By Holly Kennedy, PT, CAPS, CEAC
Many homes have features and barriers that make them more difficult to use. In fact, only 10% of all homes are “aging ready”. Most people know they will need to make some changes to their homes if they lose some of ability to get around due to aging or an injury, but they aren’t sure what changes are most important for their circumstances. Consequently, they put off improvements for another day. However, planning ahead by preparing a home that everyone can use at every stage of life will not only save money, but will bring peace of mind and more comfortable choices down the road. Since most falls happen inside the home, it is important to take steps today to reduce the risk and make them safer and easier to use. Home assessments can provide some direction and help prioritize what the right changes are for your home.
What are some ways to check my home for needed changes?
STEP 1: Check Lists
The simplest, least expensive assessment tools are checklists that help identify common hazards in the home and/or solutions such as this one from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC Check for Safety Brochure This is a good starting place to address the basics and obtain generalized solutions to common home related problems. Since their content is limited, check lists may overlook some important problems and present only a limited array of possible solutions.
STEP 2: Professional Home Assessment
This is a valuable resource many are not aware of. Specialized occupational and physical therapists (OTs and PTs) can serve as consultants to perform a home assessment and provide recommendations specific to your needs. They are trained to look at both the home and the physical abilities of the people using it. This provides a more comprehensive approach that will address the specific abilities and needs of a person in their home. While assessing the home they may teach skills and techniques that may make a transfer or activities easier/safer to perform. They can instruct care givers; problem solve with the individuals and empower homeowners with a list of options for improvement that will result in the function and safety they need. In fact, the combination of a professional assessment, education and home modifications are shown to be most effective for improving function and reducing falls among community-dwelling older adults.
A professional home assessment will ensure the right things are done for you and your loved ones taking into consideration any diagnosis, prognosis and comorbidities that may impact your current and future home needs. A detailed report filled with options for improvement can then serve as your “road map” to maximizing safety, function and independence in your home today and into the future. A professional home assessment will:
- Save money – by avoiding mistakes and unnecessary expenses of trying to figure out home changes on your own. Do it right the first time!
- Save the worry – have peace of mind knowing the changes will bring the improved function and safety you need.
- Save time – on research by getting advice from professionals who know accessibility requirements, needed measurements and the latest helpful products.
Who would benefit most from a professional home assessment?
Anyone experiencing…
- Progressive illness (Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Arthritis, Diabetes, Muscular Dystrophy, Stroke)
- Making a home wheelchair accessible
- Unsure of what changes would create the best result/safest/least expensive result
- Creating a home for “Aging in Place” – renovation & new construction
- Recent falls
- Significant change in ability to walk and do things in your home
- Concern about an aging parent’s safety at home
A home assessment could also prove helpful for:
- Upcoming surgery
- Elderly loved one coming to stay with you
- Desire to increase visitablity of your home
Who is best qualified to perform a Home Assessment?
A healthcare provider such as an occupational therapist (OT), physical therapist (PT), or nurse, all with training in home accessibility. Look for providers with the following credentials:
- CAPS Certified Aging in Place Specialist
- CEAC Certified Environmental Access Consultant
- ECHM Executive Certificate in Home Modification
What does it Cost?
After a phone call to discuss your home and specific needs, the provider will be able to quote a price for your assessment based on complexity/scope and hours estimated (considering travel time, time required on-site time and report time). If you have a tight budget, they can help you prioritize which areas of your home to address first and gradually make strategic changes over time.
When Should I have a Home Assessment Done?
Now! Preparing your home today, sets you up to have more choices in the future and a professional home assessment provides you with directions, a “road map” to refer to as you make changes.
The average cost of assisted living in North Carolina is $4,010 per month, average price for nursing home care is $7,483 (semiprivate) and $8,213 (private room) per month. As you can see, you can invest in considerable home modifications for the amount it would cost to stay a few months in an assisted living facility. It’s important to note that these improvements stay with your home for you to enjoy for years to come in addition to adding value to your home.
Don’t wait, schedule a professional home assessment to ensure you are making the right changes and start enjoying a home that is safer and easier to use today!
What’s next?
If you are in the greater Charlotte area of North Carolina, give us a call at (704) 727-6096 or email Holly@InPlaceWithGrace.org – we are here to help. Others can find local resources through the directory of providers for the designations CAPS, ECHM and CEAC.
Up next, we will be sharing various funding sources for home modifications. Sign up to receive our monthly blog so you don’t miss any of the important information you will need to achieve the goal of creating your “forever home”.
References:
https://www.genworth.com/aging-and-you/finances/cost-of-care.html
Environmental Assessment and Modification as Fall-Prevention Strategies for Older Adults: by J. Pynoos, B. Steinman and A. Nguyen. Clin Geriatr Med. 2010 November; 26(4): 633-644.doi:10.1016/j.cger.2010.07.001.
www.cdc.gov/steadi/pdf/check_for_safety_brochure-a.pdf