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Geauga County Maple Leaf
Thursday, May 19, 2022
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Geauga County Maple Leaf
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Geauga Seniors Can Stay Active, Healthy By Ann Wishart ann@karlovecmedia.com Lorry Szabo is tapping, talking proof you are only as old as you think you are. At 94, she is still active in her tap dancing class at Fairmount Arts Center and staying limber by doing yoga with FAC instructor Darlene Kelbach. “Tap is just a lot of fun. I do it for enjoyment,” she said, adding yoga helps her stay flexible and keeps her osteoporosis at bay. The tap dancing lessons started about 30 years ago after her husband, Joseph, passed away, Szabo said. “I was just doing things to keep busy,” she said, but it stuck. As for yoga, she doesn’t care for group classes anymore, so meets with Kelbach for private workouts. “Yoga and I go way, way back,” Szabo said, adding Kelbach is a great help. Szabo guards her health by staying occupied and following a careful pescetarian diet of vegetables and fish and portion control, she said, crediting her mother for starting her off on the right nutrition footing. But staying active is key to a healthy nine decades plus. “Go do something – get your mind off food!” she advises. Something includes volunteering on several boards of directors, including the board of the arts center, and supporting the Blossom Friends of the Cleveland Orchestra. Recently, Szabo participated in a fundraising style show and luncheon for the BFCO with quite a few other women. Szabo said they had a three-hour lesson on how to model their outfits. Nonprofits that rely on volunteers today still exist because retired women serve on the boards and get things done, she said. “These organizations are mostly made up of older women. The organizations struggle to survive,” Szabo said, noting the BFCO used to have five support groups, each in a different community, but had to consolidate. She and Joseph met when they were both studying to become chemists. Though she was warned a woman scientist would never get a job with that degree, Szabo started her career as a research chemist at Standard Oil. They married, had three children and built a home on 5 acres on County Line Road 62 years ago. “I’m still rattling around in it,” she said with a laugh. She worked for Standard Oil for about 40 years and for a while, she ran her own company after taking classes at Case Western Reserve
ANN WISHART/KMG
ABOVE: Dave Beten, seated, works with seniors in a woodcarving class offered by the Geauga County Department on Aging. Line dancing is also available through the department. FAR RIGHT: Lori Roach, 64, does an inversion shoulder stand during a yoga class at the Fairmount Arts Center at the corner of Fairmount and Chillicothe roads in Chester Township. Yoga and tap dancing classes are popular among seniors. INSET: Lorry Szabo, 94, tap dances to “Singing in the Rain” during tap practice at the Center.
University in organizational concepts. “That’s how I end up as president of these boards – I have skills for planning,” Szabo said. Setting goals and sticking to them got her involved in a continental bike ride more than 20 years ago. Szabo, then 71, heard about a group of cancer survivors who planned a cross-country bicycle ride and asked if she could tag along. “I didn’t even have a bike,” she recalled. But she had a year. “I trained like crazy,” she said. After a year at the fitness center, she arrived in California to find 27 women signed up for the trip. “We bonded instantly,” Szabo said, adding
they had a terrific time on the road. When she contracted COVID-19 at Christmas-time, it was a mild case. Having had two shots and a booster, she wasn’t even sure why she had a sore throat until her son gave her a test that turned out positive. She defeated it in three days. “I just worked See Seniors • Page 5
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Thursday, May 19, 2022
Potti and Marc F. Burr Funeral Homes Fill a Niche By Ann Wishart
Burr said. Ohio requires a four-year degree for a funeral home license. Bright, elegant and peaceful describes Burr worked for some years in the family the Potti and Marc F. Burr Funeral Home in business in Chardon before striking out on Painesville. his own, acquiring the Potti FuBuilt in the 1830s, the facility neral Home business in Decemcontains the main office of owner ber 2018. Marc F. Burr, 41, Chardon native His background in stage deand life-long resident. sign helped him update the three Burr graduated from Charfuneral homes he bought from don High School in 1999 where Robert Potti – one at 1009 Menhe played offensive tackle on the tor Avenue in Painesville, one at football team that was runner-up 538 Fifth Street in Fairport Harat the state championship game Marc F. Burr bor and a third at 2726 Hubbard in 1998. Road in Madison. He also played for Allegheny College in Burr shares the facilities of the DeJohn Meadville, Pa., where he earned a degree in Funeral Home in Chardon where he operates theater arts and returned to Geauga County a full service funeral home. “I’m invested in the Chardon community to pursue a career in the funeral business,
ann@karlovecmedia.com
and I’m invested in all these communities, as well,” Burr said. Some of the families he serves can have far-reaching connections. While he was growing up in the 1980s, it seemed to him that most of his acquaintances put down roots in Northeast Ohio, but the demographic has changed and many families are scattered around the country. That means grandparents can be retired in Florida, parents may still live in the area and their children may have gone to college or sought careers on one coast or the other, so he keeps families in need of his services in the loop via email and texting, Burr said. He also helps arrange transportation of a loved one’s remains and offers a wide variety of services to insure the funeral runs smoothly.
