The following include helpful suggestions when selecting products from the Elder Proof Home online catalog to make your home Senior Safe.

Q. I want to start making my mother's home safe. Where should I begin?

A. Begin where she spends the most time- her bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and family room. Preventing falls is your top priority, so install grab bars and rails in these rooms, and remove potential obstacles such as throw rugs, ottomans, and coffee tables.

Q. What about ramps inside the house?

A. Utilizing ramps inside the home is a very good idea, because while some thresholds are smooth and do not present a hazardous obstacle, other thresholds are "bumpy" and are easy to trip over. That's where using threshold ramps play an important role in elder-proofing a home.

Q. Which Elder Proof Home products are covered by Medicare?

A. To access a comprehensive explanation of what equipment and devices are and are not covered by Medicare, CLICK HERE . The form is also available from the Medicare website, www.medicare.gov.

Q. I noticed you offer "custom molded raised toilet seats for male comfort." Can these be used by men and women? When would you recommend them?

A. Yes, they may be used by men and women. For men who have difficulty being seated, the custom molded raised style will facilitate comfortable transfer and positioning.

Q. I want to get some things for my home from the Elder Proof Home online catalog, but I'll need help with installation. Do you offer any installation services?

A. We are in the process of assembling a network of EPH-Accredited Installers. Check our Regional Resource Guide, as this is a work in progress. In the meantime, contact your local AAA (Area Agency on Aging - see Resource Guide), for suggestions on finding qualified contractors in your area.

DM12403 - Raised Seat with removable arms for an elongated toilet bowl

Q. I understand that for health reasons, toilet seats, commodes and most other toileting aids are non-returnable. But how do I know which size/shape raised seat model I should order for my mother's toilet?

A. Modern toilet bowls made for the North American market are normally either standard/round or elongated. Round bowls are a squat circle shape whereas elongated toilet bowls are oblong like a stretched egg shape. If you are not sure which shape seat you need, contact the toilet manufacturer for confirmation or measure the bowl side-to-side and back-to-front BEFORE ordering.

Q. Getting up from chairs, especially couches, is such a problem for my mother. When we visit friends or family, what can we do?

A. That's a very common problem, and fortunately, there's an easy answer: Get your mother a portable powered seat, which is lightweight so you can take it with you when you go to the homes of your family or friends.

Q. Why don't you recommend certain models? You have so many, how do I know which one is best for my situation?

A.We offer a variety of models because each caregiver's and senior's needs are different. Some people shop for the lowest price, some shop for the best value, and some shop for the best they can find. An experienced geriatric care manager will be able to assess your situation, and can help you select products that will best suit your needs.

Q. How can I determine which raised toilet seat is the right height?

A.Raised toilet seats make sitting down and standing up easier for seniors. You don't want your loved one's knees bending more than 90º - this is the key factor. Basic toilets are made in varying heights, so adding a raised seat of a certain height depends on the height of the toilet and the angle at the knee. You will find a good selection of raised toilet seats on this website.

Q. How do I know the products listed on Elder Proof Home's catalog are good quality?

A. First of all, our reputation depends on it. We wouldn't be able to last if the products we offer are not good quality products. Besides that, whenever possible, we feature ADA-approved products. Should something not be to your satisfaction, please let us know and we will try to rectify the problem.

Q. Why doesn't your site offer suction cup-type grab bars? I don't want to go through the hassle of finding studs and dealing with hardware, and it's a mess.

A. Our experience is that nothing works better than properly installed, permanently affixed grab bars, like those offered on Elder Proof Home.

Q. I heard that it's a good idea to put bath mats outside the tub area, too. Is this correct?

A. Absolutely! Wet floors are slippery, just like tubs and showers. As we've found from personal experience! Place bath mats on the floor around tubs, showers, toilets and sinks as well.