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Important Considerations When Purchasing a Home
| Posted on August 23, 2021 at 2:20 PM |
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Knowing that the air in your home is safe and conducive to aging in place can give you peace of mind. Because seniors often have compromised lungs and immune systems, indoor air quality should be at the forefront of your mind when choosing a home. Elderly people are exposed to high levels of indoor air pollutants because they spend more time indoors and may already have compromised respiratory systems or underlying health conditions. Further, you want a home where you could reside long-term with minimal repairs or maintenance to maintain that great air quality.
So what are some of the things you should be mindful of when buying a home to age in?
ASBESTOS
Checking for asbestos in the home is crucial if you’re buying a home built before the 1980’s and planning on any renovations or additions to make the space more livable. The material is likely to be in homes from this time and is easily disturbed during any demolitions or renovations. Asbestos can cause lung and respiratory diseases such as mesothelioma and should be removed from the home by professionals.
RADON
Whether you’re considering buying a newly built or vintage home, prioritize radon testing. This should be done by a professional on every floor you plan to live on, especially the basement, since radon gas comes up through the ground. Radon is a carcinogenic radioactive gas and is the second leading cause of lung cancer. However, if the home has elevated levels of radon, don’t panic. Instead work with a radon contractor to seal the foundation and mitigate levels.
LEAD
If the home you’re looking at was built before 1978, there’s a good chance it has lead paint or lead plumbing. Exposure to this material can cause lead poisoning and is especially dangerous to elderly folks because of the symptoms. Before purchasing your home, it’s important to test for any remaining lead products . If any lead is found, it should be removed prior to moving in.
FORMALDEHYDE
Some pressed wood products such as particle board and hardwood or permanent press fabrics such as curtains or sofas may contain formaldehyde, which can cause lung, throat, and nose irritation or cancer. The best way to prevent high levels of formaldehyde is to simply air out or wash any new products that have a high VOC (volatile organic compound) level. If the home has newly installed cabinets or paneling, air out the house before moving in.
CARBON MONOXIDE
Oil and gas furnaces, wood and coal stoves, and anything else gas or oil powered produces carbon monoxide, which causes low oxygen in blood and is extremely dangerous. While homes must have a monitoring system, it’s advisable to have the heating system inspected before purchasing a home. During the inspection, ask them to ensure the heating system is properly vented to the outdoors and have them point out the alarm to you.
MOLD
While mold isn’t as dangerous as some of the toxins mentioned above, it still poses a threat. Mold tends to grow in dark, damp places, but could be anywhere in a home. Because mold causes irritation of the lungs, throat, nose, skin, and eyes, it’s crucial to check for and clean out any mold before moving into a new home. This is especially important for seniors who have compromised lungs, asthma, or other breathing problems.
WOOD BURNING STOVE
Choose a home that doesn’t use a wood burning stove, instead opt for a traditional furnace, pellet stove, or any other alternative. Smoke from wood burning stoves emits particle pollution, carbon monoxide, nitrate oxides, VOCs, benzene, formaldehyde, and various other carcinogens. These emissions can cause a variety of heart and lung conditions and aggravate existing conditions present in the elderly.
CARPETING
Carpets can trap various asthma triggers and pollutants such as tobacco smoke, dust, dust mites, dander, and mold. Since carpets are surfaces that are disturbed often by mere foot traffic, the pollutants are constantly being re-released into the air. If possible, choose a home with little to no carpeting, and instead opt for hardwood or tile flooring. Further, new carpets are often installed with VOCs, chemical irritants that seep into the air.
FRESH AIR
While it’s crucial to ensure your home doesn’t have any of the toxins mentioned above, it’s still important to air out your house. Look for a home with many well insulated windows, this way you can be warm in the winter, but always have the option of fresh air and sunlight.
Conclusion
Vulnerable populations like the elderly need clean air because of their e.levated risk for lung and heart problems. Advocate for yourself and your loved ones armed with information about indoor air quality. Although a lot can cause indoor air pollution and lead to new health conditions or worsen existing ones, knowing what to look for and ask about is the first step. Communicate with the home inspector and voice your concerns during the buying process. Ask them about the specific pollutants you’re worried about and have them walk you through air quality measures in the home.
Asking the hard questions now will let you breathe easy in your new home.
Susan Luxenberg
HomeSmart LLC
Long Term Care: When to Plan and How to Pay
| Posted on October 3, 2018 at 3:48 PM |
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Long-Term
Care: When to Plan and How to Pay Preparing for the possibility of long-term
care for a loved on is a scenario no one wants to envision. But, with 63% of seniors needing long-term care,
everyone must consider it. As we grow older, it’s wise to put a plan in place
to ensure our aging loved ones will be cared for in the best possible way.
