Aging Design Expert, Lisa Cini, Shares 10 Safety Tips for Living Independently

COLUMBUS, Ohio–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Nearly 90% of seniors 65+ prefer to live at home before considering a
retirement or assisted living community for reasons including economics,
the stress of moving, the fear of losing independence, emotional ties to
the family home, and fear of the unknown.


Expert on aging Lisa Cini provides tips to live not only independently,
but energetically with increased safety, including aids to mobility,
lighting effectiveness, cooking safety, bathroom safety and more.


“Thanks to medical advancements, exercise and healthy eating, seniors
are far healthier and living longer and more independently,” says Cini.
“Small, simple and cost-effective modifications can make a big
difference in improved safety, hearing, mobility, sight and memory.”


Independent living updates include:


 


 


1.


 


Adjust the heights of sinks, stoves, washers & dryers,
showers, shelving, and cabinets.










 






2.




Declutter and organize trailing electrical wires to avoid
slips and trips.










 






3.




Add banisters and check for looseness on stairs, railings
and decks.










 






4.




Light up dark hallways and closets with motion-sensor
lights to prevent falls.










 






5.




Install handrails/grab bars by the toilet and in the shower
to stay steady.










 






6.




Get tech: There’s a bevy of wearable technology for
improved mobility, heart monitoring with the touch of a finger,
memory assistance, companionship, fitness and mobility; and new,
unobtrusive vision and hearing aids that can translate 27
languages, detect falls, connect to your phone, and can even be
found by GPS tracking when you can’t remember where it is. Home
security systems can protect against theft and property damage,
provide motion sensing lights to detect intruders, and provide
welcome hall way lighting. Tablets and portable screens allow you
to send photos, videos and have live chats with family and friends.










 






7.




Install an automatic stove shutoff device to provide peace
of mind and protection when cooking is forgotten or left
unattended. It’s an easy way to prevent a possible fire and save
dinner, too.










 






8.




Make flooring safe. Make sure there are rugs on polished
floor surfaces. Invest in anti-slip tiles for bathrooms and
kitchens to avoid sliding on water spills. Rugs should have
anti-slip fixtures underneath to avoid slipping. Consider a
contrasting color for steps and rails to make them easier to see.
And, since your feet spend so much time on the floor, wear
well-fitting shoes and slippers. Avoid flip-flops as they lead to
trips.










 






9.




Keep things within reach. Stretching and balancing on step
ladders to get things on high shelves or in awkward places leads
to falls. So, keep things you use frequently in an easy-to-reach
place. Place a phone within easy reach for an emergency, and set
up speed-dial for favorite contacts.










 






10.




Make the garden safe. Clear moss and old leaves from the
paths to minimize the risk of slipping. When it is icy, make sure
you have some grit and someone to clear your paths. Avoid too many
pots and ornaments, as they are easy to trip over. Install
lighting so you can see your way along paths in the dark. Remember
that you don’t have to do all the work in the garden or house; you
can get help from others to do the heavier jobs, which lessens
your risk of falling.










 


If a retirement or assisted living community is the best choice, new
facilities are cropping up to provide independence for residents. For
example, Mosaic
Design Studio’s recently completed assisted living facility,
YourLife of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, was designed to provide many
options for residents from décor and dining to activities, encouraging
multi-generational interaction, integrating technologies that facilitate
independence, and providing an atmosphere that feels like home – and
maybe even better.


“The first step to making the right choices is knowing that for most of
us there are choices,” says Cini. “Follow that with an honest
assessment of your health, finances, life preferences, and the viable
options, and the world of possibilities may open wide.”


Lisa Cini is an award-winning senior living architect, author, speaker,
and President and CEO of Mosaic
Design Studio, which applies the latest thinking and technology to
the design of senior living communities, assisted living facilities, and
memory care facilities throughout the country.


Contacts

Jack London646-964-446jack@gcomworks.com