Archive for Chris Moore

This month I’m going to highlight a bathroom renovation I recently completed. Like many of us my clients were having trouble with their bathroom. As I’ve talked about many times, the bathroom is one of the most challenging areas of the home as we get older. Getting in and out of the bathtub can become difficult, if not impossible. Frequently there are fall and tripping hazards everywhere. This project is an example of how you can transform a bathroom from a hazard to a space designed for aging in place. As you can see, the bathroom was difficult to get in and out of. There was a window in the tub area that been covered up in a previous remodel, so there was no natural light. The commode was standard height, so a raised seat was needed for comfort. As you can see from the black and white striped wallpaper, the walls were really wavy. Overall, it was a bathroom that was unsafe and unsightly. The first thing we did was remove everything but the vanity from the bathroom. We installed solid blocking in the walls for the grab bars we would be installing, reinstalled insulation in the exterior wall, and uncovered the window!  The natural light makes a huge difference! There are no barriers to getting into the shower area and the bathroom is fully wheelchair accessible if that ever becomes necessary. We re-plastered the walls, formed a walk in shower, and installed ceramic tile on the floor and walls. The shower has both a standard showerhead and a hand held showerhead, and the built in seat allows for seated showering. The new taller commode makes getting up and down easier and the grab bar between the commode and the shower folds down to facilitate getting up from the shower seat and also the commode. If you or a loved one could benefit from a similar transformation in your bathroom, please give me a call at 540-384-2064 or send me an email at cmoore@solidrockenterprises.com. I can come to your home and perform a Housing Needs Assessment and then make recommendations about how we can transform your bathroom (or any other room in the house) like the one you see here.

Spring is right around the corner, and I think we will all be glad to see it. We’ve had more than our share of snow, ice, and cold weather this winter and everyone (with the possible exception of skiers) has had enough. As we look forward to spring, many people think about home repairs or renovations that they need or want. Snow building up on the eaves of your house can result in ice dams which can lead to leaks and water damage. Freezing and thawing can lead to cracks in sidewalks, driveways, and even foundations. You may want to improve access to your home, or maybe you just want to update your kitchen or bath. Or maybe you have an aging parent who lives in another state who needs some work done. The question is, “How do you know who you can trust to do a good job and treat you fairly and professionally?” It seems like hardly a week goes by that you don’t hear about some new scam to try to defraud or cheat someone, and seniors are a common target. After working hard all your life to put something back “for a rainy day” the last thing you want is to be taken advantage of. So how do you find a good, honest professional to work on your home or provide other services you need? Probably the best way to check someone out is through word of mouth. Ask around. Talk to other people in the community who have gotten work done and ask them about their experiences. People will generally tell you if they have had a good experience working with a contractor, and they will almost always tell you if they have had a bad experience. Ask about what kind of work the contractor did, how attentive they were to details, how careful they were, and how long it took to complete the work. Most remodeling projects will cause some disruption to your life, but a good contractor will do everything possible to mitigate these disruptions. There are also a lot of websites that are helpful in finding contractors as well as other services that seniors use. Senior Navigator (www.seniornavigator.com) provides lists of resources to help seniors with many aspects of their lives, including finding contractors or other providers. Gilbert Guide (www.gilbertguide.com) and Caring.com (www.caring.com) are companion site that both focus on helping caregivers find resources to help aging seniors live the fullest and longest lives possible. All of the contractors in their database are Certified Aging in Place Specialists, a designation offered by the National Association of Home Builders that requires specialized training in meeting the needs of those who wish to remain in their own homes as they age. It also requires compliance with a Code of Ethics. The Senior List (www.theseniorlist.com) contains listings of services of interest to seniors and lets clients rate their experiences with these providers. Finally, before you agree to have any work done on your home, take the time to get to know the contractor. Talk with them and people they have worked for. Look at some of the other projects they have done. Talk to several different contractors and compare them. Make sure you feel comfortable with them, they are licensed and insured, and get everything in writing. I am always available to look at your building or remodeling projects, or to answer any questions you may have about your home or any other housing matters. Just call me at (540) 556-0650 or email me at cmoore@solidrockenterprises.com. Thank you for reading Housing Matters and have a great spring!

