People expect their home to provide independence, accessibility, safety, and peace of mind regardless of disabilities, limitations, or health challenges. Many folks are choosing to stay in their homes for as long as possible, bringing in supportive services to keep them safe, happy and healthy.This goal is important to everyone, not just those who are aging.  Patients with sudden health changes (accidents, strokes, spinal cord injury) or those with degenerative conditions (arthritis, ALS, dementia, MS, or Parkinsons) all may wish to alter or modify their home so they can remain where they are most comfortable.  If you share the desire to remain at home, will your current home sustain your independence for years to come?  Great design should be part of every home.  Universal Design dramatically improves the use by everyone:  Children, people with disabilities, and folks who are aging.  On the other hand, Accessible Design is incredibly personal and can create a customized environment specific for your needs. Examples of Universal Design in Your Home Open Concept Floor Plan Multi-Height Countertops No Step Entry to the home or rooms in the homeExamples of Accessible Design in Your Home 36-inch doorways for all entrances and doorways in the home Barrier Free Showers with no step or door to enter Stacked closets (4-foot x 5 foot or larger) on each level for future elevator useBoth types of design keep the end-user in mind with the goal of making the home convenient and upgraded.  Universal Design works to improve the home for every type of visitor as well as those living in the home.  Accessible Design helps the homeowner plan ahead to avoid moving if/when their needs change.  Whichever route you choose to follow, consult local professionals in the area to obtain free estimates and ideas.  Just like interior design, sometimes it takes fresh eyes to see what is possible in the design of your home, accessible modifications that can be made, or equipment that can be installed to add safety features.  Editors Note: This article was submitted by Karli Johnson with Accessible Systems and Lifeway Mobility. She may be reached at 719-974-4086 or by email at karli.johnson@LifewayMobility.com

Are you able to use every part of your home safely? COVID-19 is keeping us home more often and with limited places we can go, the best thing you can do for yourself or a loved one is modify the home to allow access to every part of the home. Have you considered a stairlift?Lets cover some of the most frequent questions about stairlifts.Price: A straight stairlift is a less expensive option. Many homeowners opt to have two straight stairlifts installed instead of a single curve unit because it is a more cost-effective option for covering two flights of stairs. However, if you or a loved one are unable to transfer safely between these two lifts, then a custom curve stairlift would be a better choice.Curved Stairs: When a customer needs a curved stairlift, our team comes to their home and uses software to measure. Compared to other companies, Bruno curved stairlifts are precisely made to fit the stairs inside your home.Look: The addition of a stairlift to your home doesnt have to take away from the beauty of your house. Bruno offers eight different color and fabric combinations for the chair to help it blend into the decor of your home.Standard Features: Bruno Stairlifts come with width adjustable armrests. Obstruction sensors on the chair detect pets, and other obstructions for added safety. A covered gear track for an improved appearance. Continuous charge strips along the rail power the unit wherever it stops. These features come standard with all Bruno lifts.Additional features which can help make the stairlift easier to use include a power swivel seat and folding footrest. These features make the chair easier to use for those who have difficulty turning their body or who are unsteady.Call our local team for a free home safety evaluation. Use your whole home with confidence. Dont let COVID-19 keep you stranded.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Karli Johnson, CAPS. Karli is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist with Accessible Systems and may be reached at: 719-387-0675 or by email at: karli@accessiblemed.comTo learn more contact Karli Johnson owner of Accessible Systems in Colorado Springs

As our populations life expectancy 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 dont have to give up your dream of aging in place.OVERCOMING STAIRSThe 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 dont consider adding this option because they dont 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 an affordable alternative to buying a new home or moving into an assisted living community.ENTERING and EXITING YOUR HOMEOne 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.comEditors Note:  Article submitted by Karli Johnson with Accessible Systems. For more information contact Karli at 719-387-0675

