ASHLAND — The theme of Older Americans Month (OAM, May) is Age My Way.
Making lifestyle choices, forging and maintaining connections, and remaining engaged in one’s community will differ for each older adult. One focus of OAM targets planning how to remain independent, continuing to live in one’s community rather than residing in a nursing home setting.
Many older adults want to “age in place,” remaining in their own homes for as long as possible.
Practically speaking, to do this, it may be necessary to make modifications to one’s home, use assistive technologies, and avail oneself of “customized” appliances.
One cannot ignore the potential value of having emotional support animals, therapy dogs, and guide dogs in order to maximize independence, function well, and age in place.
Also, you will need to consider how much you will need assistance from others for you to maintain independence as much as possible. Transportation issues also need to be considered to maximize independence, for you to be able to get where you need to go and return home (e.g., medical appointments when they need to be in-person).
Assistive Technologies and Home Modifications
Assistive technologies are of various forms – mobility aids, hearing aids, cognitive aids, and more.
For the purpose of this article, I will focus on mobility, physical modifications to one’s surroundings, and devices or device features to help with tasks of activities of daily living.
First, mobility aids include walkers, canes, wheelchairs, and scooters.
Second, basic changes to one’s surroundings inside and outside your home include ramps, grab bars, wider doorways.
Third, devices and features of devices that can be useful for tasks include specialized grips and handles and exoskeletal robotic arms as well as features that help to extend your reach (e.g., so that you can reach a higher cabinet).
For more information and access to useful links, go to https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/rehabtech/conditioninfo/device.
What do you need to think about when deciding how extensive you want to be with home modifications? First, is it financially feasible to stay where you live, and to make modifications?
If financial concerns are of primary concern, where can you turn to in Ashland County to receive assistance or information (e.g., Area Agency on Aging District 5, Ashland County Council on Aging, CHIPs)?
Is the layout of the house such that it is not realistic to make plans to still live there because the changes needed would require major construction and structural redesign?
Keep in mind that if you rely on use of a wheelchair, to be able to turn, you will need a five-foot clear space radius available.
What are the basics that need to be considered and addressed before you proceed with making modifications? Let’s start with bathing – where is the bathroom located? How is it set up?
Do you need a walk-in shower? Will a regular bathtub and shower setup work, after you add grab bars and have a fall-resistant surface or gripper liner on the bottom of the tub?
Is the setup such that you can propel yourself out of the tub with use of grab bars in several locations?
Do you really need for someone else to spray you and wash you, with you sitting on a plastic chair?
Is the bathroom large enough that you can move around easily, especially
If you use a walker or wheelchair?
Are you able to see your reflection, or will you need to have the mirror lowered and angled for use?
With regard to mobility, are you able to get in to the house as it is designed now?
Will you need a ramp or even a lift to get inside your dwelling?
Is the door opening wide enough for you to be able to get through the entrance?
Will you need to have grab bars or railings throughout your house?
Are the hallways wide enough?
Where are key rooms located; e.g., bathrooms and bedroom?
If not located on the first floor, will you need a lift or even an elevator?
Or will you need to restructure your house so that needed rooms are all on the first floor, even requiring adding a room or two to your house?
Again, to get around, do you have a clear space radius to turn around?
Will you be able to do your laundry without someone else helping you, or will it suffice to have your washer and dryer located on the first floor?
What about the accessibility to your kitchen and appliances?
Can you reach the counters and cabinets?
Do they need to be lower so that they are accessible?
Can you reach the faucets or do you need long reach handles?
Will cabinets need to be removed so that you can slide your wheelchair where you want it to be?
Do you need appliances that are specifically designed for those who are disabled?
Ryan (2022) addresses some kitchen appliance “accessibility” issues. Bottom line questions revolve around ease of use and ergonomics.
Would it be best to use induction cooktops, controls in front, convection microwaves (at a level that you can reach easily), and take advantage of unique options for conventional ovens?
With regard to the latter, as noted by Ryan (2022), unique features include having voice-activated doors, having French doors.
Transportation Issues – Getting Where You Want to Go and Doing What You Need to Do
For those older adults who want to remain independent yet who no longer drive, they may be able to receive transportation assistance from family and friends.
However, public transportation options help you to rely on yourself for getting where you need to go and when.
There are two primary public transportation options for those who are older, with and without disabilities, in Ashland; specifically, Ashland Public Transit (AT) (419-207-8240) and Ashland County Council on Aging transportation services (COA) (419-281-1477).
According to Liz McClurg, Transit Coordinator, “Ashland Public Transit has a fully ADA accessible fleet with ramps or lifts on all vehicles and door-to-door service is fully available upon request.”
Transportation costs are discounted for those who are elderly and/or disabled. AT will allow passengers to transport their pets if they are in a crate/cage or on a leash and well-behaved.
COA has ramps for use with those clients relying on wheel-chairs, and to help those who need to walk up to get in the vehicles. Drivers will provide assistance. COA transportation services also permit clients to bring support animals with them on trips.
A Message from an Older Adult Dwelling in Ashland County
Cindy Hoover, an older adult, shared her perspectives about remaining independent, continuing to dwell in her own home, and aging HER way. She emphasized that while she has physical limitations – invisible and visible disabilities – she does not consider herself to be handicapped.
She feels that even with physical disabilities, one can still live a full life.
Cindy does not underestimate the value of her support dog in retaining her independence.
Cindy values what is made possible with inexpensive public transportation services provided by AT. She is picked up at the door to go on errands or to appointments, to make stops at the grocery store, pharmacy, or department store. She is brought home when her tasks are completed.
The transportation vehicles have lifts and ramps, and she receives help from the driver. Cindy is permitted by AT to bring her canine companion with her when she needs to go to the vet’s office or beauty shop.
In short, Cindy Hoover notes, “it takes some effort on your part to remain independent but it can be done without a lot of hassles. There are people out there who are willing to help. If needed, you can get physical therapy and occupational therapy services at home.”
She indicates with pride that “I did it!”
She encourages others to be willing to choose what changes to make to remain independent, and to take advantage of available services from agencies in Ashland County – such as Area Agency on Aging District 5 (1-800-860-5799) — that can provide information and assistance.