His website provides a full range of options from ordering flowers to choosing burial services and a list of prices to make decisions as easy as possible. There are more opportunities for growth of his business, Burr said. Sitting in his Painesville office, he pointed out a neighboring building that might provide a site for catered meals after funeral services. “When people walk out of here, I want them thinking, ‘Marc took care of everything,’” he said. “It’s not a high-volume type of funeral home. It’s more of a niche. I do everything for you.” With only one other full-time employee, Burr said he is very involved in every detail and works with each family very closely. “They know I’m going to be there,” he said.
Stay Safe: Home Security Tips for Seniors MetroCreative Seniors are often targeted by criminals. Though many criminals target seniors from afar via telephone or internet scams, criminals seek to enter seniors’ homes. The Bureau of Justice Statistics offers that, between 2003 and 2013, the ratio of property crime to violent crime was higher for the elderly and persons between the ages of 50 and 64 than it was for younger persons between the ages of 25 and 49. Home security is important for people of all ages, but especially so for seniors and aging individuals living alone. By following
certain safety tips and developing a home security plan, seniors can feel safer at home. • Lock windows and doors. It may seem like common sense, but failure to repeatedly lock windows and doors can, and often does, give burglars easy entry into the home. • Think about a smart doorbell. Technology now enables doorbells to provide a video feed to a person’s smartphone or tablet over WiFi. This allows residents to see who is at the door and speak to this person without having to open the door. Some products like Ring® will even register motion activity and record short videos from outside of the house.
• Don’t share or leave keys. Avoid leaving keys under a mat or in a flower pot. Others may be watching your actions and gain access to your home while you are away. • Ask for ID. When service people or other individuals come to the door, verify their credentials by asking to see some identification. • Get a home security system. The best protection against burglars is a home security alarm, states HomeSecurityResource.org. Such an alarm often deters burglars from breaking in. • Install a lockable mailbox. Locked mailboxes restrict access to sensitive infor-
mation, such as bank account numbers, sent in the mail. Make sure retirement checks or other payments are deposited directly into bank accounts instead of having them sent by check. • Use home automation. Home automation, or a “smart home,” can be utilized to turn on lights, set the thermostat, lock doors, and much more. • Adopt a dog. Dogs can be an asset to seniors. Dogs provide companionship and can bark or alert seniors if someone is around or inside of the home. Home security is serious business for seniors who are vulnerable to criminals.
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Geauga County Maple Leaf
Geauga Vision Helps Seniors Adjust to Eyesight Changes Submitted Driving a car or truck has become second nature for most of people. You get in, turn the key and off you go. However, if you are 60 years old or older, you may have noticed that driving a car may be getting more difficult. Some vision changes associated with age include: Not being able to see the road signs clearly; difficulty seeing objects up close, such as the GPS on your phone or the car instrument panel; changes in distinguishing colors; difficulty with glare at night, or sunlight during the day. Some suggestions to help you with some of these age-related issues are: • Use extra caution at intersections, turning your head frequently to compensate for any loss of peripheral vision. • Reduce your speed, and if needed, limit your driving to daytime hours. • Wear clear lenses with anti-reflective coatings at night, and polarized sunglasses during the day. Sunglasses are not only for sunny days. • Avoid wearing glasses or sunglasses with wide temples, which could restrict your peripheral (side) vision.