While you may be open to being a caregiver, taking on the role unexpectedly can
be a considerable burden. This article will help you understand steps to take to plan and pay for long-term
care. Planning
for Long-Term Care When you help a friend or family member make
decisions about the possibility of long-term care, it won’t be easy. It can be
hard for our aging loved ones to accept the potential of needing in-home care
or moving into an independent of assisted living facility. However, make sure
to point out to them that by planning, they have a substantial say in their
future. You have time to: ●
Examine family history to see what
kind of care may be needed. For example, if your loved one has had more than
one close family member — like a sibling or a parent— diagnosed with dementia, their risk increases significantly. ●
Start making healthy lifestyle
choices that will postpone or prevent some of the common conditions that cause
seniors to need long-term care. A healthy diet and daily exercise, along with quitting smoking and limiting alcohol, can add 5, 10 or even 15 healthy years onto a life. ●
Reduce the chance an in-home
injury could occur by installing non-slip flooring in bathrooms and kitchens,
moving bedrooms to first floors or installing a stair lift. More than 3 million seniors go to the ER each year due
to accidents in the home. Not only could an injury due to a slip or a fall
require physical therapy to recover, but it could also result in the long-term
consequences of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Planning for long-term care is part predicting
the future and part preventing it. Help your loved one understand that planning
is a type of prevention. If you take steps to prepare for the worst-case
scenario, you’ll actually be focusing your energy on how to make their golden
years the best years yet. Paying
for Long-Term Care Deciding on ways to pay for long-term care is
crucial if you want your planning to make a difference. If your loved on is
adamant they have in-home care, but the two of you don’t work out how to cover
the costs, they could be facing a great deal of disappointment when the time
comes. Figuring out how to pay for long-term care means looking closely at
insurance and assets. Once they understand their insurance options, the
next step in planning for costs involves helping them analyze their assets and
cash flow. This can be an uncomfortable conversation, especially for seniors
who come from a generation where finances are an extremely private matter.
Emphasize this is a judgment-free conversation, focusing on helping them free
up funds for long-term care by: ●
Including long-term care in their
retirement planning, from deciding when to retire to how much they will need to
put into a 401(k). ●
Considering a reverse mortgage, which involves understanding
the pros and cons. On the one hand, a reverse mortgage will give your loved one
cash in-hand without needing an excellent credit score rating. This can help
with making home modifications for accessibility or hiring an in-home
caregiver. On the other hand, there could be negative implications to their
estate or a spouse or partner who will remain in the home after they leave. ●
Selling a life insurance policy is
another way to pay for long-term care’s costly daily expenses and medical
support. If care isn’t needed, then the policy stands as-is. Many seniors
consider this option to be a win-win. As our life expectancies increase, so does the
potential for long-term care. It’s scary and even overwhelming for seniors to
think about, so knowing they have the support and guidance of a caring friend
or family member means a lot. Your loved one deserves to feel loved in their
golden years. Planning for long-term care— even if it is never needed— provides
invaluable peace of mind. Article by June Duncan, the co-creator of the website Rise Up for Caregivers, which offers support for family members and friends who have taken on the responsibility of caring for their loved ones. She is author of the upcoming book, The Complete Guide to Caregiving: A Daily Companion for New Senior Caregivers. |
Benefits of Hiring an Accessibility Specialist
| Posted on May 22, 2017 at 3:08 PM |
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If you or a
loved one are reaching the point in life where either a move or upgrades to a current
home is necessary, working with an accessibility specialist can be like finding
a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Maybe you or someone you know would like to be more independent but are having difficulty maneuvering the barriers found in most homes. Narrow doorways, stairs and steps, standard bathtubs, slippery floors are all common barriers to safety that most people struggle with as they get older. An accessibility specialist can help with
these issue. These professionals deal with all of the aspects of home
remodels in order to allow those who are aging but don’t want to move away from
their home, or those with disabilities but who want to maintain their
independent living conditions succeed in their desires. Although there are a large number of independent
and assisted living facilities available in most areas, an overwhelming number
of people would prefer to spend the golden years of their lives in the home
where their children may have grown up, or where they’ve created decades of
good memories and connections. If you do need
some help, who should you call? What
type of training should an accessibility specialist have? There
are only a few programs that offer specialty training in designing and remodeling home
environments so as to help those who choose, remain in their homes safely
and comfortably. There is more to this
than meets the eye and these specialists have learned to look not just at a
specific environment but also the people who will be living there. This is precisely what differentiates an accessibility specialist from a contractor - their ability to link specific
ailments with specific solutions and to project long term changes as one ages
that might affect ones safety and independence within a home environment. Keep in mind that even simple things like grab bars should be installed based on an individual's physical condition. The National
Association of Home Builders offers a short course known as the Certified Aging
in Place Specialist (CAPS), designed to train contractors in the technical
and business management side of renovations as well as the customer service
skills which are needed for these types of transaction. The University
of Southern California Leonard Davis School of Gerontology offers an online
course in Home Modifications,
dedicated to promoting aging in place and independent living for persons of all
ages and abilities. This five week program covers home assessments and safety
checklists, construction techniques, funding resources, and also includes
required coursework in the ethics of dealing with a vulnerable population. After successful completion, the Program
grants an Executive Certificate in Home Modification (ECHM). What can you
expect once you’ve located a trained accessibility specialist? The Specialist
will meet with you in your home to help define your needs, and then complete a
full written assessment that includes suggestions for improving safety and comfort. Recommended
changes will vary widely from home to home, based not only on home layout but
also on each individuals physical requirements as well as budget realities. Afterwards, you will be shown some plans and/or
be given written suggestions to suit both your short term and long term needs. Depending
on the size and complexity of your project, you may be offered a floor plan
which will help you to visualize the concept in the way that it will appear
once complete. The suggestions can include every aspect of your home living, both inside and
out. For example, a ramp leading up to
your home will help with stairs if they become hard to navigate or if you have
to use a wheelchair. Seats in your
shower along with an accessible and removable shower head, lowered shelves to
hold grooming supplies and a handle to help you in and out of the tub or shower
unit can all be changes that will help accommodate your right to privacy and
good hygiene. You might also need to
think about expanding doorways, adjusting the height of your countertops, or
making storage more accessible.
