Your home is more than a home. For many seniors, it’s where they raised their families, a repository of memories, the nexus of their connection to their community, and their slice of America that we’re so blessed to live in. Over 90% of seniors are aging in place and the vast majority prefer to live independently—at home—for as long as possible.

People want to stay home

At some point, moving from our primary residence into a senior living community may become either a consideration or a necessity for a variety of reasons. Common reasons include declining health, reduced mobility, and experiencing a fall-related injury. Unfortunately, most homes were not constructed with “aging in place” in mind. They lack the features that make it possible to remain in our homes as our abilities and needs change. To safely and successfully remain at home, you may well need to adapt your home to incorporate “universal design” features.

So what is universal design?

Universal design is a principle that accommodates people of all ages and physical conditions. Many homes, especially older ones, create conditions that make aging in place difficult or impossible. Universal design principals offer solutions to those obstacles, overcoming challenges like:

1. Narrow doorways, hallways, and aisles that don’t accommodate a wheelchair or walker.
2. Stairs and porches that limit access and entry to activities of daily living.
3. Cabinets, light switches, faucets, fixtures, controls, are out of reach.
4. Zero first floor access to electrical boxes, laundry rooms, full baths, or a bedroom.
5. Bathrooms with slick surfaces, step in tubs, or showers that lack grab bars.
6. All things in the environment that pose a higher risk of falls and fall-related injuries.

Getting certified to help people stay at home

Recently, members of the Viconic Health design team took the coursework, passed the exam, and became Certified Aging In Place Specialists (CAPS) through the American Home Builders Association. As we introduced our Fall Defense flooring underlay to the market, the reception was overwhelmingly positive—especially within the aging in place community, so we decided to get credentialed in this area. Now that we are CAPS certified, we more thoroughly understand why consumers, home remodelers, occupational therapists, and others are enthiastic about having a flooring solution that reduces the risk of fall-related injuries in the home.

We highly encourage those committed to aging in place to consult a CAPS certified remodeler or occupational therapist (OT). Some level of home remodeling could greatly improve your odds of living your best life at home for as long as possible.

Viconic is working to make Viconic Fall Defense available to seniors everywhere.

Learn more about reducing injury risk in your environment or in becoming a preferred installation partner.