Care Coordination

With a Friends Life Care membership, your dedicated health care coordinator knows you and your needs on a personal level—before you need care. He or she anticipates your needs and resolves issues related to keeping your independence at home.

Home Accessibility

With our experience and knowledge of universal design and adaptive environments, we consult with our members to help them create the most accessible living solution possible for their home. These usable and innovative solutions can accommodate your changing needs and allow you to remain safe while living independently. A full in-home accessibility evaluation is provided as a benefit to membership. The Friends Life Care team of experts also provides a for-fee service for individuals who are not yet members but would like to get started with home modifications.

Where you live matters. You’ll find true independence and peace of mind in the best possible environment—your own home.

Financial Independence

Those who plan early can take comfort in financial security for the future. Part of ensuring that you have peace of mind in retirement and avoid becoming a burden to loved ones is having a plan in place for any changes in your health. Friends Life Care provides the delivery and coordination of a full continuum of services together with a financial mechanism to help pay for care where and when it’s needed.

Thousands of members rely on us to be their trusted source for information, options, and high-quality services that creatively and proactively address their changing needs. We can help make your vision of the future a reality too.

The Importance of Home Accessibility as You Age

As we age, our needs and capabilities often change. Tasks that were once routine can become challenging and possibly hazardous. That’s where home accessibility comes into play. It’s about adapting your living environment to accommodate these changes and your safety and comfort at home.

Safety First

One of the most crucial reasons to focus on home accessibility is safety. As we age, our risk of falls and injuries increases. Simple modifications like installing grab bars, improving lighting, or removing tripping hazards can significantly reduce these risks and help prevent accidents.^[1]

Promoting Independence

Home accessibility also plays a role in your ability to perform everyday tasks in your home. It may mean investing in a major renovation that adds an elevator or a walk-in shower, but less costly changes may include a handheld showerhead, ramp rental, or threshold modifications. Your Care Coordinator has access to local resources in your area for options and installation.

Comfort and Ease

Adapting your home for accessibility can help find the perfect blend of safety and comfort. For example, a chair lift can potentially eliminate the strain of climbing stairs, while lever-style door handles can be easier to operate than traditional knobs, especially for those with arthritis.

Future-Proofing Your Home

While you might not need these features now, planning for the future is wise. Having an open mind about home accessibility features early can prepare you for potential physical changes down the line. Plus, it may mean staying in your beloved home longer, surrounded by familiar comforts and memories.

Enhancing Quality of Life

Ultimately, home accessibility enhances your quality of life. While you may have to make monetary investments in products or renovations, the right additions can leave you with a home designed around YOU. By creating an environment that is safe, easy to navigate, and tailored to your needs, you can spend less time worrying about potential hazards and more time enjoying your golden years.

Common Home Accessibility Challenges for Seniors

Bathing Safely

The bathroom is an area where accessibility can be problematic. Slippery surfaces increase the risk of falls, and stepping over bathtub edges can be difficult. Walk-in showers, grab bars, and non-slip mats are features that can enhance bathroom safety.

Reaching High Places

Reaching high shelves or cabinets becomes more challenging as flexibility and strength diminish. This can lead to strain or, worse, accidents. Adjustable storage solutions, easy-to-use closet rods, lower cabinets, and revising countertop items can help alleviate this issue.

Moving Through Narrow Spaces

Traditional homes often have narrow doorways and hallways, which can be challenging to navigate, particularly with a walker or wheelchair. Widening these spaces or even rearranging furniture can improve home accessibility and maneuverability significantly for those aiming to live independently.

Operating Appliances and Tools

Simple tasks like turning on a faucet or opening a door can be arduous due to arthritis or decreased hand strength. Lever-style handles and touch or voice-activated appliances may simplify these tasks. A simple and lightweight door handle can also provide easy access and make for a more accessible home.

Friends Life Care Promises to Stay on Top of Changes in Home Accessibility Options

Friends Life Care’s commitment to your well-being is unwavering. Home is where the heart is, and we strive to provide you with options to maintain a safe, comfortable, and accessible place for you. We aim to be at the forefront of home accessibility advancements, and our fantastic care coordinators consistently promote relevant innovations to make aging-in-place the perfect option for you.

Don’t compromise on your comfort or independence. Take the first step towards a safer, more comfortable home today with Friends Life Care.

^[1]  https://www.otandme.ca/post/homesafety