part of the body, particularly the fingers and the toes, starts to feel numb or hurt, go inside the house immediately or stay near a fireplace.
  4. In order to prevent car accidents, the American Geriatrics Society advises that older adults should always touch base with weather advisories and avoid icy roads. A first aid kit, shovel, water and snacks, and warm clothes should be prepared and easily accessible.
Filed under Health and Mobility Tips, Home safety tips for the elderly
Tags: , ,
November 22, 2011

10 Ways to Prevent Falls in the Home

Home Safety Council Logo. Image Credit: Home Safety Council.

In 2004, the Home Safety Council published The State of Home Safety in America. The study discussed the causes of unintentional injuries and deaths in homes across the US. It states that falls are the leading cause of unintentional deaths in the home, especially among older adults.

An average of 5.1 million injuries and around 6,000 deaths each year are caused by preventable falls. Falls are essentially preventable, and although we’ve written about the causes of preventable falls before, it’s essential to make a more comprehensive list of tips on falls prevention.

  1. Having handrails on both sides of the stairs all the way from the top to bottom is important for adults to have something to grab on to as they go up and down the stairs.
  2. Bright lighting is important, especially at the staircase and at corners of the house.
  3. Tripping on rugs is a common cause of falls that can be fixed by removing the rug altogether or taping them to the floor.
  4. Grab bars and non-slip strips in the tub are a few essentials in the bathroom. Aside from the stairway, the bathroom should especially be carefully equipped with safety equipment. After all, falls usually occur both in the staircase and the bathroom.
  5. A non skid mat (and all the other places, if you can help it) should always be placed in the bathroom. Without a mat, the probability of slipping in the bathroom is exponentially increased.
  6. Chipped steps and broken brick pathways in the porch and garden should be fixed as soon as possible. They should also be kept clear of items that can be obtrusive.
  7. Bright lights should be installed in the porch and walkway, especially since the outdoors often have poor lighting.
  8. Handrails on the stairs leading to the porch should be sturdy and stable.
  9. Spills should be wiped up immediately, as they can go unnoticed and cause slips.
  10. Conducting a check on the safety of the home from time to time will give both security and maximum falls prevention.
Filed under Home safety tips for the elderly
Tags: , , , , , ,
November 2, 2011

Important Physical Activity Tips for Older adults

Yoga. Image Source: Public Domain.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has just released information on how much physical activity older adults need in order to prevent health problems. By engaging in physical activity, the muscles of older adults can grow stronger and will help accomplish their daily activities without need of assistance.

According to CDC, the guidelines apply for those who are 65 years or older, as long as you have no limiting health conditions and are generally fit.

There are three possible options suggested by CDC:

1. A Moderate-intensity aerobic activity for 2 hours and 30 minutes (or 150 minutes) every week. A moderate intensity aerobic activity is a 5 or 6 on a scale of 0 to 10, where 0 involves a sedentary activity such as sitting and 10 involves a strenuous activity. An example of a moderate intensity aerobic activity is brisk walking.

On top of the moderate-intensity aerobic activity, seniors also need muscle-strengthening activities on at least 2 days a week, or more. The muscle-strengthening activities must be able to work all your major muscle groups, such as your legs, hips, chest, abdomen, shoulders, back, and abdomen. A few examples are yoga, gardening activities (digging, shoveling), push ups, sit ups, lifting weights, and working with resistance bands.

2. A one hour and 15 minutes (or 75 minutes) of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity every week. A vigorous-intensity activity is harder and more challenging than a moderate-intensity activity and is pegged at around 7 or 8 on the scale. The usual effect of this type of activity is hard breathing and not being able to say a couple of words without catching your breath.

Muscle-strengthening activities for at least two days a week is also required as a supplement to the aerobic activity.

3. A third option is to engage in an equal dose of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity every week, coupled with muscle-strengthening activities on at least two days a week, working on your major muscle groups.

Of course, you don’t need to put all of your required 150 minutes or 75 minutes in one session. In fact, you can spread them throughout the week or even break them in smaller sessions throughout the day. Whatever works for you is fine, as long as you accomplish the required dosage in whichever option you choose.

Take note that an aerobic activity differs from muscle strengthening activities in that the former strengthens the heart and builds endurance among other essential qualities, while the latter builds muscle strength.