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on a jigsaw puzzle. That kept me busy,” Szabo said. The arts center also offers a yoga barre class that is popular with seniors, said Elizabeth Bollander, executive director. Kelbach instructs classes from beginners to advanced and will give private lessons. “Those are nice because she can adapt it to fit the participant,” Bollander said. “We try to make sure no matter what physical ability you have, you can enjoy the experience.” The center is also exploring ways to bring virtual exercise classes to people who can’t get there in-person, she said. Kelbach’s Tuesday afternoon yoga class is usually attended by three senior women
• Have an annual eye exam to monitor any changes in your vision or the general health of your eye. The results of a comprehensive eye exam will help you to decide what steps you can take to make sure you have the best vision possible. The optometrists associated with Geauga Vision, Drs. Graley, Obrien, Lorand and Gonzales offer comprehensive eye exams for people of all ages, including senior citizens. The opticians of Geauga Vision are board certified, licensed and attend continuing education to ensure they are up to date with the latest frame and lens technology to be able to address all eye care needs. Geauga Vision’s lenses are not only made in the United States, but are made right in Middlefield. Because of this, they can fill a prescription quickly and expertly, regardless of whether you bring a prescription from your doctor, or have your eyes examined by one of Geauga Vision’s doctors. Walk-ins are welcomed if you have a prescription, or call 440-632-1695 for an appointment for an exam. Geauga Vision has 12 locations to serve you, including locations in Middlefield, 440632-1695, and Chagrin Falls 440-247-4920. while her barre yoga class has three to five participants, she said. Lori Roach, 64, displays an inversion shoulder stand. The south Russell resident said she has been doing yoga for about 25 years. Karen Jeffries, 75, of Russell Township said she “started sometime in the ‘90s” and Sandy Shaw, 74, also of Russell, said she has been participating in classes for 20 years. After an hour of yoga, all seemed fresh and enthusiastic, laughing about the time a lady brought her aged dog to the class because she didn’t want to leave him alone. Other organizations in the county have programs specifically for seniors. The Geauga YMCA and Geauga County Department on Aging offer a variety that gives retired residents a chance to socialize, learn new skills and stay in shape.
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Leadership Geauga’s Heritage Program Engages Retirees Submitted by Liz McMahon Participants in Leadership Geauga County’s Heritage Program enjoy personal access to community leaders, behind the scenes site tours and in-depth discussions while gaining a deeper understanding of today’s Geauga County. The Heritage Program offers an opportunity for experienced leaders in or approaching retirement to define their next chapter. Many retired leaders are the heart and soul of Geauga County and make a difference every day. The Heritage Program helps participants deepen their connections to the assets of Geauga County — its businesses, nonprofits and government agencies — so they can engage even more meaningfully in retirement. Upon retiring, it is natural to lose work friends and work networks. Involvement in the Heritage Program ignites a sense of connection within the local community, a sense of purposeful learning about community opportunities and a healthy sense of adventure exploring the community with peers. Much like the Leadership Geauga Signature Adult Program, the potential for forming new and lasting friendships and personal networks is common with graduates of the Heritage Program. Through hands-on experiences, retirees enjoy new and exciting ways of thinking about and acting on how they spend their time in retirement. The Heritage Program leverages the experience, wisdom and connections of individuals who find they have the time and interest to learn more about the Geauga County
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Heritage History Day/Veterans Monument, Spring Class of 2022
community and become involved, perhaps for the first time. Class participants learn a shared framework for the achievement of personal goals and civic projects. This new approach provides hands-on and practical methods to build personal networks and complete projects, both at home and in the communities.
Graduates have found their participation to be rewarding, transformative and fun. The class meets one day per week for seven weeks, Aug. 24 through Oct. 5.
