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.

As the baby boomers near retirement age (the first boomers turn 65 in 2011) more and more people are considering their housing options. An increasingly popular idea in housing is the idea of Aging in Place which simply means staying in your current home as you age rather than moving to some type of retirement community. A large majority of people would prefer to stay in their homes rather than move.  According to the Clarity 2007 Aging in Place Study by Prince Market Research “89% of senior respondents say that aging in place is very important but 53% were concerned about their ability to do so.” The fact is that due to preference or necessity, the vast majority of us do stay in our homes as we age.  The Journal of Housing for the Elderly has estimated that 70% of baby boomers will spend the rest of their lives in the place where they will spend their 65th birthday. Most of us have pleasant memories associated with our homes and the idea of having to give up our homes because of an inability to live independently can be devastating. Another study shows that over 70% of 55+ households live in communities that are neither age qualified nor occupied mostly by people over age 55. Most of these communities consist of older homes that were typically not designed or built with the needs of senior citizens in mind. What’s the solution then? While there is now an awareness of the value of building homes incorporating the principles of Universal Design which seeks to design and build homes to be usable by all people to the greatest extent possible without the need for adaptation, (I’ll explain more about Universal Design in my next column) most of us are now living in homes that weren’t built with these principles in mind. Home modification and remodeling can make your home more comfortable and enjoyable to you as you age. And while these accommodations are always easier and less costly to incorporate into a home when it’s first built, you may be surprised at how simple and affordable some of these changes can be. In order to determine what changes can be made to your home you need to consider not only your current health and capacity but look forward at how they are likely to change as you age.  Here are some of the major items to look for to make your home more accessible. At least one bedroom and one bathroom on the first floor. An entryway that is accessible with no steps that has no threshold or a low threshold and is protected from the weather. Lever style door handles. No changes in levels on the main floor. Bright lighting in all areas. A low maintenance exterior. Non slip flooring, especially at the main entryway. An open floor plan, especially in the kitchen and dining area. Handrails at all steps and grab bars in bathrooms and as needed. Solid Rock Enterprises, Inc. has the expertise and experience to assess your home and make whatever changes are necessary to make your life more comfortable and enjoyable as you Age in Place. Please get in touch with us to get a free Personalized Housing Needs Assessment.  You can reach us by phone at 540-384-2064, email at cmoore@solidrockenterprises.com or log on to our website at www.solidrockenterprises.com

This is the first edition of Housing Matters, which will appear here in Senior News and address matters of housing, especially as they relate to seniors and the aging process. My name is Chris Moore. I am the founder and president of Solid Rock Enterprises, Inc., a Class A contractor located in Salem. I have over 23 years of experience in the housing industry and I will bring this experience and perspective into play as I write this column. I hope to address the questions and concerns that many of you have about housing in this column.  I will look at how housing needs change as we age and how we can modify our homes to be more convenient to us as we age. A lot has changed in housing over the years. For years the average size of new homes got larger and larger, but recently, due primarily to economic reasons, smaller homes are again in demand.  Many people downsize from the home they raised their children in to one that is more suited to a smaller family.  Many older homes are designed with narrow hallways, steep stairs, and small kitchens and bathrooms that are difficult to navigate.  I’ll talk about designing spaces that are universally accessible.  I’ll talk about some of the questions and concerns you may have if you decide to remodel, and how to make the process as smooth as possible. I’d like to hear your questions and concerns about housing matters, and what matters to you. In this initial column, I will address some of the common housing concerns that many people have as they age and some of the solutions that are available to address these concerns. Many of us face decreasing mobility as we age. The homes we have lived in for years and in which we have created many wonderful memories now create barriers to our daily lives. Maybe you’re thinking of downsizing and you want to make sure that your new home will meet your needs for many years to come. Whether you’re contemplating staying in your current home or a making a change there are many things you can do to make your life more comfortable and enjoyable. For many elderly people, the option to stay home simply involves some changes to your routine and environment. There are many organizations that offer in home services that range from nursing care to errands but many times your home itself needs to be modified in order to meet your changing needs. The addition of ramps or lifts can make access to different levels of your home easier. Widening doorways and hallways can make getting around more practical and safer. Some of the biggest changes are often centered in the kitchen and bathroom. Making these areas safer and more accessible can often mean the difference between a home that works for you and one that does not. Grab bars can be located where needed for safety and confidence throughout the house. I would be delighted to meet with you or your loved one in your home to perform a Housing Needs Assessment. During this assessment I will take the time to talk with you and determine how we can improve your quality of life by making modifications to your home. I will present you with a comprehensive proposal to make the changes needed so that your home will serve your needs for many years to come. Just call 540-384-2064 or log on to  www.solidrockenterprises.com for more information or to make an appointment. By Chris Moore