What is Aging in Place? The first myth I want to dispel is that Aging in Place is only for old people. We are all aging every day and even young, healthy people have accidents that render them temporarily or permanently incapacitated to one degree or another. The idea of aging in place is to secure the necessary support services in response to changing personal needs and allowing an individual to remain in their current home. What are the benefits of aging in place? First and foremost most people want to remain in their own homes as they age if at all possible. People have friends, family, memories, comfort, and familiarity in the homes that they have often lived in for many years or even decades. The cost of moving to a retirement community is often prohibitive and the community loses the benefit of years of wisdom when its seasoned citizens are shuffled off into retirement communities. In short, everyone benefits from aging in place. One of the main factors driving the surge in interest in aging in place is the “age wave”. The first baby boomers turn 65 in 2011. The number of people in the United States 65 and older in 2000 was 35 million. By 2030 that number is expected to rise to 71.5 million. More than twice as many! Those over 65 are projected to comprise 20% of the population by that time. So the number and percentage of older residences is increasing dramatically but what about the homes they live in. The vast majority of housing that we now have is what has been described as “Peter Pan Housing”, housing for people who never grow old. Historically, there has been very little thought given in home design to anyone ever having any mobility challenges, much less sight or hearing concerns. So now that we know what the problem is, what can we do about it? The number one goal that I have is to raise awareness about aging in place. If we can get people to anticipate aging in place needs it will be much easier to address when the need arises. Universal Design is the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. The more new construction that is built using these principles, the less there will be a need for home modifications in the future. Many of these design changes add little or nothing to the cost of a new home. When there is a need to adapt or modify someone’s home for aging in place, it is very important to properly assess the present and future needs and make the changes which will have the greatest impact in raising the comfort and functionality of the resident. I use an assessment tool called CASPAR which is the Comprehensive Assessment and Solution Process for Aging Residents. This assessment tool is unique in that it measures the individual’s current and anticipated abilities and limitations and then uses these as benchmarks to assess the functionality of the home. In other words, it measures whether the home is a good fit for the person rather than simply comparing the home to a predetermined checklist. In conclusion, there are many exciting advancements in the field of aging in place. A paradigm shift is occurring which will open up many options and choices for millions of people who love their homes, but whose homes just don’t work for them any more. After all, there’s no place like home.

As I am writing this I am looking forward to Christmas, all the sights and sounds and smells and tastes of the season when we take time to celebrate the birth of our Lord and to take stock of the important things in life. By the time you read these words, however it will be the beginning of a New Year, the time when many of us think in terms of turning over a new leaf and setting goals and targets of things we would like to get done. If one of your goals in the New Year is to make some improvements in your housing situation, either by remodeling or moving into a different home, I have a great place to start. On January 8-10 the Greater Roanoke Home and Garden Show will be at the Roanoke Civic Center. I will be teaching several seminars during this show on Aging in Place, Universal Design, and Home Modifications. I don’t know the exact times yet, but I have been told they will be on Friday afternoon. Please call me or check the show schedule for more information. I will cover aspects of housing that relates to the ability to safely and comfortably remain in our homes for as long as we choose to. I will be exploring some of the tools and technologies that are available to help seniors live safely and comfortably in their own homes. I will spend some time talking about Universal Design principles for building homes that don’t need adaptation and also how to adapt those homes that weren’t built with those principles. Also early in the New Year, I will have finished my CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist) certification and my Executive Certificate in Home Modifications from the Andrus Gerontology Center at the University of Southern California. I have been learning a great deal as I have been pursuing this training to better prepare myself to serve the housing needs of the aging population of the Roanoke Valley and beyond. I know the word aging often has negative connotations, but really we’re all aging every day and hopefully getting wiser as well. My goal is to help make our homes more conducive to the aging process. One of the projects I hope to launch in the New Year is to build some small clusters of Universal Design and accessible homes throughout the area. If you or someone you know would be interested in more information on these homes that would feature one floor living, fully accessible floor plans, and a sense of community, please call for more information. I also plan on doing lots of Housing Needs Assessments in the New Year and improving the lives of many people who are having difficulty getting around in their homes. One of the things that I have learned about Aging in Place is how few people are aware of their options. Through venues like this column and shows and events throughout the coming year, I intend to do my best to help raise awareness of the options we have to live out our lives in our own homes in the way we choose, in safety and comfort. Thank you all for taking the time to read this column in 2009, and please let me know if you have questions or topics you’d like to see covered in Housing Matters in 2010.You can reach me (540) 384-2064, by Email at cmoore@solidrockenterprises.com or by mail at 428 W Riverside Dr Salem VA 24153. I wish each and every one of you a Happy and Productive New Year.