Filed under Home safety tips for the elderly
Tags: , , , ,
September 11, 2011

Older Adults and Salt Intake

Salt. Image Credit: Health Medical Blog.

While it’s important for people of all ages to watch what they eat, older adults have special dietary concerns that should be paid special attention to. A new study, recently published in Neurobiology of Aging, has determined that high-sodium diets combined with low physical activity can raise serious health issues for adults aged 65 and older.

A decline in cognitive function and an increased risk of developing heart disease are among the risks.

“Our results show it’s a combination of high salt intake and low physical activity which declined cognitive function,” Study lead Dr. Alexandra Flocco from Toronto’s Baycrest Hospitals’ Kunin-Lunenfeld Applied and Evaluative Research Unit told the Toronto Sun. “The message is if you’re not active, make sure you cut back on your salt intake.”

The study analyzed 1,262 healthy older adults between the ages of 67 and 84, tracking their nutritional intake (and sodium consumption) as well as their physical activity for a period of three years. The daily average intake among participants varied greatly, from 2,263 to a staggering 8,098 milligrams. Health Canada recommends people aged 14 years and older consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of salt each day. The American Heart Association recommends that people living with high blood pressure limit their intake to 1,500 miligrams per day, which is less than ¾ of a tablespoon of salt.

Nearing the completion of the study, the participants were given an exam that measured their cognitive decline. Scored showed that participants with the lowest average daily salt intake suffered less cognitive decline and instances of heart disease than their counterparts who ingested a higher daily salt intake.
Sodium is an essential nutrient but it should not be over-consumed. Canned and pickled foods are incredibly high in sodium, as are certain salad dressings, cheeses and sauces. It’s important to check the nutritional information on food packaging before buying.

Low-sodium recipes are readily available online at Canadian Living, the Mayo Clinic and All Recipes.

Filed under Home Safety Tips, Home safety tips for the elderly
Tags: , , , ,
September 7, 2011

Falls in Older Adults are Common and Preventable

Preventing Falls. Image Source: American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

A recent study published on the Family Practice News website suggests that falls are the main cause of debilitating injury and mobility issues in older adults. This is particularly true for senior citizens aged 75 and older, as well as for older adults who have balance issues, difficulty getting out of a seated position, or who have fallen within the prior year, which can increase the risk of a future fall by four times.

According to the article, approximately 30% of U.S. adults in the 65 plus age range will experience a fall within the next year. This number rises sharply for adults aged 80 and up – 50% of whom are expected to experience a fall within the next twelve months time.

How to Reduce the Risk of Falling

Regular checkups, a balanced diet and an exercise regimen that includes balance training (such as moderate weight lifting, yoga, swimming or tai chi) can help combat balance-related issues and complications. Strength training is also incredibly important, as muscle weakness is shown to quadruple the risk of falling.

A Cochrane Review of controlled trials with 55,303 participants outlines 111 exercises and interventions that can greatly reduce the risk of falling. These exercises consist of strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance training.

The review also suggests that wearing hip protectors can provide some significant benefit to older adults who are in institutional care but will have little benefit for those who are still living independently.

Older adults who may be at risk of falling can have a falls evaluation conducted by a physician. Part of this process includes a cardiovascular examination, medication review, neurological examination, as well as an assessment of cognitive impairment. A physician will assess a patient’s gait and look for balance and mobility issues, in addition to muscle weakness, visual impairment and home hazards (steep stairs, loose railings, etc) that might facilitate a fall. Click here to read the entire article from Family Practice News.

Filed under Health and Mobility Tips, Home safety tips for the elderly, Mobility Issues and News
Tags: , , ,
August 2, 2011

Preparing for Emergencies

American Red Cross Logo. Image Credit: American Red Cross.

John L. Beckley once said that “most people don’t plan to fail, they simply fail to plan.” This is true in many aspects of life, but especially where emergencies are concerned.  It is very important to take a proactive approach to emergency planning.  Here are a few tips you can take to prepare your home, your family and friends for potential emergencies.

The American Red Cross recommends that older adults assemble a personal support network that is comprised of several individuals who can be contacted in the event of an emergency, as well as to check in on them from time to time to provide assistance.  A support network can consist of any number of people, including: friends, roommates, family members, relatives, co-workers, health care professionals and neighbours.  The American Red cross suggests lining up a minimum of three people to act as part of their network or, one for each location where you regularly spend your time, for example; at, home at the gym, and/or at work.

