Professor Patrice Winter, a clinical physical therapist, spoke to the Fairfax Lions Club at their dinner meeting on March 18th. Dr. Winter, an assistant professor with George Mason University's College of Health and Human Services. She is an expert in life planning and elder care, and offered easy-to-do suggestions for a safer aging in place. Suggestions include: handrails on both sides of all steps (inside and out), bathroom grab bars, no throw rugs, and brighter light bulbs. Slightly more effort is associated with relocating thermostats and outlets toward waist level, seating at least 18 inches off the floor, 36 inch doorwards, and one-or-no step entry into house.
