Holiday work-Part 2 (Elderly Challenge Observation 4)

Homes designed specially for the elderly:

As you can see from the picture on your bottom left, there is an emergency helpline that connects to the outside of the lift lobby of a particular level. In case the elderly is troubled such as a fire in the apartment, she/he can pull the line and activate the signal so everybody living on the same level will be alerted and rescue will come on their way efficiently.
The toilet shown on the top left has two handlebars connected to the wall. If the person is physically disabled, he/she might have to push themselves up and stand properly. The floor is rough and it prevents elderly to fall and cause injuries. However, for those who are in the wheelchair, the wheelchair cannot go into the toilet as the passageway leading to the toilet is narrow.

Holiday work-Part 2 (Elderly Challenge Observation 3)

First hand information about elderly mobility aids:


The picture shown on the bottom left is a two hand walking equipment with support that makes the elderly feel sturdy and safe. However, it is heavy when the elderly lifts the stick. It may require some strength that the elderly cannot handle by him/herself.

The picture in the middle is a wheelchair that needs a caretaker to push it (As the back wheel is small). As you can see, there is a footrest built with the wheelchair and two handlebars to let the elderly hold the wheelchair securely. However, the material of the backrest is hard and solid, making the elderly feel uncomfortable.

On the top left, this is a collection of elderly mobility aids. A walking stick, two hand support equipment, a wheelchair and a wheelchair that support the elderly using wheels and not lifting the whole thing up. I think this mobility aids are essential for those who are physically disabled or handicapped.

Holiday work-Part 2 (Elderly Challenge Observation 2)

A Little Observation around my neighbourhood...

This a typical kind of curb in public homes that the elderly may trip and fall if they are not careful. The curb's purpose is to prevent water from the bathroom (The darker side) from splashing or going into the kitchen (The brighter side).


As you can see, the entrance threshold has two curbs, one big and the other small. This makes the wheelchair bound elderly difficult to go out. Also, the door passageway is too small, making it just nice for the wheelchair to fit through. This makes the elderly hard to navigate his/her way around the opening. Compared to the elder friendly homes (Shown above), there is no entrance threshold, the floor is TOTALLY flat, allowing the elderly to navigate easily and safely.


This picture shows a road side pavement. The curbs and drains cannot be seen clearly because of the dull, grey look on them. The curb cannot be seen clearly as an elderly and they may slip and fall over onto the road, and accidents will happen. The drains are not covered, so they may accidentally step into them and fall, causing major injuries to the elderly.

Holiday work-Part 2 (Elderly Challenge Observation 1)

For an elderly, one of the most common difficulties they face is walking. I have noticed that there are many curbs at home or in the public. If they are visually impaired or not careful enough, they may trip and injure themselves. Even with the aid of the wheelchairs, they need to push it up and down again which makes it very inconvenient and dangerous, although some curbs are used for a purpose, such as the curbs on the roads and in the bathroom-To prevent water from splashing out into other rooms. Particularly, the curbs are square-shaped, making it very unsuitable for elderly to safely walk. This problem makes the elderly feel uneasy and uncomfortable everywhere, feeling he or she may trip on something if he or she is alone.

Another problem is the wheelchair. The wheelchair MUST have a caretaker to help the elderly. The elderly are not able to push using their hands as their strength are weak, that cannot overcome their own weight. If the elderly overexert himself/herself, that person may faint due to overexertion. A electric wheelchair is recommended if the elderly wants to go alone.