COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND SERVICES
H•H
COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND SERVICES
Options to Make Aging in As our population’s life expectancy Place Possible extends, it can be difficult to adapt to the changes that are occurring both mentally and physically.
Learning to cope with a new set of physical challenges like limited mobility, diminished sight, or a new disease diagnosis can have a significant impact on how you see yourself aging. What many people fail to realize is that you don’t have to give up your dream of aging in place. Overcoming Stairs The stairs that you once ran up with a full laundry basket are now a significant challenge because of less flexibility or even vision decline. Many people tell me that they simply avoid going upstairs to the bedroom and choose to sleep downstairs because they are afraid of falling. Others have said that they crawl or scoot up and down the stairs. This is not ideal for aging in place and unsafe in some cases. Instead of avoiding the stairs in your home or “scooting”, consider installing a stair lift. Many homeowners don’t consider adding this option because they don’t think it will work or the cost is too high. Most brands offer both straight and curved stair chair configurations and can go in most homes. They are
22 SOUTHERN COLORADO – SPRING 2022-2023
an affordable alternative to buying a new home or moving into an assisted living community. Entering And Exiting Your Home One of the most common problems we hear is that getting through the front door or the garage door is no longer possible. Steep steps, many steps, and lack of handrails can make these areas dangerous or impossible for those who use a cane, walker, or wheelchair. The addition of ramps and railings to the front of your home or in your garage can make getting out and going easier. With a variety of material choices available, selecting the right ramp and railings for your needs and budget can make this solution a game changer. Wood and concrete ramps add beauty and function to your home, while metal ramps offer a no maintenance, quick install option. These are just a couple options that make staying in your home feasible; they can be seen at Accessiblesystems.com ~ Editor’s Note: This article was submitted by by Karli Johnson with Accessible Systems. For more information contact Karli at 719-387-0675. See ad page 23.