Myth 1: A stairlift takes up the entire staircase.FACT:  The chair's arms, seat, and footrest can also be folded out of the way at the top and bottom landing of the staircase, thus creating room for foot traffic on the stairs.Myth 2: I can't get a stair lift because my staircase has curves and turns.FACT: While stair lift installations on straight staircases may be more common, there are stairlift models built specifically for staircase that has curves and turnsThese types of stair lifts are known as "curved stairlifts". To properly fit a "curved" rail on your specific staircase, a stairlift expert will come to your home and take measurements of your staircase. Those measurements are then sent to the manufacturer so that they can build the rail to properly fit your staircase.Myth 3: Stair Lifts are attached to the wallAll stairlifts are mounted onto the stairsFACT: The rail of a stair lift is not attached to the wall when installed on a staircase. It is actually mounted on the treads of the stairs, so your walls will not be damaged.Myth 4: You have to enter & exit from a stair tread.FACT: Getting on and off a stair lift is both safe and easy for most users. At the top of the steps, the seat swivels enabling safe exit and entry at the top landing and at the bottom, the rail extends to the floor allowing for safe exit/entry on the bottom landing. Myth 5: A stair lift means giving up your independence.FACT:  Yes, you will no longer be walking up and down the stairs, but that is perfectly okay if the stairs have become too difficult to climb, adding a stair lift actually increases your ability access your home independently. Some will say "but I use the stairs for exercise". Stairs may be a great way to exercise, but when mobility is limited and there is risk of serious injury, then it is better to find a safer exercise option, like walking. Editors Note: This article was submitted by Karli Johnson with Accessible Systems and Lifeway Mobility. She may be reached at 719-974-4086 or by email at  karli.johnson@LifewayMobility.com