Consider joining the fall program by visiting https://www.leadershipgeauga.org/programs/heritage-program-in-development/ or contacting pam@leadershipgeauga.org
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Heritage Class of 2021
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What to Consider When Downsizing Your Home By Amy Patterson amy@karlovecmedia.com
It’s never too early to plan for a move to a smaller home. In fact, the time to plan for such a move is probably earlier than most people think, said Dave Fabig, a Realtor and seniors real estate specialist at the Howard Hanna Chardon office, “The time to think about downsizing is before you need to,” Fabig said in an interview. “I tell people start (planning) when the kids are out of the house.” According to the National Association of Realtors, the SRES designation is for Realtors who want to be able to meet the special needs of maturing Americans when selling, buying, relocating or refinancing residential or investment properties. Fabig The NAR says Realtors with the SRES certification, like Fabig, are prepared to approach mature clients with the best options and information for them to make life-changing decisions. Fabig said his clients sometimes struggle with knowing when to consider selling, including sometimes costly upgrades and decades of memories in their homes. He offers a downsizing checklist for clients to use as guidance throughout the entire process, but his best advice for homeowners is, if you have something in your home you haven’t used in a year, sell it or throw it out. “More often than not, people don’t want to leave their home because they have emotional ties to it,” Fabig said. “But they (may begin to) have trouble cleaning the house, a lot of them are on fixed incomes, things start to deteriorate on the interior and exterior of the house — that happens so much.” Fabig said it’s easier to make changes like moving to a one-story home before mobility issues become too overwhelming. Some homes are in great condition, but
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ndividuals work hard to save enough money to purchase their homes. And the hard work doesn’t end there. Once homeowners settle into a new home, they may set their sights on renovations that suit their individual needs. And even when buyers find a home that needs no such work, maintenance requires homeowners’ utmost attention. Downsizing is a difficult decision that’s unique to each homeowner. Seniors who aren’t quite certain if downsizing is right for them can consider three key factors to make a decision that’s in their best interests. • Cost: Perhaps no variable affects senior homeowners’ decisions to downsize their homes as much as cost. No one wants to outlive their money, and downsizing to a smaller home can help seniors reduce their monthly expenses by a significant margin. Even homeowners who have long since paid off their mortgages can save substantial amounts of money by downsizing to a
need total cosmetic updates, which could end up dragging down the sale price, Fabig said. Again, he emphasized preparing a home for a potential sale before the onset of mobility or memory issues that might prevent regular maintenance and upkeep. Fabig said he often works with family members who have power of attorney over a relative’s finances. In those instances, Fabig said the process becomes a team effort, with family members working to help clean out the home — and possibly finding family keepsakes along the way. But the payoff of that hard work — selling and moving to a lower-maintenance home or an assisted living facility — is worth the trouble for many of his clients, he said. “It’s a nice process because once they get to a place with no stairs and no yardwork, they’re so happy,” he said, adding his Howard Hanna team can help with different resources, including finding handymen and govern-
smaller home or even an apartment or condominium. Lower property taxes, reduced insurance premiums and the need to pay for fewer repairs are just some of the ways downsizing can save seniors money. • Space: Many people love the extra space that single-family homes provide. But seniors can take a walk through their homes and see how many rooms they still use on a consistent basis. If much of the home is unused, seniors can probably downsize without adversely affecting their daily lives. • Market: The real estate market is another factor to consider when deciding if the time is right to downsize. A seller’s market can help seniors get the biggest return on their real estate investment, potentially helping them make up for meager retirement savings. For example, home prices skyrocketed across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic, making that a great time for sellers to put their
ment programs to assist with the process. The process can be overwhelming, Fabig said. His clients often meet with a financial advisor to figure out whether they have enough money to purchase a new home after the sale of their current home, or to move into an assisted living facility. “We can estimate usually within $1,000 the proceeds of their home sale,” Fabig said,
homes on the market. Seniors selling to downsize may capitalize on such spikes since they won’t be looking to turn around and buy larger, equally expensive homes once they sell their current place. If the market is down and seniors can withstand the work and cost a little longer, it may be best to wait until things bounce back in sellers’ favor. Downsizing requires careful consideration of a host of variables. No two situations are the same, so seniors should exercise due diligence to determine if downsizing is right for them.
which makes the planning process easier. On average across the U.S., Fabig said working with a Realtor can net sellers about 9% higher sale price than selling on their own. With commissions of about 6% on home sales, he said, the higher sale prices make working with a Realtor worthwhile. “I would love to help — whether or not they use me — I’d love to list their house and help them get out of it,” Fabig said.
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Ravenwood Offers Myriad Support for Seniors Submitted by Michelle Maneage In Geauga County, the needs of the senior population have grown during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ravenwood Health Therapeutic Behavioral Services workers have seen an increase in seniors needing their support as part of their individual treatment plans. In outpatient settings, the role of the community care providers involves advocating for older adults, ensuring they receive the mental, emotional, social and familial support they need, while also connecting them to other community partners that may provide additional resources. Ravenwood’s team works with the aging population to help them manage psychological, emotional and social challenges by linking them to counseling, providing education and encouragement to families
on how best to support their elder loved ones and serving as the bridge of communication between the client and their entire care team. In caring for the senior community, the role of the TBS worker leads to unique opportunities, which include making meaningful connections with the clients and their families. In turn, this leads to assessing and making changes to problematic systems at both the personal and community levels. This includes encouraging community engagement to improve socialization, making sure basic needs are met and that the individual resides in a safe living environment. The Ravenwood Health clinical team also attends to their physical health through regular visits to medical professionals, sometimes leading to the arrangement of inhome care services to meet the treatment needs of the client.
