Aging In Place Remodeling

Aging in place refers to the ability of an individual, particularly older adults, to live in their own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level. This concept is centered around the idea that aging individuals should have the choice to stay in their familiar environment where they have strong social networks, instead of moving to institutional settings or senior living facilities.

Aging in place involves adapting and modifying the home environment to meet the changing needs of the aging individual, ensuring that the space is safe, accessible, and supportive of their independence. This might include installing grab bars in bathrooms, modifying steps and thresholds, improving lighting, and implementing technology that aids in health monitoring and communication.

AARP has a HomeFit Guide: An Aging in Place Remodeling Checklist that you can utilize as both an educational resource and a personalized tool kit, providing lessons, suggestions and practical solutions. The guide is a great resource to keep on your bookshelf or share with friends and family.

At Broderick Dean Construction, we are a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) contractor. We would be honored to assist you or your loved one in maintaining independence as you age.

A Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) is someone who understands the aging-in-place home remodeling market and the technology, tools and resources that are available for seniors to age in place. Broderick Dean Construction holds a CAPS designation given by the National Association of Home Builders.

Certified Aging in Place (CAPS) professionals, like those at Broderick Dean Construction, play a crucial role in assisting homeowners, particularly older adults, in remodeling their homes to accommodate their needs as they age. These professionals are trained to understand the unique needs of the aging population and can offer a range of services tailored to ensure homes are safe, comfortable, and accessible. Here’s how they can assist in home remodeling:

1. Assessment of Needs: CAPS professionals begin with a thorough assessment of the current and anticipated needs of the resident. This includes evaluating mobility, accessibility, and safety issues that may affect the resident's ability to live independently. Broderick Dean Construction can conduct detailed evaluations of your home to identify areas that may pose risks or challenges as you or your loved one age.
2. Customized Remodeling Plans: Based on the assessment, they create customized remodeling plans that address the specific needs of the homeowner. These plans may include widening doorways for wheelchair access, installing grab bars in bathrooms, and modifying shower areas to be step-free. Broderick Dean Construction specializes in designing remodeling projects that not only meet the functional requirements of aging in place but also maintain the aesthetic appeal of your home.
3. Implementation of Universal Design Principles: CAPS professionals are skilled in implementing universal design principles, which ensure that the home environment is accessible to people of all ages and abilities. This can include installing lever door handles, creating accessible kitchen countertops, and ensuring that flooring is slip-resistant. Broderick Dean Construction incorporates these principles to enhance the usability and accessibility of your home.
4. Technology Integration: Modern technology can greatly enhance the safety and comfort of those choosing to age in place. CAPS professionals can recommend and install technology solutions like emergency response systems, smart thermostats, and lighting control systems. Broderick Dean Construction stays abreast of the latest technological advancements to incorporate them into their remodeling projects, ensuring your home supports your independence.
5. Ongoing Support and Maintenance: Aging in place often requires ongoing adjustments and maintenance. CAPS professionals can provide support and services for future modifications as needs evolve. Broderick Dean Construction offers ongoing support and maintenance services to ensure that your home continues to meet your needs over time.

By choosing a CAPS certified contractor like Broderick Dean Construction, homeowners can rest assured that their aging in place remodeling project will be handled with expertise, care, and a deep understanding of the needs of older adults. These professionals ensure that your home not only meets your current needs but is also prepared to adapt to future changes, allowing for a safe, comfortable, and independent lifestyle as you age.

Deciding to age in place involves careful consideration of various factors to ensure that it is a feasible and safe option for the long term. Here are key considerations before making this decision:

1. Health and Mobility: Assess current and anticipated health conditions and mobility levels. Aging in place might be more challenging for individuals with significant health issues or mobility impairments. Consider whether the home can be modified to accommodate these needs.
2. Home Safety and Accessibility: Evaluate whether the home can be modified for safety and accessibility. This includes looking at the need for features such as grab bars, no-step entries, wheelchair-accessible doorways, and bathrooms that can accommodate mobility aids.
3. Support Network: Consider the strength of your local support network. Having family, friends, or caregivers nearby can be crucial for those times when additional help is needed. This support network can assist with everything from daily chores to emergency situations.
4. Services and Amenities: Check the availability of necessary services and amenities. This includes healthcare services, shopping, public transportation, and social activities. Being close to these services can significantly impact the quality of life and independence.
5. Financial Considerations: Evaluate the financial implications of aging in place. Home modifications, in-home care services, and other support services can be costly. It’s important to plan for these expenses and consider how they fit into your long-term financial plan.
6. Emergency Preparedness: Plan for emergencies. This involves having a system in place for medical emergencies, natural disasters, or any other situations that might require immediate attention or evacuation.
7. Home Maintenance: Consider the effort and cost associated with ongoing home maintenance. As physical abilities change, tasks such as lawn care, house cleaning, and minor repairs might become more challenging.
8. Technology Use: Evaluate the potential for incorporating technology to assist in living independently. Technologies such as medical alert systems, smart home devices, and telehealth services can enhance safety and convenience.
9. Legal and Administrative Planning: Ensure that all legal, financial, and administrative arrangements are in place. This includes having up-to-date wills, advance directives, and possibly setting up a power of attorney.
10. Personal Preferences: Finally, personal preferences and quality of life considerations are paramount. Some individuals might prefer to stay in their homes due to the emotional attachments and memories, while others might prioritize convenience and social interaction found in community living situations.