Here are a few tips for emergency preparedness, courtesy of the Red Cross:

  1. Take a proactive approach to emergencies and set up emergency contacts (and back up emergency contacts).
  2. Make sure at least one person in your network has a set of your house and/or car keys and vice versa.
  3. Keep your house stocked with up-to-date emergency supplies and show the people in your support network where you keep them.
  4. Keep copies of your medical records, allergies, health card and any other important information in a safe place and provide copies to at least one person in your network.
  5. Establish a communications and back-up plan in the event that telephones are not working.
  6. Notify people in your network when you are going out of town and vice versa.
  7. Support the people in your safety network as well. Request copies of their medical information and offer to check in on them from time to time.

Click here to access a comprehensive resource on emergency planning.

Filed under Health and Mobility Tips, Home Safety Tips, Home safety tips for the elderly
Tags: , , ,
September 2, 2010

Planning Your Dream Home? Think Accessibility.

Whether you’re fortunate enough to be building a new home for yourself, or you’re providing an extension or alteration to your existing home, it really pays to think through accessibility and, ideally, to talk diligently discuss the matter with your architect. Make accessibility a part of your dream home; we promise you’ll thank yourself for it.

If you’re investing in your home, chances are you want to stay there for some time longer. As you get older, the demand for increased accessibility will grow amongst your family and friends, so why not make the extra effort to plan long term? As we discussed in last week’s post, a living space will always benefit from universal design in its initial stages, rather than a more expensive retrofit.

First things first, talk to an expert. If you’re building a whole new home, your architect is the best point to start at because he or she is aware of the latest requirements: these will offer inspiration for what comes next… for example, the kitchen is often overlooked as a shared living space. In fact, it’s the most important shared space in a house (Kitchen Is King).  Accessible shelves, worktops and equipment are simple features you can seamlessly integrate into your new space to make it a place for anyone to comfortably contribute to the longevity of the household.

If you’re pursuing a DIY project and, for example, find yourself re-tiling the bathroom, take a moment to consider how easy it would be to increase the accessibility of the space a hundredfold. Grab bars are a terrific, and increasingly appreciated option for those on a low budget, and, if you’re feeling more adventurous, why not invest in an accessible shower?  Again, we guarantee that you’ll thank yourself down the road, if not also immediately.

[If this post has caught your imagination, here are a few places you can do some more research online:

Creating Accessible Homes - Cooperative Extension Service, Kansas State University (PDF File).

Fair Housing Act Design Module - provides clear guidance about ways to design and construct housing that complies with the Fair Housing Act.

Centre for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access - The IDeA Center practices human-centered design through research, development, service, dissemination and educational activities.]

Filed under Home Safety Tips, Home safety tips for the elderly
Tags: , , , ,
July 14, 2010

Kitchen and Bath Design: Accessibility

I recently came across this article by Mary Jo Peterson in the trade website Kitchen and Bath Design News. While it came out in April, it’s a good overview of trends in universal building and the projects that some of the major players are undertaking.

Since the real estate market is a bit up in the air (it’s really pretty weird, to be honest) remodelers are driving the forward movement for accessibility: things like bathroom renovations with handicap showers, accessible kitchen renos and so forth are big right now.

AARP (which now makes no reference to retired persons, but who still serves that demographic) has a bunch of programs to help drive these goals forward, including the Liveable Community awards. NAHB (that’s the National Association of Homebuilders) has joined them in that effort. As we’ve mentioned before on this blog, universal and accessible can make good sense for lots of stages of life—so folks are discovering there’s some demand out there for it.

Per the article, a demostration home built by Eskaton Senior Residences and Services

offered many of the subtle design concepts that we have come to expect as good Universal Design and just good design in general. These include varied-height vanities, a no-threshold shower and bath accessories that enhance the beauty of the space while improving safety and access. In the kitchen, the home featured an opportunity to sit while working, appliances at comfortable heights and counters at varied heights for the comfort of cooks of different sizes.

This home was truly impressive, featuring a home automation system that measured blood sugar and communicated with the homeowner’s doctors automatically.

Peterson says that one of the unifying themes was that the offerings are generally quite attractive—there’s no reason that something can’t be accessible and nice. She mentions Green Mountain Ranch, which is the home of Cynthia Liebrock who is a longtime “universal design guru”.

