It's no secret that we, as a nation, are getting older. And with that experience we understand the importance of being prepared and of taking care of ourselves. And while we try to eat right and exercise a little bit more, when we start to age, getting around the home can start to become a challenge. A challenge we, as America's plumbing leader, are committed to helping overcome. While true that the majority of accidents in the home among our elderly happen in the bathroom, a few simple updates and changes cannot only make the bathroom safer, but also a little more user-friendly. As folks age in place in their homes, what we're noticing more and more is that our joints get rusty and we aren't as able to move around easily whether it's due to arthritis or other complications from other diseases. It's like a balance beam, safety is on one side and independence is on the other, and sometimes safety outweighs independence. So if we can do things to keep folks safer in their homes, then we can ensure that they can be independent in their homes for as long as possible. Showers can be equipped with grip handles. Some can be installed as simply as a suction cup and easily moved or removed. Speaking of grip, showers and tubs can be slippery, so consider installing no slip tape. We like the kind that look like water droplets but that's just us. The toilet can be replaced with ADA approved raised-height models, look for the ADA symbol, or you can purchase a raised toilet seat at many pharmacies and department stores. Another simple fix you may not have thought of are faucet and shower handles, which can sometimes be challenging to turn on and off, particularly for someone with arthritis. Also, don't forget to check the temperature settings on the water heater as water can sometimes scald. So consider installing a no-scald regulator. Meanwhile, you should never be afraid to ask for help. Keep in mind there can be less than professional characters that may try to take advantage of the elderly. All Roto-Rooter technicians are expertly trained, licensed, fully insured, in clearly uniformed and identifiable. If your goal is to stay in your home independently and to age in place, then it's important that you safety-proof your home so that you can. As we age, we need to keep in mind some things to make our lives or the lives of a loved one a bit easier. And remember, when you need us, we're always there. You know the name. [Roto-Rooter jingle]