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Article: Housing Modifications for Accessibility

Home Modifications for Accessibility

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1. Home Modifications for Accessibility

People generally like to live in their own homes for as long as possible.  This often means adapting the home as we age to continue our independence safely.   This is a key support to “aging in place”.   In addition to providing a more familiar and comfortable environment, continuing in one’s own home can be very cost effective.

Home modifications can include wheel-chair ramps to get up to the house, automatic doors to get in and out, interior ramps and lifts to manage stairs, accessible showers and convenient grab rails.

As with any other solution, it is best to identify the problem to be solved first.  There are many ways to do this.

A resident can go through their house room by room and note areas of difficulty in managing their activities of daily living.  Try not to assign “solutions” yet.  Just identify the problems.  Examples might include:

-  I have a hard time balancing carrying the groceries up the steps from garage to the kitchen. 

- I get vertigo in the shower

- I can’t see the numbers on the phone well

- The connecting hallway between rooms is darker and I trip on the runner rug.

- I have to be careful that the water isn’t too hot in the shower.

- I have to go down a flight of stairs to the laundry

- I have a great deal of difficulty opening the garage door.

This focus on daily problems will help key on needs that are often overlooked.  Another good way to look at needs is to use a checklist.  United Disability Services (UDS) provides a good checklist here: https://udservices.org/blog/home-accessibility-checklist/

A third way to evaluate needs is to have a trained professional assess the environment for potential dangers.  Because of training and experience they may be able to spot risks before they become problems.  The Certified Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS) program was developed by the National Association of Home Builders in partnership with AARP.  A specialist is trained to identify current and future needs of seniors in order to provide a plan for minimizing barriers to remaining at home.  An elders’ own Occupational Therapist may also be a good resource for spotting emerging barriers in the home based on their experience with the elder.

Here is a good website https://homemods.org/ which offers “training and education opportunities for professionals who wish to respond to the increasing demand for home modification services. It also serves as an information clearinghouse on home modification to equip professionals and consumers with a comprehensive inventory of resources such as a National Directory of Home Modification and Repair Resources.”

Once a “needs assessment” is done and an improvement plan are complete, it’s time to get the job done.  Unfortunately home improvement contractor scams are not uncommon.  Some quick guidelines:

1. Have your work scope defined and detailed.  I want these specific things done…
2. Get a good list of reputable contractors, and get more than one of them to provide a description of work, bids and schedules.
3.  Have a contract that defines what you want and how much will be paid at each stage of completion.  Avoid full up-front payment. Hold back an amount to be paid at contract completion. 

Sound contractor management is for everybody, not just elders and there are a variety of web-based resources that can help structure a successful project.  Finally, there may be legal resources available under the heading of “Elder Law” to help reduce risks beforehand and/or minimize damages after the fact.    Don’t delay safety improvements because of this fear – contact your local Area Agency on Aging or Center for Independent Living for additional guidance.

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Last Updated on 5/25/2021