While it’s a pretty funny shirt, it’s a fact of life that we all grow old one day, and many of us will rely on our children to take care of us.

It’s always been this way, but with people living longer, it will be ever more important in the coming decades.

Some question whether Social Security will carry on, or how long retirement funds will last before they dry up.

If money becomes a serious issue, it will be imperative that many seniors live with their children.

Aging-in-Place is a great option, but if we’re going to be living past 100 years old, at some point we’ll need to find a place to live where somebody is around to take care of us.

The best thing is to start planning early and discuss every option with friends and family. So many people are afraid to discuss aging and how they will live when they’re in their 80s and beyond. This isn’t something that can wait until the last minute. Don’t be afraid to talk about the future. Do it now while you can.

And be nice to your children. Because you never what the future holds.

Aging-in-place has been a buzzword for some time now, especially when you consider that baby boomers are reaching the age of 65 at the rate of 10,000 per day. Accessible bathrooms are a popular place to start when modifying a home for accessibility and independent living.

One trend that is noticeable in new and modified homes is the addition of a walk-in or roll-in accessible shower. These are great for wheelchair users, but even for walking in, they are safer and easier to enter and exit.

Because the main barrier when entering a shower is the side of the tub or threshold enclosure, users must step over it, which can be difficult. Installing a zero-threshold entry removes this barrier.

While one potential problem has been solved, another one may have been created, and that is the problem of water spilling out of the shower and onto the bathroom floor. Without a shower threshold, there’s nothing to keep the water inside the shower.

The easiest way to correct this is by installing a Collapsible Shower Dam and using Weighted Shower Curtains. The shower dam fits over the threshold and the shower curtains hang tight and low against the shower dam. The shower dam is only an inch and a half high but it’s easy to walk over and keeps the water at bay.

A collapsible shower dam also works well for wheelchair users because it collapses when the wheels roll over it and then pops back up in place. This can eliminate the need to perform a transfer into the shower from the wheelchair to a shower bench or chair.

The trend to walk-in accessible showers is here to stay for many new and modified homes. They fit nicely from an aging-in-place perspective as they are attractive and functional, and they are easier to use by people of all ages and abilities. A collapsible shower dam should be standard on most barrier-free shower designs.

You can find information and purchase details here:
www.AccessibleConstruction.com/services/bathrooms/25.html

So, you always wanted to become a doctor. Maybe you’re just curious about what it takes to be a doctor. Either way, the infographic below, Anatomy of a Doctor, lays it all out for you.

For most kids, if they like playing doctor and decide they want to become one when they grow up, they will probably have to go to school for a long time, study biology, chemistry, and math, then add 3 to 8 years of internships and residency. By the time they turn 35 years old, they might become a doctor.

We tend to take doctors for granted. But not every person is cut out to be one. It relies on certain traits and characteristics to fit into the mold.

If the image below is too small to read, click on it to see a larger version. Thanks to RN-to-MSN.org and Obizmedia.com for this infographic.

We love Angie’s List and have worked with them for a while now. Below is an infographic they published that offers 7 Tips for getting the most out of your visit with your doctor. Click on the image to go to the original image to get an enlarged view if it’s difficult to read.

We feel Tip #1 is a good one – stay off your cellphone and pay attention to the doctor. But…if you can record video or voice memos with your cellphone, use it to record the conversation with the doctor so you don’t miss anything. You can refer to the recording later if you forget something or need to look up medical terms or purchase medication, etc.

[Via: Angie's List Doctors]

On September 15, 2010, the law regarding ADA Pool Accessibility requirements changed. Under the new legislation, public and commercial swimming pools are now required to be accessible to people with disabilities on, or before March 15, 2012. This access can be in the form of Pool Lifts that can be operated by the person with the disability or a sloped entries.

Swimming pools with more than 300 linear feet of wall must provide two means of entry, with the primary means being either a pool lift or sloped entry. The secondary means of entry can be a pool lift, sloped entry, transfer wall, transfer system, or pool stairs.

Swimming pools with less than 300 feet of wall only need to provide one means of entry – either a pool lift or sloped entry.

Of course there are plenty of other requirements and it’s best to check for compliance way in advance to ensure there won’t be any problems with your pool.

Some of the exceptions include wave pools, spas, and wading pools.

The U.S. Department of Justice has more information on their website regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act at: www.ada.gov.

There are a variety of pool lift options available. Some are stationary, while others are mobile and can be wheeled in and out of storage either daily or at the end of the season. And you don’t have to have a public or commercial swimming pool to take advantage of the accessibility features of pool lifts. They work great for family pools too.

We have several examples of pool lifts on our website at: www.AccessibleConstruction.com/services/ramps/ada-pool-lifts.html

Give us a call at (866) 902-9800 if you have a public or commercial pool and you need a pool lift for compliance before March 15, 2012.

The Long-Term Services and Supports Scorecard website offers state-by-state data about Long-Term Services and Supports for seniors, caregivers, and people with disabilities.

Below is the map that shows data by state. To find additional information, ranking data and other downloads, click on the map or visit the website at: www.LongTermScorecard.org

The State Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Scorecard allows seniors and people with disabilities a way to discover performance by each state across a variety of indicators including:

1. Affordability and access
2. Choice of setting and provider
3. Quality of life and quality of care
4. Support for family caregivers

The LTSS website not only helps seniors, caregivers and families easily find much needed information, it also helps states and policymakers track efficiencies and needs.

The first state LTSS scorecard was developed by AARP‘s Public Policy Institute, The Commonwealth Fund, and The SCAN Foundation.

Some disabilities progress over time. This means that installing a stair lift may be fine for now, but in a few years it may be difficult to use. Choosing a home elevator might be a better option, and installing a Telecab Elevator can minimize construction time and cost.

