Aging In Place Challenges: Low Vision and Impaired Hearing

There are many reasons that aging in place may be difficult for some, but if you plan well for normal age related changes you increase your likelihood of success significantly.  Here are some easy improvements you can make to your home at any age to prepare for the two most common age related challenges: low vision and impaired hearing.  

Limited Vision

• Edge of counters that are a different color than the top
• Edge of each step in a color that stands out
• Well-lit stairs
• Steps that are a different color than the surrounding area
• Increased wattage of light bulbs
• Lights in all closets
• Well-lit outside walkways and entrances
• Stove controls clearly marked and easy to see
• Stove with different colors to tell which parts are hot
• Under-the-cabinet lights over the kitchen counter

Hearing Impairment

• Dishwasher is ultra-quiet to reduce background noise
• Increased volume on phones
• Smoke detectors with strobe lights
• Doorbell with flashing light when rung