New name for Aging in Place
Louis Tenenbaum has done it again. With his experience and insight, Louis Tenenbaum has come up with a better name for aging in place. Many of us in the industry have thought we needed a new term for some time. No one likes the term Aging. People recoil from the term and don’t like to think of themselves as old. Old is always five years older than whatever age I happen to be. Additionally, in spite of a lot of media attention, most people still don’t have any idea what Aging in Place is. Louis has suggested that instead of Aging in Place we call it Long Term Care at Home. Most people understand what long term care is. What we are saying is that you can choose to receive long term care at home instead of in a facility. Not only CAN you choose it, but it is the BEST choice. Brilliant! Read the full article here: http://www.louistenenbaum.com/aging-in-place-is-the-best-long-term-care-strategy/
First Aging in Place National Planning Day
The first aging in place national planning day has been set for October 15. As part of aging in place week, the planning day is a day set aside for people to make a plan to remain safely and comfortably in their homes for the rest of their lives. Up until now, aging in place (or Long Term Care at Home, a better term coined by Louis Tenenbaum) has been the concept that by accessing resources including financial, healthcare, personal care, transportation, home modifications, etc. at home rather than in a facility. What has been missing in many if not most scenarios has been a plan to make that happen. That is the goal of the aging in place planning day. resources will be available from the National Aging in Place Council to help in the process. Look for local events all over the country to help people put together an aging in place plan. Stay tuned here for information on a local event here in the Roanoke Valley.
Home Modifications Questions and Answers
This month I will begin an occasional series in Housing Matters listing some of the questions that get asked about various subjects concerning home modifications and their answers. If you have questions you would like to see answered here, please send them to cmoore@solidrockenterprises.com or call 540-384-2064. I hope this information is helpful to you. How do I know if home modifications are necessary? Many times, particularly if an aging parent lives alone, the other family members may not be aware of the struggles their loved one is having. Make a point when visiting to observe how they get around the house. Input from their doctor and other health care professionals may give you insight on their abilities and areas of difficulty. If you have concerns, it is probably time to consider an assessment. Find a contractor who specializes in home modification and who will coordinate with their health care team. What are the most important home modifications to have done? I break home modifications down into three categories, safety, accessibility, and convenience. While there is certainly some overlap and most projects will have elements of each, we need to consider the priority of projects in this order. Anything that presents a fall or other safety hazard should be taken care of immediately. Those modifications which enhance accessibility should be done as soon as possible, and those which are primarily for convenience can be delayed if budgetary concerns warrant. My loved one is very unsteady and I am worried about falls. What can I do to help prevent falls? You are correct to be concerned about falls. About one third of adults over the age of 65 fall each year, and of those who fall, two thirds will fall again within six months. The first thing you should do is make sure that there are no trailing extension cords, loose throw rugs, or clutter that could present a tripping hazard. Then make sure you have railings or grab bars installed wherever practical as something to hold onto. Having hand holds in place before they are needed will get you in the habit of reaching for them, so that when you need them the habit is already ingrained. Please don’t wait until after a fall to take action! Consider replacing slippery flooring with a non slip alternative. Remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. What are the most important home modifications to have done? I break home modifications down into three categories, safety, accessibility, and convenience. While there is certainly some overlap and most projects will have elements of each, we need to consider the priority of projects in this order. Anything that presents a fall or other safety hazard should be taken care of immediately. Those modifications which enhance accessibility should be done as soon as possible, and those which are primarily for convenience can be delayed if budgetary concerns warrant. It is hard for me to get in and out of the bathtub and I am afraid of falling. What should I do? I would strongly recommend that you have some grab bars installed. Having a strong handhold is especially important in the bathroom where surfaces are slippery and falls are common. In addition, you might want to consider a tub cut that converts your existing bathtub into a step in shower or removing the tub and installing a curbless shower. Also, if the floor of the bathroom or the shower is slippery, consider applying a non slip coating or stick on treads for a better grip.
