How safe is the US compared to European cities for seniors or individuals with disabilities?

Bathtub in my Portugal hotel. Where are the grab bars?

Published on April 19, 2023

In the US we appreciate the laws in place to ensure that public spaces are accessible for individuals with disabilities. But in private spaces, we do not prepare as well.  It is only when someone is faced with a life changing event, or are faced with moving to assisted living or nursing home this conversation comes up.

As I just returned from traveling through Portugal on a tour for solo travelers last week, I have been thinking about this subject quite a bit. Walking through cobblestone streets and tiled sidewalks with divots was difficult in the beautiful weather for an individual in good health, but I cannot imagine how dangerous it would be in the rain for someone with compromised abilities. 

Arriving at each hotel, I was shocked how unsafe each bathroom in my room was and how they do not prepare for the guests’ safety. In some of the bathrooms there were bathtubs with no grab bars to get in and out, while in other hotels the walk-in showers were slippery with nothing to hold on to for entering and exiting the shower safely. The bathmats provided were so small that the marble floors got slippery and dangerous.

So, what can be done to protect the safety of our seniors? Prepare early!!

We just completed a whole home modification for a client and their 93-year-old mother with Alzheimer’s to move back into. We turned the family room into a suite for the mother with a fully handicap accessible bathroom. Using the existing powder room and attached closet allowed us to create the perfect bathroom for their mother. Widening the doorway, adding a no threshold shower, a bidet toilet seat, grab bars in the shower, a towel bar/ grab bar, and a toilet paper/ grab bar make the bathroom very safe.

Throughout the house, the modifications made were designed so that the family could visually see the mother from all the common spaces. This included removing walls between the kitchen and dining room, and kitchen to living room. A new open floor plan kitchen was added.

 Preparing to remain in your home safely is important, and making the needed modifications before they are needed is important. Too many times I get the calls after a life changing injury or illness, and then they must rush to try to get it done, which is not always possible.  

Educating families on Aging In Place

An meaningful part of my Aging In Place mission is educating groups on why aging in place is such an important topic. An important part of the presentation is about Smart technology, and some of the products available to improve the safety for seniors and individuals with disabilities.  On April 21st from 2:30-3:30 I will again be giving a presentation to the Center for Alcohol & Drug Resources . Here is the link to join the presentation https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89171410668?pwd=TUV4aWM0b0ZhZStlSFBaYVd1Szdkdz09

If you ever need to discuss a family member struggling to be safe int heir home, we offer a free 30- minute telephone consultation. To schedule an appointment please use this link https://calendly.com/linda-settingthestage/30min