Ravenwood partners with several agencies, providing a continuum of care to ensure seniors can manage an independent and fulfilling life. The TBS workers also provide the aging community home visits — especially for those who are severely mentally ill and socially isolated. Although they’ve always provided this type of support, their care truly proved life-changing during the epicenter of the pandemic. Telehealth services also naturally evolved to be a primary resource for appointments, adding to the safety and now convenience of clients. If you are curious if Ravenwood’s services can support the wellbeing of you or a loved one, call 440-285-3568 for an assessment. Ravenwood is here for you any time, day or night, by calling the COPELINE at 440-2855665 or texting 4HOPE to 741741. Michelle Maneage is the coordinator of adult supportive services for Ravenwood Health.
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Saving Strategies as Retirement Draws Near MetroCreative Professionals on the cusp of retirement are often excited about what lies ahead. Some prospective retirees may look forward to traveling once they no longer have to go to work each day, while others may plan to return to school. Regardless of how adults envision spending their retirement, they’re going to need money. As retirement nears, some professionals may be concerned that they haven’t saved enough. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer in
regard to how much money people will need in retirement. People who are worried they haven’t saved enough can try various strategies to build up their account balances before they officially call it a career. • Take advantage of catch-up contributions. Adults who are 50 or older are eligible to take advantage of catch-up contributions. These are designed to help people over 50 contribute more to certain retirement accounts, such as a 401(k) or IRA, than statutory limits would otherwise allow. There are limits that govern the amount of money peo-
ple can designate as catch-up contributions, but taking advantage of this perk can help people save more as retirement draws closer. • Consider relocating. A recent study from the Employee Benefit Research Institute found that housing costs accounted for 49 percent of seniors’ spending. Professionals nearing retirement who live in areas traditionally associated with a high cost of living can begin to rethink their long-term housing strategy. Relocating to an area with a lower cost of living is one option, while those who prefer to remain in their current town or city can consider
downsizing to a smaller home. • Continue investing. Conventional wisdom suggests moving away from investing in stocks the closer you get to retirement. Though that’s a sound strategy, professionals who are trying to build their retirement savings in the final years before retiring could be missing out on significant growth by abandoning stocks entirely. Speak with a financial advisor about stock-based investments and your risk tolerance. Maintaining a diversified portfolio with a little risk can be a great way to grow your savings as retirement draws near.
Geauga County Maple Leaf
Thursday, May 19, 2022
Six Ways to Prevent Falls Around the House MetroCreative Despite all of the potential hazards around a house — from electrical issues to fire hazards to carbon monoxide — the National Home Security Alliance says that falls are the leading cause of death due to home accidents. Falls are responsible for one-third of all home-related fatalities. Although seniors are the group most affected by falls, these types of accidents can affect anyone. A broken bone may be a minor inconvenience for young people, but fractures are more serious for the elderly. As a result, seniors must take measures to protect themselves against falls. These steps can minimize risk at home. 1. Remove tripping hazards. Examine rooms and hallways for potential hazards, such as slippery throw rugs, floorboards that stick up, loose carpeting, or furniture that blocks walking paths. Remedy these hazards as soon as possible. Address loose floorboards and/or place nonslip materials beneath rugs. 2. Install grab bars or railings. Install grab bars in certain locations for extra stability or where someone may need leverage
getting up from a seated position. They are particularly helpful near toilets and bathtubs and in stairways and hallways. 3. Stick to sensible shoes. Sensible shoes fit properly and have sturdy, nonskid soles. Avoid walking around in slippers or even in stocking feet, which are much more slippery. 4. Store items within reach. Store items that are used frequently, such as dishes, in easily accessible cabinets and other locations. This prevents having to climb or reach for them. 5. Install more lighting. Poor visibility can contribute to falls. Lighting in hallways, stairways, bathrooms, and bedrooms — even if it is a small night light — can be enough to light the way. 6. Reinforce your home’s exterior. Falls do not only occur inside. Inspect the perimeter of a property for uneven turf, holes or cracked or uneven patches of walkways. Make sure lighting is working at entryways, and check that exterior handrails are secure. Falls can cause serious injury or death, particularly for aging men and women. Simple fixes around the house can make things more secure and reduce the risk for falls.
