Simple and practical additions to your home can help make life easier in the long run. Fit plenty of power points to avoid cords on the floor or overuse of power boards and double adapters. Power points should be positioned well above skirting height so you don't have to bend too far. If you use gas heaters, have the power points close to the outlet to minimise power cords (don't install the power point too close to the heat).
Install telephones (not wall mounted) in the bedroom and living areas. A push button model is best so you can code emergency numbers as well as those of your family and friends.
Push pad light and power switches or big switches are also a good idea. Other tips include:
Avoid spiral staircases.
Lever door handles make gripping easier, and are a big help when your hands are full.
An internal door connecting to the garage is handy and safe.
If you can, make sure door and passageways are wide enough for a wheel chair or walking frame.
It's important to have a telephone within easy reach of your bed. Think about having a telephone socket with an adjacent power point so a cordless telephone, or a personal alarm system, can be easily installed.
A two-way light switch within easy reach of your bed makes getting up and down in the night simple. Although costly to install, sliding doors on wardrobes are simple to use and take up less room.
Flooring in the bathroom and toilet must be slip resistant. It's also useful if walls are reinforced to allow grab rails to be installed beside the toilet, bath and the side and back of the shower.
Make sure there's enough room for a chair for dressing or undressing in the bathroom, and that there is clear access to the bath for the full length of one side.
In the toilet, the door should clear the pan when opening and shutting - an outward opening or sliding toilet door is preferable. Also make sure you have enough room between the side and back walls to install rails or other equipment at a later date. Your bathroom and toilet should have adequate ventilation such as a ceiling mounted fan and heater unit.
If you are planning to renovate or install a new kitchen, think about the following tips and try to include them in your plans:
Wall ovens with doors that slide or open upwards mean you don't have to bend to retrieve hot food.
Rounded corners on your benchtops prevent injury.
Make cupboards a suitable height to avoid unnecessary bending and lifting. Store items you use the most at mid height rather than in low or high cupboards.
Avoid using deep shelves or shelves above shoulder height in storage areas.
Install a power point away from a corner for your electric kettle.
A bench next to the refrigerator means items can be safely rested while being transferred in and out of the fridge.
Lever, cross or mixer style taps make gripping and wrist movements easier - separate hot and cold taps are preferable to prevent scalds.
D handles on cupboards and draws are easier to grip than knobs.
If you are renovating your bathroom, the shower recess should be a minimum of 1200mm x 1200mm with the entire bathroom floor graded to the shower waste (where there is no hob). Maximise shower access by having either a three-door slider (rather than two) or use a simple rail and shower curtain.
If you choose a screen, make sure it's laminated or made from a glass that meets the building safety codes. You may prefer a handheld shower with a seat for later years.
Shower taps should be positioned so that you can adjust the water stream without being under the shower. Lever, cross or mixer style taps make gripping and wrist movements easier, and separate hot and cold taps are preferable to prevent scalds. A thermostat on your hot water system will help to control water temperature.
Health and well-being are among the most important reasons that older people choose a new home. Before you purchase, think about what your home is worth and what type of new house would be most appropriate and affordable for your needs today and in the future - a standard residential house, unit or apartment, townhouse or perhaps an attached flat?
Will your new home be within easy walking distance of shops or public transport, as well as friends and family? You will also need to be near health services.
It's familiar advice that you've heard all your life: always have a registered building inspector survey any house before you buy, and ask them to check the following points:
Are the stormwater and sewerage systems in good condition, with pipes clean and intact?
Are gutters free of debris and all in one piece?
Ridge capping and roof tiles should be solid and waterproof, not cracked or chipped.
Electrical wiring should be in A1 condition (remember - circuit breakers are better than fuses).
Is there any dampness, cracking or movement in the footings and the foundations?
Is there any evidence of dampness in rooms adjacent to the wet areas?
Shower screens should be free of cracks, and the shower floor should show no evidence of cracks, leaky grout or mould.
Are the floors squeaky?
A good choice of home for an older person is one that is set low on a level block and with easy access to transport and services. Avoid houses with large trees (including those on a neighbour's property) - it could mean expensive maintenance. Box or valley gutters are hard to clean. Make sure that the hot water service is located on the outside of the house.
Don't be fooled by a freshly painted house - that new paint job could mask cracking.
Who will help with day-to-day jobs around the house when you are unable to do them yourself? It may be your wife, husband, a relative or a friend. Think ahead and make sure you have suitable accommodation for a carer with good access and security.
Carers need support and a break or respite from time to time. If you are eligible, the Department of Veterans' Affairs may be able to provide some financial help towards the cost of a substitute carer when your day-to-day carer is taking a respite break.
Defence Service Homes Insurance offers great insurance packages with economical premiums and a range of other benefits that makes them different to any other policy on the market. Available to all eligible Australian veterans and their widows, Defence Service Homes Insurance provides comprehensive home cover with the guarantee of replacing the home in the event of a loss. There is no general excess, and new for old replacement is guaranteed, regardless of age. Call 1300 552 662 from anywhere in Australia for advice, information and immediate cover.
Your local medical officer or Independent Living Centre can provide more advice on growing older with your home. For tips and advice on building and renovations, contact:
your local Master Builders Association;
Standards Australia on toll-free 1300 654 646; or
your State or Territory Government housing agency.
The Veterans' Home Maintenance Helpline can help you find a reputable tradesperson for jobs around the home. Contact 1800 80 1945.
If you have a Department of Veterans' Affairs health card, you can arrange for a free falls and accident prevention survey of your home through HomeFront. Contact 1800 80 1945.
For all health care, pension entitlements, eligibility inquiries and information about services in your community, phone the Veterans' Affairs Network office in your State or Territory, tel: 133 254.