Independent living can be difficult to achieve if your home isnt ready for it. A newfound lack of mobility may prevent you from doing everyday tasks as you used to. Creating systems for different parts of your home can help you remain self-sufficient. Whether it be living with a disability or aging in place, there are many ways to achieve an independent living situation.Extending your independence and being able to continue living in your home alone allows you to have freedom of choice in your life. While this may seem costly, there are options for the financial burden this could place. There are government assistance programs that allow you to use the money for additions to your home for accommodation purposes. Additionally, if youve lived in your home for some time, youve likely built up a good amount of equity that can be.leveraged in a home equity loan. This can be especially helpful for accessing funds immediately in one lump-sum payment.Giving your space any necessary updates give you more ability to stay in your own home. Take a look at these tips to ensure each room of your home is up to date for your lifestyle.1. Continue your kitchen useMAKING SURE ITEMS ARE WITHIN REACH IS VERY IMPORTANTYour kitchen shouldnt turn into a place to avoid because of lack of access. To ensure safety in the kitchen, you dont want to have things stored too high up, especially heavy items. Having everything at eye level or at an arms reach will cut down on the chance of dropping things. Look to add pull down cabinets and pull-out drawers so you can still grab things with less mobility. A lazy susan cabinet or pantry could also keep everything at the same level and make.it easier to search for the items you are looking for. For heavier items, especially ones you would normally keep at a lower level, creating a raising system takes away the need to bend down and lift up heavy appliances. Simple changes can help you to continue using your kitchen as your abilities change.2. Allow For Accessible Bathroom StorageAccessible bathrooms commonly include handrails and barrier free showers. You will want to ensure the showers in your household are walk/roll-in showers. They should be 30 inches wide by 60 inches deep with a 60 inch wide entry to allow for wheelchair entry according to ADA standards. Another aspect to take into consideration is shower storage. The height of your shower items needs to be attainable for your mobility. Putting in your own storage containers allows you to choose the height. You may want to use soap dispensers so you can easily access your products.Outside of the shower, you may want to take into consideration the sink as well. Make sure your sink is ADA compliant, at least 34 inches above the floor. There also needs to be 60 inches of clear floor space to accommodate wheelchair users. Having one row of drawers in your bathroom design keeps everything at a reachable distance and also allows more space below if you need to make it wheelchair accessible. Removing the barriers in the bathroom and keeping it neat can give you independence and privacy in a place where you want it most.3. Create Space in Your BedroomThe bedroom is another place where you would want privacy and discretion. Keeping it functional and spacious allows you to move around easier. Make sure you choose a dresser that suits your ideal level of comfort when it comes to storing things. You may want to look into ones that have deeper drawers, so you dont have to look through multiple sections for just a few things. Putting organizers and spacers within the drawer can help keep things separated so everything doesnt look like a cluttered mess and its easier to look through.If you have a lot of electronics, especially those with cords, it may be time to look into getting automation systems set up. This can keep the floor free of cords that could be a fall-hazard and allow you to operate your electronics using your phone or your voice. Smart screens and plugs allow you to control lights and electronics with your voice rather than having to get up and flip a switch. You can also schedule actions, so you dont have to worry about forgetting to turn the living room lights off at night. These systems can also connect throughout your home, so you can control the whole house from one room.4. Clear Up Your ClosetBeing able to continue using closet spaces even when your mobility is lacking is important in being able to maintain your independence. A big part of being able to use the closets is making sure its accessible. Implementing door widening and an automatic door opener increases the accessibility of your closet which can help if you are in a wheelchair. It can also provide you with more functionality in your closet and make it easier to move around.Shelving and hanging rods should be adjusted to suit your needs. Make sure the rods are at a height that can accommodate your reach. Pull down rods may be a good option as well to keep everything organized while still allowing access to what you need. Shelves also need to be at a height that suits you, both for reaching and potentially for a wheelchair as well. You dont want to install shelves so low that it impedes a wheelchairs ability to move throughout a room.5. Accommodate for Service AnimalsSERVICE DOGS ARE A GREAT HELP IN A CLUTTER-FREE HOMEService animals, while helpful and necessary, are still an addition to your house. They will need their own food, leashes and harnesses, a crate, and more that you might need space for. Making sure they have their own designated area in your home can keep it from getting cluttered with things and keep it out of your way. Having bins or small cabinets for their items frees up floor space so it doesnt become a hazard to you. Making sure everything is labeled can also help you to remember where things are stored. A doggy door may be something to think about adding as well. A trained service dog will be more independent than your average animal, so allowing it to go outside when needed without you having to open the door for them makes it easier for the both of you.Organizing your home can not only make it look nicer but make your life easier. It allows you to live like you have been, just with more access. When it comes down to your future, you can call the shots with just a few adjustments, and make sure your house fits your current and potential needs.

1. Using Walls or Objects to BalanceUnsteadiness can lead to bracing objects, like furniture and walls, its common and dangerous. Holding the wall in a stairwell provides little security in the event of a fall. If you notice these behaviors, it may be time to install grab bars or additional interior railing along walls or stairways to provide support throughout the home. 2. Avoiding Showering or BathingStepping over tub can be difficult and dangerous. Remodeling the bathroom to remove an old tub and install a walk-in shower or tub is a great option. However, if budget is a concern, our team has excellent and cost-effective options that can restore the ability to bathe safely such as equipment or simple solutions that dont involve construction.3. Crawling Up or Scooting Down the StairsIt is adorable when we see toddlers scooting down the stairs but when we see an adult family member or friend it is alarming. This is usually the result of unsteadiness, poor vision, or a reaction to a previous fall or injury. A stairlift is an option that allows for access throughout the home. Straight and Curved lifts are available to fit any home.4. Staying Home More OftenAvoiding leaving home to attend church or grocery shop can mean that mobility challenges begin at the door. A ramp in the garage or leading to the front of the home can encourage them to enjoy life safely. Other solutions include additional indoor/outdoor railing and grab bars.Every 11 seconds a senior is injured by a fall in their home. Avoid becoming a statistic and let the home safety experts at Accessible Systems perform a free home evaluation for you.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Karli Johnson, CAPS. Karli is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist with Accessible Systems and may be reached at: 719-387-0675 or by email at: karli@accessiblemed.com