As part of the VillageConnections series, a special presentation on Home Modifications was presented to Villagers and other community seniors on October 15 at the Washington Park Community House. Our presenters were Guy Reavis and Judy Packard. Both are occupational therapists with extra training and certifications in home modifications and aging in place. Guy is an occupational therapist and Assistant Professor of Clinical Occupational Therapy at University of Southern California. Judy Packard is a retired occupational therapist and a member of the Pasadena Village.

This presentation with practical, short and long-term modifications and accommodations provided lots of relevant information. Some important data was also shared: the majority of older adults desire to age in place, while 50% of adults 75 and older have or will acquire a disability. Less than 1% of housing in the U.S. has accessibility features.

Other suggestions for aging in place were shared: simplify tasks and change your behavior; rearrange furniture for clear pathways without tripping hazards; use auditory, tactile, and visual alerts; incorporate assistive devices and medical equipment; look into structural renovations.

Different rooms in the house were discussed:

ENTRANCE:

Make sure your address is visible from the street.
Ensure the pathway is clear and has lighting.
Ideally there should be no steps.
A peephole in the door or a camera system are good for security.
Doors need to be easy to open and close and lock and unlock.

LIVING ROOM:

The flooring should be secure and in good condition.
Any rugs should have non-slip backing.
The floor should be well lit.
Tripping hazards like cords or clutter should be eliminated
Any stairs must be well lit and have handrails.

KITCHEN:

If you need to use a stepstool, it must be steady and have a handle.
Make sure lighting is suitable for different kitchen tasks.
Cabinet and appliance handles should be easy to grasp.
Cabinets and/or shelves should be within easy reach.
Work surfaces should be easy to use and keep clean.

BATHROOM:

The toilet is at a comfortable height.
Grab bars are installed.
Any rugs are non-slip.
A non-slip mat or non-slip strips are used in the shower/tub.
Ideally the shower has a step-free entry.

BEDROOM:

It should be easy to get in and out of bed.
An easy to operate lamp should be nearby.
The room should be well ventilated.
The closet should be easy to open and clothes readily accessible.
Low or motion lighting is used for getting up at night.

OTHER SUGGESTIONS:

Electrical sockets should have a fuse/cut off switch.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be installed.
Rocker electrical switches are easier to operate.
Chairs with arm rest or arm rest supports make getting up and down easier.
Pull down shelves and closet rods can be installed.
Automatic oven/stove shut off can be installed.

Other strategies that were shared were:

A Hoarding Rating Scale
AARP Home Fit guide and questionnaire
A Check for Safety: A Home Fall Prevention Checklist for Older Adults by STEADI.
Make a list of areas and items that needed to be addressed in our own homes, beginning with low to no cost.
An OT evaluation of your home may be prescribed and paid for by Medicare after a hospital
stay.
Your doctor can prescribe an OT home evaluation which MAY be covered by your insurance
and/or Medicare Part B.
If you are a veteran, there are sources for a grant.
If you are interested in paying privately for an evaluation, the estimated cost is $250 - $500.
San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity offers a low-cost, nonprofit home repair program for qualifying older adults.

For more information see https://sgvhabitat.org/programs/home-preservation/ You can call them and leave a voicemail or email them from their website.

We know that many people would prefer to age at home. Taking advantage of these resources can help make that dream become a reality.

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