This is my favorite time of year. The sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of Christmas bring with them such warm thoughts and memories as we celebrate the birth of our Lord. We gather in our friends and families’ home to celebrate the season and enjoy each other’s company. But what if someone can’t get in? Most of us live in what has been referred to as “Peter Pan” housing. (For people who never get old!) If you or a loved one has had an injury or an illness that has affected your mobility, or if you are simply feeling the effects of getting older, you may find that there are now obstacles to simply getting into your or a loved one’s home. Or you may have difficulty getting into or using the bathroom when you do get into the house. I have spent much of the past week in CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist) training. This certification, offered by the National Association of Home Builders is the only nationally recognized certification for building professionals who perform aging in place home modifications. These modifications allow people to stay in their homes when their abilities and limitations are changing. We spoke a lot about Universal Design which is the type of design that allows anyone regardless of ability or limitation to use the space without special adaptation or modification. We also talked about visitability. Visitability is the minimum level of accessibility that would allow a person with a disability the ability to visit the house. In general terms, this means an entryway that can be used by a person who uses a wheelchair or has other mobility impairments. It also means that there is at least one accessible bathroom on the main floor of the house. I think in the future we will see more houses built with these and other accessible features built in. After all, the added cost of many accessible or universal design features is very low when they are incorporated into the design when a new home is being constructed. These same features can involve much more time and expense when they are added later to an existing house. The difference in cost between a 2’-4” door with a standard handle and a 3’-0” door with a lever handle might be less than $20 when you are building the house, but it could be hundreds to replace the smaller door in an existing house. That door could make the difference between you or someone else using that room or getting into your house. I am working to increase awareness in the coming year of how our homes can work for us or against us. I am available to do Housing Needs Assessments and can often make a huge difference in safety and quality of life or just enable everyone to make it to your holiday feast for less than you might think. I am also available to speak to your church or civic group about home safety, home modification, aging in place, or any related subjects. Just call me at 540-384-2064, email me at cmoore@solidrockenterprises.com or drop me a line at Solid Rock Enterprises, Inc. 428 W Riverside Dr Salem VA 24153. I wish every one of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I have enjoyed writing this column and I welcome questions or suggestions about topics you’d like to see covered here in Housing Matters.

One of the challenges of working with aging adults who want to stay in their homes as they grow older has been how to effectively assess their homes. We try to determine what home modifications could be done to make their homes safer, more accessible, and more comfortable. Most assessments have fallen into one of three categories. Self assessments, or simple checklists, call for you to check off features you have or don’t have. Evaluating performance is the type of assessment that measures a person’s abilities and limitations with little thought for the home they are living in. This is the type of assessment typically done by physical and occupational therapists. Finally, there is the type of assessment that builders and remodelers like myself usually do. We measure the features of the home and compare them to certain pre determined standards such as ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). The drawback to each of these approaches is that each one only looks at one piece of the puzzle. The real question that needs to be answered is how is each person with their unique abilities and limitations functioning in that particular home? In other words, is the home a good fit for the person? In studying for my Executive Certificate in Home Modification, I discovered an assessment tool that answers this question. This assessment tool is called CASPAR™ (Comprehensive Assessment and Solution Process for Aging Residents). This is the first assessment tool that I have seen that really answers the question, “Is the home a good fit for the person?” The assessment begins by asking the person we are doing the assessment for if they have any difficulty with each of a list of tasks. The next step is to find out what problems they might be having in various functions and activities throughout the house. Then we prioritize the problem areas in order of importance and urgency. Only after these items are addressed do we take measurements of the areas of the home that require modification. We prepare an itemized proposal of the modifications we recommend and present it to the client. The entire process allows the client to be in charge and choose only those modifications they desire. Having CASPAR™ in my toolbelt will allow me to help many aging residents stay in their homes for many years to come. For more information on home modifications, CASPAR™, or Solid Rock Enterprises, Inc. please call 540-384-2064 or email cmoore@solidrockenterprises.com.