Medical Resources and Solutions
Housing Matters is excited to announce a collaborative effort with Medical Resources and Solutions. Our new showroom is now open at 2067 Electric Rd. (OakGrovePlaza next door to McDonalds). Medical Resources and Solutions is a specialty DME dealer owned by Mark Seidel. They specialize in wound care and offer specialty durable medical equipment that is not available from other DME dealers in the area. Through the combined resources and experience of Medical Resources and Solutions and Senior Remodeling Experts (a division of Solid Rock Enterprises, Inc.) we will be able to provide solutions for people with nearly any medical or aging related need in their homes. Mark and I share a belief that providing solutions to people’s problems is our primary vocation. In a world where customer service is an increasingly rare commodity, we are pleased to bring you a showroom where you will find solutions to a myriad of conditions that many of us are struggling with. Here are some of the products and services you will find represented at the new showroom: Lifts Stair lifts, Chair lifts, platform lifts, portable seat lifts, and ceiling lifts for temporary or permanent use can help those with limited mobility and their caregivers get through their days a little easier. Ramps Aluminum, steel and wooden temporary wheelchair ramps as well as permanent ramps to blend in with the style of any home or business. Elevators Commercial and residential elevators for any use Specialized Medical Equipment If there is any type of specialized medical equipment you need, come see us, we can probably help. Renovation If any area inside or outside of your home isn’t meeting your needs, we have the experience and expertise to renovate it to meet your needs for a lifetime. Remote monitoring We offer the Simply Home system which monitors the activities of anyone who needs it and can send an alert in the event of any trouble or concern. Also available are automated medication dispensers, telehealth wellness tools, and a GPS medical alert that works whether you are home or away. Safeway Steps A tub cut with or without a tub door allows your existing bathtub to be converted into a step in shower quickly and inexpensively. Often combined with gab bars, tub seats, and handheld showers to make showering easier for those with mobility issues. Kitchen and bathroom remodeling The kitchen and bathroom are two of the areas that can be most difficult to negotiate for someone with mobility issues. We have years of experience creating accessible solutions. Solutions for Wound Care Including supplies and the ability to bill the insurance carriers for the service. Adaptive devices for ADL- Activities of daily living Handy items to help with the daily activities associated with care. Special Air Flow Mattresses to combat Bed sores ( decubitus) Special equipment that adapts to the home like they use at the hospital or the nursing home. For more information give us a call at 540-384-2064 or 540-989-0823 or come by and see us at 2067 Electric Rd next to McDonalds. Thank you for reading Housing Matters!
Article on Aging in Place
We were recently featured in an article about aging in place Here is a link if you would like to check it out: http://www.nowu.com/article/nurture/aging-in-place/12214191/
Western and Central Virginia Aging in Place Council
As the Director of Education for the Western and Central Virginia Aging in Place Council I am pleased to announce that we are officially in business. The purpose of the Council is to raise awareness of the benefits of aging in place also known as long term care at home. We will be holding events throughout the area to help educate people on the value of staying home as they age and how to access the resources needed to do so safely and comfortably. If you own a business or are involved with an organization that services seniors in their homes in western or central Virginia, we would love to have you join us. For more information, visit http://www.ageinplace.org/Local-Chapters/Western-and-Central-Virginia Our next meeting will be Tuesday, July 29 at 4:30 at ProSource in Roanoke
Sometimes a Little goes a Long Way
Generally speaking, most people thank of remodeling or home modifications as being expensive. Without question, many of the solutions that we talk about in Housing Matters can be costly. There are, however, many effective aging in place solutions that are surprisingly affordable. A Baltimore area study being conducted by the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing is looking at how six visits from an occupational therapist, four visits from a nurse, and just over a thousand dollars worth of home modifications can improve someone’s ability to remain safely and comfortably in their home. “We see housing as a part of health care,” says project leader Sarah Szanton, Ph.D., an associate professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. “What one can do is a function of where one lives, so the home is a place worthy of health-care investment. What actually gets someone out of their home and into an institution are the functional consequences of disease – you can’t get your leg over the tub or you can’t stand long enough to cook.” By making modifications to the home such as a Safeway Step or a cooktop or sink with removable cabinet fronts, people find that these challenges are solved and life is easier. Some of the other low cost modifications that can help you stay safely and comfortable at home include grab bars, taller commodes, swing clear hinges on doors, lever handles on door knobs and faucets, motion sensors on lights in critical areas, contrasting colors on countertop and stair edges, extra handrails on stairs, pull out and pull down shelving in cabinets, fall protection mats, and many more. Often things like removing throw rugs, trailing extension cords, and clutter can prevent a fall. With the average hospitalization cost for someone over 65 who has a fall at $15,000 and the average cost of nursing home care at $6,700 a month, it is easy to see that money spent on home modifications to prevent falls or to prevent injury from falls is a very wise investment. I recommend looking around the home for obvious signs of danger from falls. Every year one third of adults over the age of sixty five suffers a fall, two thirds of those who fall will fall again within six months, and one third of falls are due to environmental hazards within the home. Look for clutter, obstructed walkways, throw rugs, loose flooring, or anything that could present a tripping hazard. Pay extra attention to lighting. As we age, our eyesight deteriorates and we need better lighting than when we were younger. We plan general and task lighting so that the light in all areas is bright yet glare free. Another technique is to use contrasting colors on the edges of surfaces like countertops and stairs. This makes it easier to see where the top ends and the edge begins. Add handrails and grab bars wherever an extra hand hold may help to prevent a fall. At stairs and in bathrooms are some of the most important places to add handrails or grab bars, but don’t overlook the kitchen, common areas, and bedrooms. If you need some help determining what modifications would make the greatest impact on home safety for you or your loved one, please give us a call at (540) 384-2064. We would be happy to come to your home to assess your changing needs and recommend a plan of action. As the old saying goes, “Better safe than sorry”! Thank you for reading Housing Matters.
