Already Laurie Goldwasser is using a custom-designed gardening space that
doesn’t require bending and stooping. She installed a raised bed with a wide, comfortable
ledge where she sits and tends her herbs and flowers.
She says of her favorite pastime. “I have so much fun doing this. There’s just
enough space to give an older person a way to have fun in dirt.”
The elevated garden is also irrigated, so watering is not an issue. And the location
— adjacent to the deck’s main entertainment space — provides an aging relative a high,
comfy spot to perch while the family gathers round for outdoor socializing.
Lever handles
Lever style handles on
doors and faucets make
for an easy grip for aging
hands. Remember, people
with arthritis have difficulty
gripping objects,
and rounded doorknobs
can be very challenging.
Outlets
Outlets placed higher on
the wall can be helpful
if you’re struggling with
balance. If you have a
central vacuum, make
sure the access to that is
high on the wall, also.
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WBM january 2012
Rocker switches
Locating a nice, wide
surface is easy for elderly
eyes and fingers, and
having the dimmer accessible
with just a quick
touch also helps.
Added touches