Travel Discounts for Seniors MetroCreative Having made it to their golden years, seniors enjoy not only the privilege of earned wisdom, but also a few perks that come with aging. Many adults who have reached a certain age are entitled to an array of discounts, which take into consideration seniors’ fixed retirement incomes. Discounts are available on various services, including many travel options.
Airline tickets
Before booking a flight, it is worth investigating if a particular airline carrier offers senior discounts. The global pandemic has changed how some airlines do business, and many have faced significant adversity since early 2020. Airlines may offer more affordable flights to drum up business. In the past, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, British Airlines, and United Airlines have offered various discounts for people ages 65 and older.
Ground travel
Flying isn’t the only mode of travel available. AARP partners with various car rental companies to offer senior discounts. Seniors
also may be entitled to discounts of 5 percent or more on tickets from Greyhound, Amtrak, and Trailways. Seniors who live in metropolitan areas also may get reduced fares on public buses and trains.
Accommodations
Getting there is one thing, but seniors also can receive discounts on hotel stays or cruise cabins. AARP reports that many major hotel and motel chains offer senior discounts between 5 and 15 percent. Royal Caribbean has offered senior discounts on select sailings and stateroom categories. Smarter Travel notes that most chains require travelers to book directly rather than through an online booking agency/deal site to be eligible for discounts.
Dining out
Many restaurants, and national chains in particular, offer senior discounts with or without AARP membership. Applebee’s offers 10 to 15 percent off to those age 60 or older. Brick House Tap & Tavern, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Denny’s, IHOP, Outback Steakhouse and many others provide discounts or special senior pricing.
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Upgrade Bathroom Features MetroCreative Bathrooms can benefit from updates that improve their form and function. While styles and color patterns may inspire bathroom renovations, improvements to safety also should be considered. Bathrooms can be one of the most dangerous rooms in a house. Bath and shower areas account for about two-thirds of accidental injuries in these spaces. Many other injuries involve the toilet. In 2008, a thorough investigation of bathroom dangers conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that mishaps near the bathtub, shower, toilet, and sink caused an estimated 234,094 nonfatal injuries in the United States among people aged 15 years and older. Seniors are particularly vulnerable in the bathroom due to reduced mobility and flexibility, visual impairment and other factors. However, some key modifications can make bathrooms much safer for aging populations. • Raised toilet seat: Install an ADA-compliant raised toilet seat. Standard toilet seats are roughly 15 inches high, but elevated seats can raise the bowl an additional two to four inches. Another option is to invest in risers that can be attached to an existing toilet. • Grab bars: Seniors may use towel holders as grab bars, which don’t have stability and can dislodge from the wall. Install secured side grip bars by the toilet and inside the shower to make maneuvering easier. • Water temperature: Seniors may be vulnerable to hot water temperatures. Lower the water temperature setting on the hot water heater. StaySafe.org recommends 120 F.
• Faucets: Change faucet handles to paddle-style handles rather than knobs. Knobs can be challenging to grip for those with arthritis in their hands. Also, handles that are easier for seniors to use can reduce the risk of the elderly losing their balance as they attempt to gain leverage to turn the water on and off. • Nonslip mats: Nonslip mats or tape strips can be used in showers and tub bottoms, as well as outside of the shower to reduce the risk of slips and falls. Rugs should have rubberized, slip-resistant backing. • Rounded corners: Choose counters and fixtures with rounded corners. Should a senior fall against something, the rounded corner may prevent serious injury. • Shower benches and transfer seats: Benches and transfer seats make it easier getting in and out of the shower. Also, sitting while showering reduces the risk of becoming light-headed or losing balance. • Walk-in tubs/showers: Minimizing the threshold to the shower or bathtub is an important safety feature. Some manufacturers make walk-in tubs with doors that secure and make watertight seals. Showers that don’t have a lip or tub to scale also are better for seniors. • Lighting: Eyesight weakens over time, so improve lighting with combinations of overhead lighting and softer side lighting. Night lights or soft-glowing toilet lights can make it easier to get around the bathroom in the middle of the night. These are just some improvements that can create safer bathroom environments for seniors.
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