Careful assessment and planning in these areas can help determine whether aging in place is the right decision and what steps need to be taken to make it a viable and positive experience.

Modifying your home to accommodate potential mobility challenges involves planning and making specific changes that enhance accessibility, safety, and independence. Here are several key modifications to consider:

Entrance and Exits

• No-Step Entry: Create at least one no-step entry to your home. This might involve building a ramp or regrading the landscape to eliminate steps.
• Wider Doorways: Widen doorways to at least 32 inches to accommodate wheelchairs or walkers.

Bathroom

• Grab Bars: Install grab bars in the shower, bathtub, and near the toilet to assist with balance and prevent falls.
• Walk-In Shower: Replace bathtubs with walk-in showers that have a no-step entry.
• Raised Toilet: Consider a raised toilet seat or a toilet that is higher than standard to make sitting down and standing up easier.

Kitchen

• Variable Height Countertops: Install countertops at varying heights to accommodate seated or standing use.
• Pull-Out Shelves: Use pull-out shelves and drawers in lower cabinets for easier access.
• Lever Handles: Replace knobs with lever handles for easier grip and use.

Flooring

• Non-Slip Flooring: Choose non-slip flooring options or treatments, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways.
• Smooth Transitions: Ensure that flooring transitions between rooms are smooth to prevent tripping and facilitate easier movement.

Stairs and Hallways

• Stair Lifts or Elevators: For homes with multiple levels, consider installing a stair lift or a residential elevator.
• Handrails: Install handrails on both sides of stairways and in long hallways.

Lighting and Electrical

• Increased Lighting: Improve lighting throughout the home, especially in entryways, stairwells, and task areas.
• Accessible Outlets and Switches: Ensure that electrical outlets, switches, and thermostats are at reachable heights and possibly consider smart home technologies for remote control.

Emergency Preparedness

• Personal Alert System: Consider a wearable emergency call button or personal alert system.
• Smart Home Devices: Install smart home devices that can be controlled remotely for security, lighting, and temperature.

Adapting a home to meet the needs of someone with mobility challenges requires thoughtful planning and expert execution. At Broderick Dean Construction, we are Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS), offering professional services to assess your home and recommend the best modifications tailored to your needs. We specialize in creating safe, accessible, and comfortable living spaces that allow individuals to maintain their independence and quality of life. From simple installations like grab bars to more complex renovations such as bathroom remodels and the addition of lifts or ramps, we have the expertise and experience to ensure your home meets your mobility needs now and in the future.

Area Agencies on Aging Funds (AAA) The Older Americans Act provides funds for the elderly that are distributed through the local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA). This network of some 600 agencies has flexibility in how these funds are used. Some AAA may offer eligible seniors small grants to make home modifications and repairs.

Money Follows the Person (MFP) This is a Medicaid program designed for individuals who currently live-in nursing homes and wish to return to living at home or in the home of their family. The MFP program provides up to $45,000 for home modifications, such as widening doorways, lowering cabinets, and addition of wheelchair ramps. However, there are multiple requirements to be eligible. First and foremost, one must be an active participant in the MFP program, which means they must be on Medicaid and be living in a nursing home. Funds are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Finally, they must have authorization for the modification from the Department of Medical Assistance.

Weatherization Assistance Programs (WAP) This federal program via the U.S. Department of Energy provides assistance to low-income homeowners to improve their home’s weather resistance, thereby reducing their energy consumption and lowering their monthly utility bills. The program is not intended to pay for home modifications for the elderly or disabled. But some weatherization improvements overlap with disability modifications. For example, in the process of replacing doors and windows to improve insulation, the replacement materials can also be selected to improve the home’s accessibility. Narrow, drafty doorframes can be replaced with wider, wheelchair friendly ones. On average, $6,500 is spent per eligible applicant.

Veterans-Directed, Home and Community Based Services (VD-HCBS) This program is referred to as VD-HCBS for short. It is designed to help veterans that potentially require nursing home care, to remain living in their homes. To achieve that goal, the program helps pay for home modifications or environmental accessibility adaptations that enable a disabled veteran to maintain their independence.

Reverse Mortgages A reverse mortgage is a loan that seniors take against their home’s equity. Similar to a home equity loan except it differs in that it does not have to be repaid until the home is sold or the owner moves out for a period of one year. This makes a reverse mortgage a good resource for those seniors who wish to make home modifications in order to remain living in their home or “age in place.”

Tax Deductions and Credits Almost all home modifications or improvements made to accommodate aging-related disabilities can be tax deductible in some fashion. The purchasing cost of any special equipment — for example, handrails and kitchen and electrical fixtures as well as the service costs for the installation of this equipment — is tax deductible as a medical expense.