Ep 20. Aging in Place

In season 8 episode 20 of Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, the focus is on "Aging in Place." As homeowners age, it's important for their home to be safe, accessible and comfortable. Danny Lipford and his team provide some tips and tricks to make home renovations for senior citizens easier.

The episode begins with Danny Lipford visiting a home that has been modified for seniors. Lipford talks to the homeowners about the changes they have made in their home to make it more senior-friendly. They have added grab bars in the bathroom, wider doorways for wheelchairs, and an elevator to make getting around the house easier. Lipford also talks about how important it is to have good lighting, especially in areas where seniors can easily trip or fall.

Next, the show presents a segment on bathroom modifications. The host demonstrates how changing the showerhead to a handheld one can be incredibly helpful. Having a bench in the shower can also make it easier for seniors to use as they won't have to stand for extended periods of time. Installing a walk-in bathtub is another great option for seniors as it eliminates the need to step over the side of the tub, which can be a safety hazard.

Later on, the team travels to a veteran's home to help him with his aging in place modifications. They add an entrance ramp to make it easier for the veteran to enter and exit the home. They also add railings to the exterior of the home for added safety and a stairlift to the stairs for easy mobility. The team also changes the flooring to slip-resistant tiles and adds automatic lights in the house for better visibility.

The episode also features a segment on kitchen modifications. The host explains that seniors should avoid standing on chairs or step stools in the kitchen as it can be incredibly dangerous. He suggests installing pull-out shelves in the bottom cabinets, which prevent seniors from having to reach up high. A wall oven with a separate cooktop can also be beneficial for seniors, as it places the oven at a more accessible height.

In addition to the modifications mentioned above, the team also recommends adding smart home technology. This can include voice-activated lighting and thermostats, which makes it easier for seniors to control their environment without having to get up. The team also shows how installing a video doorbell can be helpful for seniors who have limited mobility or hearing loss, as it eliminates the need to get up to check who's at the door.

Finally, the episode ends with Lipford stressing the importance of having an aging in place plan. He suggests creating a checklist of modifications that need to be made and working with a contractor to make the necessary renovations. He also recommends reporting any unsafe or hazardous issues to a physician or an occupational therapist who can provide personalized recommendations based on the situation.

In conclusion, season 8 episode 20 of Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford provides helpful tips and tricks for seniors who are looking to make their homes safer, more accessible, and more comfortable. Through visuals and expert commentary, the show is informative and educational for anyone looking to make aging in place modifications.