Participants enjoyed wraps, snacks, and chocolate cake before a Friends of Newtown Seniors (FONS) presentation based on the AARP HomeFit Guide during a senior center Lunch & Learn event May 26.

The event reviewed the guide, and focused on how seniors — and all ages — can minimize the risk of falls by removing hazards and adding helpful structures and technology to their kitchen, hallway, and bathroom. Participants could check off boxes in the guide on their own time to order materials that could help increase the safety of their living space depending on their needs and preferences.

FONS board member Frank Monette of FONS opened the presentation.

According to Monette’s research on statistics from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, a yearly average one in four seniors report a fall. Monette said a greater number of falls are unreported, as they are only reported when the person who fell goes to the hospital.

Monette said the number of yearly fatalities for falls was 36,508, with a 59 percent increase in recent years.

“That number approaches the yearly fatalities on the highway,” he said.

Graphs included from the CDC showed men are twice as likely to fall than women, and non-Hispanic white people are two times more likely to die resulting from fall injuries compared to those of other racial or ethnic groups.

The Kitchen

Beverly Bennett-Schaedler, director of FONS Chore Services, cited poor lighting as “a major issue” in the kitchen, and advised participants to “get the brightest light” they could for the space.

She showed options for under the counter lighting, and recommended a C- or D-shaped handle on cabinets for ease of access. Bennett-Schaedler said she invested in a rack for her cabinets to create more-accessible, easy-to-reach storage space as well and added she “highly recommends” a grabber tool.

Bennett-Schaedler also discussed utilizing an Amazon Alexa smart speaker to turn on lights, and said Chore Services “would be more than happy” to assist seniors in connecting the technology to their lights.

“Remove your rugs in the kitchen. Don’t wax your floor,” said Bennett-Schaedler. “These are just hazards for us to slip.”

Bennett-Schaedler also advised participants to place their microwave on the counter instead of over their stove, and have a fire-extinguisher accessible.

Hallways

FONS member Ned Simpson advocated for a light in the hallway that would turn on when it senses motion. He said there were a lot of options for motion detector lights, including battery-operated, hard-wired, or lights in outlets. He said added the decision would change depending on what the lights are for.

Simpson said it may be more cost-effective to have a hard-wired switch because of the cost of replacing batteries.

He also warned against placing shoes in the hallway.

“All of a sudden, you have obstructions and it’s not a 36-inch wide walkthrough,” he said, adding that seniors should consider using baskets to store shoes.

Simpson shared an example of a stick-on tread for a stairwell that would minimize slipping.

“The big thing is, please don’t let worn carpeting stay,” he said. “Please don’t delay.”

For those considering a chairlift, Simpson described the accessibility tool as “making a world of difference.” To the surprise of some participants, he added that elevators “are really possible in your house,” although they do require planning.

Bathrooms

Monette said he and his wife installed two grab bars in the shower, and a non-slip rug to step onto in the bathroom that “hasn’t budged.”

“I can’t tell you how much more safe we feel taking a shower,” said Monette. “We feel so secure.”

For lower, standard 15-inch toilets, Monette advocated for adding grab bars to assist with standing after sitting down. He said higher, accessible toilets available may be more comfortable but added gastroenterologists recommend keeping the knees higher than the bottom when using the bathroom.

Monette said those with higher toilets can use a stool underfoot to comply with this recommendation.

Implementation Recommendations

Simpson advised participants to remember that HomeFit is “a guide, not an instruction manual,” and they should assess their needs as it compares to the guide before implementing broad-swept changes.

He added the guide is for everyone, and said seniors can give it to their children to apply the knowledge during house renovations.

Simpson said there were two phases to the plan: Phase One includes things senior citizens can do easily and cheaply, while Phase Two includes tasks that require skilled help. He advised participants to implement larger renovations while other renovations are underway to maximize affordability.

After the event, participants were given the guide and the gift of a motion-activated light they could plug in at home.

Bennett-Schaedler debriefed her work with Chore Services. She said she has volunteers to help with certain chores and tasks, and keeps a list of professionals seniors can trust in their home for various work.

The director encouraged participants to talk with her if they can’t afford to have something done to increase safety in their home.

To access these services, seniors can contact Bev Bennett-Schaedler at 203-430-0633 or fonschoreservices@gmail.com.

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Reporter Noelle Veillette can be reached at noelle@thebee.com.