RespiteMatch.com Health Blog

Questions to Ask

What disabilities does the individual have?
Are the disabilities temporary, permanent, progressive?
Is the individual having difficulty in any of these areas:
getting in and out of the home?
using the stairs?
moving from one room to another?
moving about in individual rooms
using the kitchen?
preparing meals?
using the bathtub or shower?
using the toilet?
getting in and out of bed, chairs, sofas?
getting dressed?
reaching items in closets and cabinets?
doing laundry?
cleaning?
using the telephone?
answering the door?
emptying the mailbox?
opening, closing or locking windows and doors?
operating light switches, faucets, kitchen appliances, laundry appliances?
What are the problem areas in the home?
Does the home provide adequate:
lighting?
safety?
support?
accessibility?
Wha kinds of home modifications would make it easier for the individual to continue living at home?
How much will the home modifications cost?
Can the individual continue living at home?
If not, what housing options exist?
What health care, community or commercial resources are available to assist with home modification, alternative housing or relocation?
Steps to Take

Assess the individual’s ability to function (ADL’s) in the home:
note activities that are difficult to perform
note obstacles that prevent the individual from performing each activity
Determine which types of home modification would be most useful
Discover at-home coping strategies for home modification
Learn about helpful products and devices for home modification
Develop a plan to implement the home modifications:
how much work is needed
who will do the work
what types of materials are needed
how much the materials and labour will cost
Discuss the home modification plan with the individual and any health professionals, as necessary. out if financial assistance is available, if needed
Carry out or make arrangements for the required home modifications
Investigate alternative housing or relocation options, if necessary
Contact associations and organizations that offer information and advice on home modification
Once changes have been implemented, monitor the situation and arrange for additional care services, if necessary
Get someone — an occupational therapist, nurse or other health care worker — to help with the assessment of the individual’s abilities/disabilities and the home environment. An occupational therapist can also advise on the most effective adaptations to compensate for an individual’s limitations or disabilities.
If doing the assessment yourself, use a self-assessment guide, such as the publication, Maintaining Seniors’ Independence through Home Adaptations, available from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

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At-home Coping Strategies

Choose home modification options that are practical and attractive
Guard against over adapting the home or making the home environment too clinical
Discover helpful products and devices for home modification
Contact associations and organizations who offer information, advice and financial assistance for home modifications
Once changes have been implemented, monitor the situation and arrange for additional care services, if necessary
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Helpful Products

Home modification products can be purchased from a variety of sources, including hardware stores, kitchen supply stores, building suppliers, pharmacies, medical suppliers, department stores and catalogues.

Devices and hardware for entrances, stairways, doors and windows

wheelchair ramp
lighted doorbell and buzzer
intercom
automatic, sliding or swinging doors
door opener
door lock with emergency release
stair glide, stairway lift, wheelchair lift, elevator
grab bars, handrails
non-slip tape
rubber treads
lever doorknob
add-on levers to convert round doorknobs
doorknob grips
swing-clear door hinges
door kickplate
crank-operated window
Safe Handrails for Seniors

Bathroom equipment and accessories
grab bars, handrails
bath and shower seats, built-in, portable, folding
hydraulic tub lift
raised toilet seat
elevated toilet
commode
single-lever faucet
add-on faucet levers
no-touch water faucet
flexible hand-held shower head
anti-scald device
non-skid mat and adhesive strips
non-skid flooring
full-length mirror
Begin with the Bathroom!
Kitchen equipment, cabinet and closet accessories

appliances with automatic shut-off feature
stove with front controls
large, easy-to-grasp cabinet door handles
slide-out shelving, revolving shelves
adjustable rods
closet organizers
Kitchens The Hub of the HOME!
Lighting, electrical and heating accessories

oversized light switches
rocker light switches
lighted switches
night lights
three-way bulbs
touch control lamps
cordless battery-operated lights
electrical plug with handle
cord clips — to secure electrical and telephone cords
three-pronged electrical outlets
electrical outlet covers
thermostat covers
Security devices

smoke alarms, smoke detectors
fire extinguishers
carbon monoxide detectors
home security systems
personal emergency response systems
motion detectors
deadbolt locks, chain locks, refrigerator locks
General appliances

telephones with large buttons, lights, hearing devices
cordless telephones
large-face clocks with large numerals
talking alarm clocks