SIMPLE SOLUTIONS: - The Hartford

Mobility and Balance SolutionsDesign and Other Ideas• “Low profile” furniture, such as a coffeetable or footstool, presents a trippinghazard. Place a low table between twochairs rather than in front of a sofa.•Select seating with appropriate heights(approximately 17-18 inches from thefloor) and depths, well placed, widearms that extend to the front edge ofthe seat, and supportive backs – all ofwhich will make sitting down andgetting up easier. When you are seated,your upper legs should be parallel tothe floor, and your feet should rest flaton the floor. Chairs that are too low,too high or too deep do not provideappropriate back support and can causelegs and feet to swell or fall asleep.Chairs that do not include properlydesigned arms can contribute to poorposture, backaches, neck aches andmuscle fatigue.• Install the bathroom vanity at a“back saver” height – 36” instead of thestandard 32” – to reduce the need forexcessive bending at the sink.910Place a portable bath step with slipresistant surface and rubberized feetjust outside or just inside the edge ofthe tub. This makes getting into andout of the tub safer. Two steps can bestacked for use with deeper tubs.($30 - $80) Suppliers: HMT, SAM,TAYUse a specially designed “bath board”to make getting into and out of thetub easier and safer. The user simplysits on the edge of the tub and slidesacross the non-slip board surface.($50 - $460) Suppliers: MAX, SAM• Hang a vertical mirror so that itsbottom reaches to the counter top levelof the bathroom vanity to allow themirror to be used while a person isstanding or sitting.17