Growing old at home, a utopia? No today it is reality

Adapting the home to different needs over the years, in order to live independently and safely in one's own home, even in old age, is becoming the goal of many elderly people who prefer to grow old in their homes.
All over the world, society is witnessing a gradual increase in the proportion of elderly people, and the effect of this trend is evidenced by the fact that the fastest growing part of the population is the over-85s.

This is the result of an overall improvement in quality of life and care. Nutrition and physical and mental activity are equally important, but we should not forget that where we live influences longevity and the quality of ageing. Being able to live in one's home, perhaps adapting it to the changing needs of the years, can contribute to the physical and mental well-being of those who live there.

This approach can also have an immediate impact on the country's healthcare financial statements; being able to care for the elderly at home, in collaboration with families or other more active elderly people who voluntarily offer help to the community, could prove to be a practical and sustainable solution.

What does it mean to adapt one's home to changing needs and age, with special attention to the bathroom environment? This area of the home is the place where the risk of accidents is around 8%: Ponte Giulio, for over 45 years, has been developing products for bathroom safety and to ensure functionality and design.

But what changes are needed to make a bathroom inclusive? Ponte Giulio has identified three principles where to start: the removal of architectural barriers, the safe use of the various areas of the bathroom and the guarantee of autonomy.
The most important thing is to be able to move around easily and safely in each area not to be tempted to perform actions that could be dangerous. A bathroom where there are steps, such as to access the shower, or confined spaces, which do not allow an easy access to the toilet, should be changed. If someone lives alone, falling in the shower or in the toilet area can be an awful experience.

The simplest and economic is the installation of grab bars. This safety products allows everyone, young or old, to have a support at hand. For the installations it depends on the area; the grab bars for the washbasin are different from those for the toilet or shower.

Ponte Giulio offers a wide range of aids, including coloured, antibacterial and designer ones. This ensures greater safety in the bathroom area, without going to engrave on the aesthetics.
For those who prefer to use the shower, the installation of a level access shower tray allows an easy access even to people with movement difficulties.

If someone does’t want to give up the pleasure of a bath, he or she can consider installing walk-in tubs, equipped with a door which guarantees watertightness. This type of product offers the chance to have a comfortable bath thank to an easy access. Many elderly people use this type of tub because a relaxing bath, can help to alleviate pain. Ponte Giulio realizes two types of walk in tubes: inward-opening and outward-opening, to meet any space requirements.

To create the conditions, for elderly people, to live independently in their own home is a challenge that Ponte Giulio has taken up to ensure inclusive use of the home environment, for everyone.