In this column each month, I talk about matters of housing and how we can live fuller, longer and more productive lives in our own homes. One of the things that saddens me is that we have a tendency to view our elderly as a liability rather than an asset when they reach the point where it is difficult for them to care for themselves. What a shame! At the point in their lives when the rest of us can gain so much from their collective wisdom, they are encouraged to move into communities that are in large measure isolated from the rest of us. In order to remain in their homes as long as possible, seniors need to be safe and secure in their homes. Safety and security are of the highest importance for the peace of mind and reassurance of the senior as well as their families and caregivers. The following five areas are very important in assuring that you have a safe and secure home: Entryway It is important to have a safe and secure entry into the home. Ideally it should be a zero step entry. This can be accomplished by use of a ramp or grading. The entry should be well lighted, preferably with motion sensor controls. The door should be at least 36” wide and have a covered 5’ by 5’ open area in front of the door with an open area along the wall next to the opening side of the door of 18”-24”. The handle should be a lever style lock, and a monitor can be installed to alert caregivers and provide security. Bathroom The bathroom is the room in the house that can be the greatest challenge for a person with limited mobility. I covered some of the problems and solutions with bathrooms in last month’s column and I’d be happy to send you a reprint if you missed it. It is also important to have a way to call for help if you need it, especially if you live alone. This can be accomplished by having a phone in each bathroom or with various types of monitors. Kitchen The kitchen is another room that can be a hazard. Some areas to look at are non slip flooring, easily accessible controls on appliances, varied counter heights, appliances raised up from floor level for easier access, and adequate lighting. There are products available which will turn off a range or oven automatically if there are memory or dementia concerns. Fall Prevention The fear of falling and injuries from falling keeps many seniors from staying in their homes. It is important to inspect the entire home and identify and repair any potential hazards that might cause a fall. The floor should be nonslip with no loose rugs or other obstructions that might present a tripping hazard. Furniture and fixtures should be arranged in such a way to provide unobstructed access throughout the house. Finally, grab bars and railings should be provided as needed throughout the house. Communication It is vitally important that seniors, especially those living alone, can reach help at all times and also that they can easily stay in touch with their loved ones. Many technologies now exist and are being developed daily to help seniors stay connected with their families and caregivers, as well as with their service providers. Solid Rock Enterprises, Inc. provides a Home Safety Inspection that can identify these and other hazards in your home and provide solutions. For more information log on to our website at www.solidrockenterprises.com, call 540-384-2064, email cmoore@solidrockenterprises.com or write to us at: Solid Rock Enterprises, Inc. 428 West Riverside Drive Salem, VA 24153

This month I’m going to focus on bathrooms. The bathroom is the room in the house that presents the biggest challenge to the elderly or those with various types of disabilities. Most homes have small bathrooms with a tub, a commode and a sink lined up on one wall or the tub on one side and the commode and the sink on the other wall. Both of these configurations can be cumbersome at best and downright dangerous at worst to anyone that has trouble walking or balance or mobility challenges. To add insult to injury, most bathrooms have 28” or 30” doors, making access in a wheelchair next to impossible. Many times people with good intentions but lacking the necessary skills make the situation worse by poorly installing grab bars or other handholds that can come loose when relied on for support. A poorly installed grab bar is worse than no grab bar at all. A towel bar or other support that is unable to support the weight of someone leaning on it can also be dangerous if located where it might be grabbed. There are many ways to combat these accessibility issues. The ideal solution is to add another bathroom or expand and remodel the existing bathroom to incorporate universal design principles. Some of the features I like to see included in a universally accessible bathroom are: 36” entry door with lever style hardware Ample floor space in front of and leading to fixtures (shower, commode, sink) 5’ diameter unobstructed floor space for turning wheelchair Barrier free (curb-less) shower with handheld shower head and fold up seat Sink with leg space beneath for seated use. Grab bars throughout for safety Adequate lighting with rocker style switches Non slip flooring Anti-scald faucet with single lever handle for the shower and sink Rounded corners throughout. If installing a completely accessible bathroom is impractical, what can be done to make an existing bathroom safer and more convenient without starting from scratch? There are many less expensive options that can make a big difference. Grab bars can be added to provide something to hold onto. Swing clear hinges can add 2” of width to the doorway without replacing the door. A standard vanity can be replaced with a wall hung lavatory. The bathtub can be removed and a “wet area” design can allow the entire bathroom to become a roll in shower. The existing bathtub can also be left in place and retrofitted to allow the bather to step through the tub. It is very beneficial to have someone familiar with universal design principles and who understands the physical limitations of the person using the bathroom to help with the design. Keep in mind that there are few hard and fast rules, but rather there are guidelines to improve accessibility and every situation is different. If you or your loved one is having trouble with any of these areas or you see the potential down the road, please call me and I will be happy to take a look at your home and make recommendations to make your life easier and more comfortable. (This service is free with our ad on page ?) You may be surprised how much difference even small changes can make. You don’t have to endure the difficulty if you are having trouble with access to the basic comforts of home. Please call me at 540-384-2064 or send me an e mail at cmoore@solidrockenterprises.com if you are ready to access your future.

