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Note from the Editor:
This article was kindly written for the SDC by member @Doctor Alan.

As we get older, some changes to our well-being are inevitable. The only variables are the severity of these changes and the age at which they occur. Our balance is probably the first physical change we notice, and anybody who has had a fall can testify that they become ultra-careful after it. (The time one can stand on one leg diminishes with age, but 10 seconds is pretty good for an 80-year-old). It becomes harder to get out of a chair or off the toilet, and walking up or down stairs is a good thing to avoid if possible.

There are a number of accessibility aids that can be fitted around the home, and I have recently had to install several of these myself to assist my wife after she had a fall.

Bedroom:
Getting out of bed is often increasingly difficult. An adjustable bed is a good option – these will allow you to sit up in bed, making it easier to swing your legs over and get up. They are quite expensive, though. I have installed a bar that simply fits under the mattress, and its handle can be used to assist in getting upright. The cost was about $30 – from my local Red Cross shop. A brand-new grab rail will set you back about $60.

Bed grab bar. Image Credit: SDC/Member @Doctor Alan

Bathroom:
If you’re still using a bath, you may have a problem as you get older. Of course, there are quite sophisticated baths that allow you to step into them on a level surface, but these are expensive. A shower, on the other hand, is ideal for us oldies. I installed grab bars in both our showers and after the el-cheapo suction handles from the local $2 shop came unstuck, I fell down. I bought ours from Bunnings for $49, but you can buy exactly the same bars from a mobility supplier for around $250 if you’re so inclined. They have to be attached through the shower wall to studs, so a stud finder is essential for DIY enthusiasts. On the other hand, you can ‘get a man in’ to do these jobs. You can browse Bunnings’ grab rail range here.

A shower chair is a very good idea. They have an adjustable height and are designed for the purpose. I have a different type in both our showers and I was able to buy one from our local Red Cross shop and the other from an op-shop – both at a very low price. Here is one option under $40 from eBay.

The last essential safety feature in the bathroom is a non-slip mat. These cost very little – around $12 (you can find a $10 option from Kmart here), I believe, and they have small suction feet that prevent their slipping.

Shower grab bar, shower chairs and a shower non-slip mat. Image Credit: SDC/Member @Doctor Alan

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[goodmorning]

I was going to get a rail after I have had my knees and shoulders done but all they offer is a galvanised pipe that isn't very nice and it shows that there is someone frail that lives there we may as well put a large sign out the front of your house to say there is an frail person living there they all say they help the old ones but it is just a big rip off I get a person in to do my house keeping and they don't do above there shoulder cant lift your mattress to make your bed properly or dust so they only clean in the middle of every thing it is just ripping off the government so now i have had a good old bitch about the care we get

 

[RFG]

Ditto to that.

 

[mOiOz]

I've had a few rails installed in the past 8 years, next to my toilet, in the shower and in the driveway. They were all done through Centacare and have been a godsend for me.
I have been considering one in my garage for some time, as I keep tripping on the only stairs in my house - even breaking my foot over a year ago.
I'm also considering turning the 3 stairs into a ramp. It is the only non-friendly wheelchair spot in the house, as I originally purchased it for my late partner (a quadruplegic) and myself.

 

[natalielocket]

But please, anyone who purchases a Wheelie Walker, please adjust the handles, as I see so many people bent over while using them. (Volunteer at a local Hospital.) I was in the lift with an elderly Gentleman, and noticed the above. I got talking to him, and he and his wife decided to buy one for him. I adjusted the handles for him, and he was so pleased. Anyone considering getting one, please get an OT, (I think free at Hospitals) and get them to adjust them.

 

[MariaG]

We were fortunate to plan our drop off the perch home after downsizing twice. Took us 15 years of planning, but it was worthwhile.
My home is small, but designed totally with aging in mind. The drive in garage is the first I have had out of all my homes. That, for me, is a huge safety factor, and, no stairs.
I decided on no bathtubs. Both bathrooms have large walk in showers with no doors. My John eventually could be wheeled in and transferred over to a shower chair. We opted for higher toilets to make sitting and standing easier.
The hallway is wide enough for wheelchair manouver and has only one slight corner.
The kitchen is galley style and the ultimate triangle design. We had lovely times getting dinners ready side by side, and, only having to turn and take one step between bench, fridge and stove.
I have no yards to maintain and have a small patch of artificial grass with all my pops of coloured plants in pots.
I know not everyone can do what we did. I am sharing this because I understand the smallest addition or change is one that can help old bones cope. My Aged Care was there for us to utilise, and I am so glad we did. There were things we couldn't afford that were taken over by John's provider. It was a blessing, especially during his last couple of years.
There are lots of aids out there. If you can't make changes yourself, perhaps Aged Care can come in to help. There are resources out there that are well worth the research,