Solutions

This page provides all the solutions from The Lifetime Home in one convenient list. Scroll down to view the solutions for each room, and explore the Solutions Galleries to view photos from actual homes that demonstrate how design and product changes can support independent living.

Please note: The photographs on this website represent possible solutions to various barriers in the home and should not be taken without consideration of individuals’ specific needs and environments. Obtaining professional advice and/or assessment is strongly recommended before making changes to the home.

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Kitchen

Throughout our lives, the kitchen is often a central place for family interaction and activity. As we age, however, daily tasks such as preparing and cooking food may become more difficult to do.

Problem 1: Losing Balance When Reaching for Objects and Bending Down

Solutions:

• Add shelves and hooks under cabinets, or install a wall rack.
• Install drawer organizers and pull-out shelving.
• Use lever or U-shaped pulls or handles or touch latches.
• Place heavier and frequently used items within easy reach.
• Elevate the wall oven.

Problem 2: Inadequate Lighting

Solutions:

• Install task lighting where food is prepared. Ensure lighting is non-glare and non-reflective.

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Problem 3: Inadequate Support When Cooking

Solutions:

• Use a stool for sitting while completing tasks.
• Install variable height countertops.
• Create round corners on all countertops.
• Install a faucet with a single-lever handle that is easy to turn on and off.

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Bathroom

With its slippery surfaces, the bathroom can be a particularly hazardous area of the home. In 2011, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that over 80% of injuries that happened in the bathroom were a result of falls. High rates of injuries were related to use of the tub, shower, and the toilet.

Problem 1: Toilet Height Too Low – Difficult to Sit and Stand

Solutions:

• Install a comfort height toilet or raised toilet seat.
• Install grab bars by the toilet.

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Problem 2: Losing Balance When Reaching for Objects

Solutions:

• Create accessible storage for frequently used items and to reduce clutter.
• Locate clothes hooks slightly above eye level.
• Install grab bars by sink.

Problem 3: Slippery Surfaces in Shower or Bath

Solutions:

• Add anti-skid strips on the tub/shower floor.
• Choose flooring materials that are textured, slip-resistant/anti-slip, even-surfaced, low-glare, durable, and easy to maintain.
• Install a walk-in, roll-in curbless or European-style shower – these have little or no threshold or lip to step over.

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Problem 4: Inadequate Support in Bath Area

Solutions:

• Install a hand-held shower hose.
• Install seating support in the shower or bathtub (e.g., a bench/seat which may be built-in or fold-down, or a stand-alone seat with integrated grab bars).
• Install grab bars on the shower and/or tub walls.

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Problem 5: Inadequate Lighting

Solutions:

• Plug in or install nightlights so you can safely use the bathroom at night.
• Ensure a light is located near or above the shower and/or bathtub.

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Bedroom

There are simple actions you can take to keep your bedroom safe and comfortable.

Problem 1: Clutter and Trip Hazards

Solutions:

• Arrange furniture so there are clear walking pathways.
• Remove or secure all area rugs.

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Problem 2: Inadequate Support When Dressing

Solutions:

• Use a firm chair with sturdy arms to sit and dress.

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Problem 3: Inadequate Lighting

Solutions:

• Put a lamp in an easy to reach place by the bed.
• Use a nightlight to mark the path between your bedroom and bathroom.
• Install additional task lighting.

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Living Room

A safe living room includes clear walking pathways, supportive furniture, and adequate lighting.

Problem 1: Clutter and Trip Hazards in Walkways

Solutions:

• Arrange furniture so there are clear walking pathways.
• Remove or secure throw rugs.
• Add storage to remove clutter.
• Ensure that there are flat thresholds between rooms or mark uneven surfaces.

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Problem 2: Inadequate Lighting

Solutions:

• Install adequate lighting and glare-free task lighting. Light bulbs with higher wattage or LED lights with lower wattage are recommended.
• Install rocker switches, which can be turned on and off with the back of your hand or elbow if hands are full.

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Problem 3: Inadequate Support

Solutions:

• Use supportive furniture with arm rests to make sitting and standing up easier.
• Install lever door handles.

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Stairs

Whether your home has multiple flights of stairs or just a few steps, there are simple and inexpensive ways to ensure that stairs are safe and supportive.

Problem 1: Inadequate Support When Climbing and Descending Stairs

Solutions:

• Add an additional handrail for support on both sides of the stairs, with the railing extending past the last step.
• Add non-slip flooring or anti-skid strips on stair edges.

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Problem 2: Clutter and Trip Hazards on Stairs

Solutions:

• Place tables nearby to store items away from the stairs or landing.
• Repair any loose carpeting on stairs.

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Problem 3: Inadequate Lighting

Solutions:

• Add additional lighting to see steps more easily at the top and bottom of the stairwell.
• Add a light switch at the top and bottom of the stairs to light your way going up and down.
• Add a color/contrasting strip to the steps to identify change of levels.

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