Front Porch Designs That Feel Like Home   There’s something special about spending summer evenings on the front porch — chatting with neighbors, enjoying the breeze, and watching the world slow down. A thoughtful house front porch design doesn’t just improve your home’s look — it brings back that feeling of connection and comfort.   Why Your Front Porch Design Matters Your Front porch design is often the first thing people notice, and it sets the tone for your entire home. Whether you’re dreaming of a classic Southern style or prefer a modern, contemporary front porch, the right layout can make your home more inviting — and more livable. Simple Ideas to Upgrade Your Front Porch   Front Porch Railing Designs A porch railing can do more than provide safety. It can define your home’s personality. Try railing designs for the front porch that match your house — wood for warmth, metal for a clean, modern look. Mix railings with planters or subtle lighting to add charm.   Front Porch Steps Designs Your steps should feel welcoming, not just functional. Choose stone or brick for a natural touch, or painted wood for a cozy cottage vibe. Well-lit front porch steps designs improve safety and add nighttime appeal.   Small Front Porch Designs Even a tiny space can shine with the right setup. Add a chair, a hanging fern, and good lighting — that’s all you need for a relaxing spot. Smart small front porch makes compact spaces feel open and full of life.   Accessibility and Comfort If you or someone in your family needs easier access, design it beautifully from the start. Ramps can blend right into your front porch when built with matching materials. Shrubs or planters help them look natural. In some homes, a small lift works better than a long ramp — we help you choose what fits best. Making Function and Style Work Together At Solid Rock Enterprises, we’ve spent years helping homeowners create front porch railing designs and front porch steps designs that look great and make daily life easier.Here’s how we do it: We visit your home to understand your layout and accessibility needs. Then we design ramps, railings, and walkways that complement your home’s style. Everything is customized — from the house front porch to the smallest detail.   Modern Contemporary Front Porch-Designs Are Trending If your taste leans modern: Go for clean lines, neutral tones, and sleek metal railings. Add recessed lighting or composite decking for a fresh, low-maintenance finish. These modern contemporary front porches look elegant while staying practical.   Enjoy the Porch Life Again Your porch should be a place to unwind — not just an entryway. With the right design, it can be both accessible and beautiful. If you’re thinking about upgrading your porch or improving accessibility, call Chris Moore at 540-384-2064 or email cmoore@solidrockenterprises.com. Take a seat, breathe in the evening air — your front porch is waiting.   Frequently Asked Questions

Most of the traditional homes and public places where we go about our day to day lives have been designed to accommodate what would be considered an average person. Everything from the height of light switches and counter tops to the size and shape of doorknobs has developed over time as standard practice in the building industry. I have been writing in this column about home modifications when some of these configurations are inconvenient or completely unworkable for people with different abilities and mobility needs. This month I am going to switch gears a little bit and write about designing a home that can be used comfortably by just about everyone. The idea that we can design a home that can be used by children or adults, people with various handicaps, those recovering from illness or injury, people who are smaller or larger than average or those with restricted mobility, is called Universal Design. Universal Design can be defined as the design of products and environments to be usable to the greatest extent possible by people of all ages and abilities. The idea is to design homes that are universally workable by all people so that modifications will not be needed as you age or through circumstances such as injury or illness.  Many of these design elements use standard products or materials. There are many new products coming out almost daily that use technology to help elderly people live more independent lives in their own homes. There are seven principles of Universal Design. Following these principles when designing a new home or remodeling an existing home will result in the space being more useful and comfortable to a wide range of people. The principles are: Equitable Use – The design is useful to people with different abilities. Flexibility in Use – The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities. Simple and Intuitive Use – Use of the design is easy to understand. Perceptible Information – The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user. Tolerance for Error – The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions. Low Physical Effort – The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue. Size and Space for Approach and Use – Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation and use. All of these principles should apply regardless of a person’s experience, knowledge, sensory abilities, body size, posture, mobility, or other conditions. In short, a house designed using these principles would be “user friendly”. Some examples of these principles in action would be entryways with no steps and motion sensor lighting, curbless showers, elevated or adjustable height toilets, and grab bars in bathrooms, and varied or adjustable counters, and front mounted controls and knee spaces under cook tops and sinks in kitchens. Using 3’ wide doors and 4’ wide hallways throughout a home costs almost nothing when building a new home but can make all the difference in the world later if you find yourself navigating the home in a wheelchair. Some design elements anticipate future changes. For example, in a two story home, if you stack two closets directly above each other with a removable floor and rough in the wiring it would be very easy to add an elevator later if the need arises. Many of these designs can be integrated very easily into a new home and make your life easier for years to come. For more information on Universal Design or other housing matters call me at 540-384-2064 or Email cmoore@solidrockenterprises.com.