A Telecab Elevator is a two-stop residential elevator for home use with a 500 lb. weight capacity that is equipped with windows and interior lighting. A Telecab is sometimes called a “vanishing elevator” or “shaftless elevator” because it does not require an elevator shaft for installation. Because there is no shaft, it decreases the time to install and reduces the cost.

Telecab Elevator parked downstairs during installation

The unique design of a Telecab allows it to disappear from sight when it’s on another floor. It can be installed virtually in any room in the home that allows enough space for the cab above and below.

Telecab traveling upstairs into the ceiling and out of the way downstairs

If the unit is parked upstairs, simply choose the down button from the main floor to call it downstairs. When it arrives, walk, or roll in with a wheelchair and take it up to the top floor. It recesses into the ceiling where it is out of sight downstairs.

Telecab Elevator view from the upstairs bathroom recessed into the floor to create more space upstairs while the cab is parked downstairs

If you’re upstairs and need the space, the Telecab can be parked downstairs. Simply call it at the touch of a button when needed to transport you downstairs.

Telecab parked upstairs in the bathroom

Telecab Elevators are a safe and convenient way to live independently in your own home. They eliminate the need for stairs, or stair lifts, and provide comfort for the user and caregiver. By reducing the stress and strain associated with wheelchair transfers to and from a stairlift, it increases the quality of life for the user and caregiver.

Telecabs come with a variety of configuration options including cab and window panel colors, cab interior size, or a second door to enter and exit a different location on another floor.

If you’re considering a home elevator to avoid the hassle of a stairway, a Telecab Elevator might be a convenient and economical way to stay safe in your home.

Back in August we showed a Modular Ramp installation for a client that needed a wheelchair ramp to get up his stairs. In this instance, a straight ramp wouldn’t fit because we needed too much ramp length and there wasn’t enough space. So we installed a switchback Modular Ramp that traveled back and forth, providing enough length to decrease the slope angle.

What we didn’t show was that the other side of the house had an even smaller area, making it impossible to install any kind of ramp. No problem. For really tight spaces a vertical Platform Lift or Porch Lift is often better than a wheelchair ramp.

Porch Lift at the bottom position

Vertical Lifts are great because they require minimal effort on the part of the wheelchair user or caregiver. Simply open the gate at the bottom, roll in, close the gate behind you and push the button. The lift rises up to the next level and out you go at the top. They also promote independent living because there is no need for a caregiver to help push up a ramp. The user can do everything at the touch of a button located on the control panel.

Platform Lift at the top position

Platform Lifts are safe and reliable and can be installed both indoors and outside. They have a 750-pound weight capacity and come with a non-skid deck surface. They are recommended for commercial and residential applications and offer an ideal way for companies to come into compliance.

Vertical Lift view from the top landing

If safety is a concern, Platform Lifts can be safer than ramps depending on the physical condition of the user or the caregiver. They require little or no physical strength as the motor does all the work and problems going too fast down a ramp or falling backwards are eliminated.

When you don’t have enough space for a wheelchair ramp, consider going vertical with a Porch Lift or Vertical Platform Lift.

This year’s Medtrade Expo in Atlanta, Georgia will be held from October 25 to October 27, 2011.

Medtrade is the largest home medical equipment tradeshow in the US and provides an opportunity to review new products, network with industry manufacturers, and learn about the latest trends and practices that will help you better serve your patients.

One of the highlights of the show is The Medtrade Accessible Home in partnership with Accessible Home Improvement of America and Nationwide Homes. The Accessible Home features the newest, most advanced home healthcare products and showcases them just like patients would use them in their own home.

Shower Body Dryer

Accessible Construction is proud to be representing the Tornado Shower Body Dryer in this year’s Medtrade Accessible Home. The shower body dryer allows for hands-free drying which is ideal for people with balance problems, arthritis, need privacy from a caregiver or just like to have the latest gadget.

New for 2011 is the Retail Design Center which will display Homecare Products, and Home Modification Ideas, as well as Retail Design Ideas and Opportunities. The Retail Design Center offers solutions for your clients but also retail opportunities for new business.

Shower Dam and Weighted Shower Curtains

We will have a collapsible Shower Dam and Weighted Shower Curtains on display in the Retail Design Center, which provide the ideal solution for keeping water in the shower and off the bathroom floor.

Offset Hinges

We will also have residential and commercial Offset Hinges on display that allow you to widen doorways by up to two inches just by replacing door hinges. What used to take a half-day of construction can now be done easily at a fraction of the cost.

If you’ll be in Atlanta this year for Medtrade, make sure you spend some time at the Medtrade Accessible Home and the Retail Design Center.

Medtrade 2011
Georgia World Congress Center
285 Andrew Young International Blvd.
Building B, Halls 1-3
Atlanta, GA 30313
www.Medtrade.com

One common fear for seniors and people with disabilities is getting burned by water that is too hot while taking a shower or running water in the sink. This is especially true for people with dementia or that have lost the feeling in their hands.

These LED lighting shower and faucet lights just might help save somebody from water burns. While we don’t sell these, we’ve seen them before and think they’re a great idea. You can get these at ThinkGeek and the price is pretty good.

On the left is a lighted shower head and on the right is a lighted sink faucet. The lights are LEDs and change color depending on the temperature of the water. A blue light signifies the water is cold but if the water reaches a temperature of 89 degrees F (32 degrees C) the light changes to red.

Not only do these look great and add a touch of fun to taking a shower or doing the dishes, they’re fully functional and might keep a loved one from getting burned by hot water.

To find out more or purchase an LED lighted showerhead or faucet, visit ThinkGeek.

LED Showerhead Light

LED Sink Faucet Light

If you’re only concerned about water that is too hot and don’t need the colored lights for a visual aid, we have an anti-scald shower valve on our website.