One thing that Peterson talked about was that it can be difficult to find the products needed for these kinds of building renos and so forth. That’s where we can help. Get in touch for all the latest on the products you’ll need for a beautiful, functional bath or kitchen space.

Filed under Health and Mobility Tips, Home safety tips for the elderly
Tags: , ,
June 30, 2010

Resources for Home Safety and Accessibility

Since our work revolves around making the home a safer, more usable place for all its occupants, we thought a roundup of folks working toward those same goals would be appropriate. Here are some sites you might want to visit when looking for ideas on how to achieve the most user-friendly spaces possible:

The Home Safety Council. The Home Safety Council, based in Washington DC, is an organization dedicated to making the home a safer place. They target, senior safety, fire safety, and safety for babies and kids. Their site is packed with resources on all these topics. It’s a go-to resource if you’re wondering what the best way to tackle some of these issues is. Also, June being home safety month is one of their programs. One of the coolest things on their site is this checklist generator that asks you a few questions and then points you to the things you need to double-check in your home.

Easter Seals. Easter Seals does a lot of work with disability-related issues. Their “easy access housing for easier living” program offers a succinct yet comprehensive checklist of things to look into when updating your house for accessibility. Check out their link roundup for go-to resources. Very handy.

Fall Prevention Center of Excellence. These folks offer complete courses and a certificate in upgrading homes for the needs of the disabled. They also offer a great FAQ resource, although it is largely US-specific.

The University of Iowa offers this tremendous booklet on evaluating home needs. It’s here in a PDF form.

For lots of reading on the state of the art, check out the University of North Carolina’s Center for Universal Design.

The National Association of Home Builders (Washington, DC) offers specialized education and certifications for those working in the industry.

Access Guide Canada. This is a tremendous list of resources for accessible places in Canada. Sign in to get full access to the directory.

And of course, we’re here to help with any home modifications or adaptations that you might require. Call any time for a consultation!

Filed under Health and Mobility Tips, Home Safety Tips, Home safety tips for the elderly, Mobility Issues and News
Tags: , , , , , , ,
April 8, 2010

Best Safety Devices for the Bathroom

Recently we blogged about avoiding falls in the home, and as part of that entry we only mentioned the bathroom very briefly. However, the bathroom is an area that’s important enough for its own post, and it’s an area where we at Barrier Free have some special expertise so we would like to delve more deeply into this room today.

The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), in partnership with Canada’s Public Health Agency, has a program aimed at helping seniors use assistive devices around the home to improve quality of life and safety. They issued this PDF publication aimed at getting the word out. It’s divided into two sections: safe behaviours (good habits to try to cultivate) and safety devices that can help you.

Bathroom Safety Behaviours

1. Remove throw rugs. They easily be tripped over. Of course this is a good rule of thumb in any room of the house.

2. Good and proper lighting – we all relate to wanting to save energy but safety should come first.

3. Avoid sliding doors, shower curtains are the preferable alternative.

4. Avoid standing and stepping over the side of the tub. “A safer method is to sit on the edge of the tub, then swing one leg at a time.” Of course, there are lots of other solutions to this but we’ll get into those at a later date.

5. “Have a cordless phone within hands reach,” or wear a medical alert device. This ensures that if you have an accident, help is only a brief communication away.

Bathroom Safety Devices

  1. Grab Bars
    1. Make sure they are screwed securely into the wall studs.
    2. Suction bars are apt to give way, even if used properly. These could work for those who are small in stature or who do not require a lot of support when getting in and out of the tub.
  2. If you have difficulty sitting or rising from a chair, you may want to get a raised toilet seat that’s securely anchored to the toilet itself.
  3. Bath seats, benches or boards for entering of leaving the tub.
  4. Bath lifts use hydraulics to raise and lower the user into and out of the tub.
  5. Hand-held showers can help those who shower while seated.
  6. Use nonslip mats or strips for traction in the tub.
  7. You can use a commode toilet seat to raise the height of the toilet and provide arm rests. Additionally, these can be placed near the bed to eliminate bathroom trips at night–often much safer. Commodes without wheels are safer.

At Barrier Free, we offer complete bathroom safety solutions and handicap bathroom options, so in addition to the above information, make sure to peruse our website. When you’re ready to upgrade your safety, get in touch with our team. We are here to make your life easier and safer.

Filed under Home safety tips for the elderly
Tags: , , , , , ,
© 2009 Barrier Free Architecturals Inc.