As the years go by, you find it increasingly difficult to move around and perform certain daily activities, such as bathing or preparing meals.
A situation which increases the risk of domestic accidents and in particular of falls, of which nearly 450,000 people over 65 are victims each year in France.
In order to guarantee your safety and your comfort, it is crucial to adapt your habitat without delay.
If the personalized advice of an occupational therapist or a specialist remains the best option to reorganize your living environment according to your problems and your habits, certain adjustments are almost unavoidable.
The toilets
Due to the presence of water, the risk of falling is particularly high in bathrooms and toilets, which makes these spaces a priority site.
Before you even embark on any major work, have non-slip mats laid on the floor of your shower and the bottom of your bathtub, as well as at their exit, in order to avoid slipping.
Also plan to install grab bars near toilets, showers and bathtubs to help you sit down and get up.
Other inexpensive but very useful minor fittings: a booster seat for the toilet and a shower seat, possibly folding or retractable.
Also remember to change your taps for recent models with thermostatic mixing valve and locking notch, to limit the risk of burns.
Finally, in case of reduced mobility, it will be wise to install a walk-in shower without steps or, if you absolutely care about your baths, a walk-in bathtub.
The kitchen
In order to facilitate access to the hobs, work surface and crockery, you may need to review the height of your kitchen units.
Thus, do not store anything essential out of your reach in the cupboards in height, to avoid you having to climb on a stepladder as soon as you want to use it.
To transport heavy dishes, you can also equip yourself with a rolling side table.
Stairs
If your home has one floor, going up and down the stairs can be exhausting but also dangerous.
Arrange the essential rooms on the ground floor and, if that proves too complicated, install a banister on your stairs.
If your budget allows it, the ideal is still to bet on an electric stairlift, an elevator or an elevator, much more practical and secure.
Clear the way!
As a general rule, keep in mind that any obstacle that gets in your way can cause you to trip and pose a fall hazard.
De-clutter the hallways as much as possible by getting rid of unnecessary objects and furniture, such as vases or pedestal tables, attach or remove carpets and do not leave any cables or electrical wires lying around.
Be particularly vigilant in the bedroom, and keep everything you might need close to your bed (glass of water, glasses, lamp) in order to limit nighttime travel.
lighting
In order to avoid obstacles, it is better to see clearly!
Multiply the sources of light and make sure that your switches are easily accessible.
Do not hesitate to opt for an automatic lighting system with motion detector.
As long as you're into electrical work, also consider having automated roller shutters installed and a telecare system in place.
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A sizeable budget… lightened by aid
If it is possible to make improvements without emptying your bank account, for larger works, the cost amounts to an average of 10,000 euros.
A significant sum, which can weigh heavily on the modest incomes of retirees.
But many public aids have been put in place to help seniors reduce the bill.
In particular, you can turn to the Anah (National Housing Agency), Action Logement, the local authorities of your place of residence (region, department, municipality) or your supplementary pension fund.
Also consider personalized assistance with autonomy (APA) and disability compensation benefit (PCH), subject to eligibility.
Finally, it is possible to benefit from a tax credit for the installation of certain equipment.
Find out more on the official portal Pour-les-personnes-agees.gouv.fr.
Senior
Old age
Works
Disability
Lodging
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