Council on Aging Answers 2017 - 51

COUNCIL ON AGING - SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Help Prevent Falls: Use this list to
prioritize work tasks.

o Round counter corners to provide
safety
o Insulate hot water pipes if exposed
o Create sitting knee clearance at basin
by removing vanity door and shelves
underneath
o Install mirror for sitting or standing
view
o Install good-quality non-glare lighting
o Install shower with no threshold if
bathing abilities are severely limited

and sofa
o Raise furniture to appropriate height
using leg extender products
o Install uniform level floor surfaces
using wood, tile or lowpile rugs

INTERIOR DOORS, HALLS, STAIRS
o Create clear pathways between
rooms
o Apply color contrast or texture
change at top and bottom stair
edges
o Install door lever handle
o Install swing-clear hinges to widen
doorway. Minimum width: 32 inches
o Install beveled thresholds (max 1/2
inch)
o Replace or add non-slip surface on
steps
o Repair or install stair handrails on
both sides

KITCHEN
o Increase task lighting at sink, stove,
etc.
o Install D-type cupboard door
handles
o Install adjustable shelving to increase
access to upper cabinets
o Increase access to under counter
storage space by installing pull-out
units
o Insulate hot water pipes if exposed
o Install hot-proof surface near oven
o Install switches and outlets at front
of counter
o Install pressure-balanced, temperature-regulated, lever faucets
o Create sitting knee clearance under
work sites by removing doors or
shelves
o Improve color contrast of cabinet
and counters surface edges for those
with low vision
o Add tactile and color-contrasted controls for those with low vision

TELEPHONE AND DOOR
o Install phone jacks near bed, sofa,
and chair
o Install peephole at convenient height
o Install flashing light or sound amplifier to indicate ringing doorbell for
those with visual or hearing problems
o Install mailbox at accessible height

BATHROOM
o Install swing-clear hinges to widen
doorway. Minimum width: 32 inches
o Install secure wall reinforcement and
place grab bars at toilet, bath and
shower
o Install adjustable-height shower
head
o Install non-slip strips in bath/shower
o Secure floor bathmat with non-slip,
double-sided rug tape
o Elevate toilet height by adding portable seat or raising toilet base on a
pedestal
o Adapt flush handle or install flush
sensor
o Adapt or relocate toilet paper dispenser

LIVING, DINING, BEDROOM
o Widen or clear pathways within each
room by rearranging furniture
o Secure area rug edges with doublesided tape
o Improve access to and from chairs
and beds by inserting risers under
furniture legs
o Use side bed rail or chairs with armrests
o Install telephone jack near chair or
bed
o Enlarge lamp switch or install touchcontrol lamp at bedside
o Install adjustable closet rods, shelving and light source for better storage access
o Install vertical pole adjacent to chair

LAUNDRY
o Build a counter for sorting and folding clothes
o Adjust clothesline to convenient
height
o Relocate laundry appliances

HOUSING

EXTERIOR ENTRANCES AND EXITS
o Increase lighting at entry area
o Install stair rails on both sides
o Install door lever handles; doublebolt lock
o Install beveled, no step, no trip
threshold
o Remove screen or storm door if
needed
o Create surface to place packages
when opening door
o Install peephole on exterior door
o Repair holes, uneven joints on walkway
o Provide non-slip finish to walkway
surface
o Add ramp

STORAGE SPACE
o Install lights inside closet
o Install adjustable closet rods and
shelves
o Install bi-fold or pocket doors
WINDOWS
o Install handles and locks that are
easy to grip, placed at appropriate
heights
ELECTRICAL OUTLETS AND CONTROLS
o Install light fixtures or outlet for
lamps
o Install switches at top and bottom
of stairs
HEAT, AIR, LIGHT, SECURITY, WATER
TEMP, CARBON MONOXIDE CONTROLS
o Install smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers
o Increase residents' access to environmental control systems
Created by Rebuilding Together Orange
County in partnership with the Administration on Aging
For More information Contact:
Rebuilding Together
625 S. Cypress Avenue.
Santa Ana, CA 92701
714-667-8174
www.rebuildingtogetheroc.org

Council On Aging - Southern California | 714-479-0107 | www.coasc.org	 Answers Guide 2017

51
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