Globe Syndicate

For release Friday September 03, 2004

The Sandwich Generation . . . Helping Your Aging Parents

by Carol Abaya, M.A.

THE LITTLE THINGS MAKE LIVING SAFER -

OR MORE DANGEROUS

2nd of 2 parts

Last week’s column discussed general things to look at in accessing an active adult community. Now let’s look at some very little, but, to me, critical details. These are things developers, even those specializing in senior housing, rarely consider. But they can be the difference between comfortable and troublesome daily living and doing daily tasks.

(1) Where is a powder room in relation to the kitchen? Fast and easy access is important. You should not have walk through most of the house or apartment to get to it.

(2) Bathroom design and layout is very important. Where are the grab bars located? Are they easily reached by a short woman? What is the height of the sides of the tub? Can you get in and out of the tub easily? Ideal height is about 15 inches.

How high is the toilet seat? Too high makes it difficult to get onto, and too low can create problems when you have to get up. Ideal height is about 16 inches.

Where is the toilet paper holder located? Do you have straight access to it or do you have to twist your body around to reach it? Ideal placement is on the wall next to the toilet and six inches in front of the edge of the toilet seat. This provides the easiest access.

What is the distance from the faucet to the edge of the sink? Do you have to really lean over far to reach the water or is it a comfortable ‘lean’?

(3) Kitchen design and details are critical, more so as one ages. Pullout shelves for both groceries and pots and pans can be an important ‘fall’ saver. You don’t have to bend way down to get the food or pots in the back. Millions of seniors fall in their own house and are badly injured each year.

Non-standard would be counters a couple of inches lower than the ones used in almost all houses and apartments. Cabinets can be lower for easier access. I’m young, but short, and even have trouble reaching the second shelf in my cabinets.

Where is the microwave located? If over the stove, it should be 15 inches above the burners. Most are higher and present safety problems when you take out hot dishes. Counter top microwaves are safer.

What is the relationship of major appliances and how you use the kitchen?

(4) Life style flow can make daily life easier - or more difficult. What is the layout and walking pattern in relation to getting groceries in from the car to the kitchen? And what about how you have to take out the garbage?

If it’s a single family or attached house, are there stairs either to get into the house or to a second floor? Where is the master bedroom located, up or downstairs?

Whatever new living arrangement is chosen, carefully evaluate everything and don’t rush to make a decision!

Are you juggling doing errands for your aging parents, your children, yourself and working at the same time? Are you tired, stressed out and upset that your once vibrant parent is now frail and needy?

Do you feel alone? Rest assured you are not alone! The Sandwich Generation is dedicated to the 50 million Americans who may have elder/parent care concerns and/or responsibilities.

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Do you have a question? Send it in. Although letters cannot be answered individually, appropriate letters will be answered in this column whenever possible. Letters may be edited. Send letters to Ms. Carol Abaya, mail direct to her at PO Box 132, Wickatunk, NJ 07765-0132 or contact her through her web site: thesandwichgeneration.com.

Carol Abaya is an international-award-winning journalist and creator of the unique magazine The Sandwich Generation: You & Your Aging Parents.

NOTES TO EDITORS: text = 510 words; other material = 160 words

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