Essential and desirable aging in place features
I was recently reading an article on Builder Online. The article reported some of the results of a NAHB survey called What Home Buyers Really Want. The survey, performed in 2012, and released in May 2013 lists five aging in place features that were rated desirable or essential by at least half of the respondents. The top rated feature is a full bathroom on the main level, followed by doorways at least 3 ft. wide, hallways at least 4 ft. wide, non slip floors, and a zero step entry. At just under half are lowered kitchen cabinets and bathroom aids such as grab bars and shower seats. As time passes and the population gets older and older, we are nearing a tipping point. I fully expect see a day in the near future when these issues will be at the forefront of all of our thoughts because the need for lifespan design housing will be great. I am working to be ready for that day. Will you be ready?
Access to the Outdoors
As I am writing this, most people have spent a good part of the last week digging out from 22” of snow, a rare occurrence in these parts. However by the time you are reading this article spring is right around the corner and you might have even seen the first robin of spring. Springtime makes most people want to get outside in the fresh air and enjoy the great outdoors after having spent a lot of time indoors over the winter. Getting outside can be a challenge for anyone with any type of mobility issues, and being able to access the outdoor spaces around your home is just as important as access inside the home for a better quality of life. Let’s take a look at what to look for in designing and building an accessible yard and garden. A walkway with a firm, solid surface, a slope of no more than 1 in 12 and preferably 1 in 20 leading to all areas of the outdoors that you wish to access is critical to access for all. This walkway can be concrete, pavers, stepping stones, or a wood walkway. If stepping stones are used, it is important that they are closely spaced or else the spaces between the stones can make it difficult for someone using a wheelchair, walker or cane to negotiate. A great way to make the outside accessible is to build a porch, deck, or patio that is on the same level as the adjacent floor in the house and install a door with an accessible threshold. This approach allows someone using a wheelchair or a walker to come directly outdoors from the house and enjoy the fresh air. Special care is needed at the doorway to properly flash the transition and allow for drainage if the deck or patio is not covered. A wonderful approach is to build a roof over the porch and maybe even screen it in to keep those pesky insects away. Many people consider their screened porch “their favorite room in the house”. If you enjoy flower or vegetable gardening, you might want to consider raised beds or hanging baskets. I am sure everybody has seen the upside down tomato plants that are advertised all over the place. The idea is to create accessible spaces that work for everyone. Raised beds can be built like tables with knee space underneath for wheelchair users. These beds can be built from treated lumber or from naturally rot resistant wood such as cedar or tropical hardwoods like Ipe. A trellis or pergola can provide shade as well as a support for many kinds of vines. If you enjoy the outdoors, don’t let the fact that you are not as mobile as you used to be deter you from enjoying the outdoors. The sky is the limit. You are only limited by your imagination. If you enjoy the outdoors and would like some help designing and building an accessible outdoor living space give us a call at 540-384-2064.
Virginia’s Livable Homes Tax Credit
The deadline to apply for the Livable Homes Tax Credit is February 28. If you purchased a new home or remodeled an existing home in 2013 and the new home or the remodeling involved accessibility features you could be eligible for a tax credit of up to $5,000 on your Virginia income taxes. If you qualify for the credit, don’t miss the deadline of February 28. If you purchased a new home in 2013 (either newly built or converted from a non residential use) and it meets the three features of Universal Visitability or incorporates three accessibility features and meets the requirements of an existing standard, you are eligible to take the $5,000 credit. The three features of Universal Visitability are 1) at least one zero step entry into the house, 2) an accessible bathroom on the same level as the zero step entry, and 3) doorways with at least 32” clear width and hallways and passageways with at least 36” clear width leading from the zero step entry to the bathroom and an eating area. If all of these three features are present, there are no further requirements. If you do not have all three of these, the home must incorporate three accessibility features and meet the requirements of an existing standard. Some examples of accessibility features are: Accessible route such as a ramp Zero step entry Lifts Elevators Zero step entrance 32” clear width doorways 36” clear width hallways Accessible switches, outlets, and controls Accessible bathrooms Accessible and usable kitchen facilities Grab bars Lever handles on doors and fixtures Sensory modifications The requirement that you meet an existing standard is a little murkier because there are several different standards that exist that could be referenced. I have found that the ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG), while not technically applicable to single family homes, will cover you if you are in compliance. If you have specific questions, get in touch with me and I’ll do my best to answer them for you. If you retrofitted or remodeled an existing home, the project must include at least one accessibility feature and meet the requirements of an existing standard. If sensory modifications have been provided, they must be structurally integrated into the home. Sensory modifications are anything that would assist sensory disabled people such as a doorbell that activated a strobe light for a person with hearing loss. Any device must be permanently attached to the home to qualify. The credit for retrofitting an existing home is also $5,000 but is limited to 50% of the cost of the project actually incurred by the taxpayer. Please note that any costs paid through Granting Freedom, the VA, VHDA, Department of Rehabilitative Services, or any other organization would not be eligible for the credit. For either new or existing homes, if the credit exceeds your tax liability, you may carry the credit forward for up to seven years, and if the amount of eligible credits exceeds one million dollars, each approved taxpayer will receive a pro rated amount of credit. Once you have submitted your application you will receive a tax credit certificate from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development by April 1. I hope this information is helpful. If you have questions please call me at (540) 384-2064 or email me at cmoore@solidrockenterprises.com. You can download a copy of the guidelines and application at www.dhcd.virginia.gov/LHTC.