Arrangements can be made to reconfigure or bring in specialty equipment
for ease of use. It’s possible that your
floors may need to be changed (from a deep pile carpet which can catch
wheelchairs or even cause a tripping hazard) to low pile carpets or laminate
for better traffic movement. Better
lighting can help you see in the dark, and motion sensor lights can alleviate
the need for reaching for light switches.
There are so many different things to think about that someone trained
in the process will help to ensure nothing is overlooked and can make
suggestions that haven’t even entered your mind. Renovations can be a large expense and quite
the production; you want to get it done right the first time. Your accessibility specialist will also give
you an estimated budget for the renovations you’d like done so that you can
determine which are affordable and which ones might need tweaking. Since most accessibility specialists have dealt with numerous renovations, they can often lead you to competent and efficient businesses and contractors able to handle the suggested modifications. From electricians
to carpenters to plumbing suppliers, an experienced accessibility specialist has set up a
good relationship with a variety of tradespeople and can let you know which
ones will be right for your particular job and one that will do the work based
on your budget. Article by Jon
Reyes, a guest writer from Vidalux. Jon is a specialist writer and has extensive
knowledge in everything related to steam showers, saunas and hydrotherapy benefits. |
Current Trends in Senior Housing
| Posted on March 20, 2017 at 10:04 PM |
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Times are
changing at an ever increasing pace, and with it, offerings in senior housing are attempting to keep pace. These days,
seniors are delaying their move from independent to dependent living by as many
years as possible using a variety of means, and gaining more control over
decisions regarding where they live and what facilities are at their disposal. With 2016 came an influx of new assisted
living complexes, meaning that the competition can be fierce and providers must
cater to a growing set of needs. Most of
the time people move into an assisted living community due to needing some help
with medial care that they can no longer maintain alone, even with the help of
nearby family and friends. Over the next
20 years, our population aged 85 and above will increase by 74%. Knowing what types of medical conditions are
most prevalent in their nearby communities in order to accommodate them in the
best way possible will give providers a decided edge against the competition. One way in
which an assisted living provider can take advantage of both an increasing use
of technology by seniors (52% of seniors are online) and cater to their desire
to remain in their own homes is to offer assistance outside the walls of
the assisted living residence. This may
mean offering home visits to help support medical needs or even reminding
someone remotely via a tablet to take their medications or eat at mealtimes.A
surprisingly high percentage of seniors (over 70%) regularly use some type of
online social media, so communication via these tablets or phones is also a
great way for staff to keep in touch with their charges. A rise in the use of
electronic health records could help support a growing number of seniors, both
living in and outside of the residence, without overwhelming staff. This an easy way to track the health care and
condition of a patient and provides a reliable database for those who can relay
this information to concerned family members in order to help make the best
medial decisions possible. It also
provides a benchmark for those patients living outside the residence for use in
considering how many years they will be able to continue to enjoy independent
life in their own home. By providing
elder care within their own homes, a company starts a relationship with
potential future tenants sometimes years before they need any space within the
residence walls. It says a lot
when a healthy 78 year old today has a life expectancy of 15 years or more with
a reasonable level of activity and nutrition, compared to that of someone
living in a traditional assisted living residence, who can expect half of that
number in years ahead of them. As our
health is better maintained later into life, candidates for residency will demand
more and more facilities to support better fitness and diet. As expectations increase, so too do the
number of ways in which a facility can deliver to their residents. “One stop shopping” businesses are cropping
up to help provide a variety of elements that our ageing communities are
looking for, including healthy catered meals, hair dressing, social activities,
and fitness equipment and classes. When
a provider can outsource all of these things, it has the ability to focus on
the health and needs of the residents and become far more streamlined in its
care. Environments
within a facility are changing too, as providers move to make the homes less
institutionalized and more community-centric.
Some even offer independent condo living style situations with small
team of care givers to manage any concerns for their designated group of 6-10
residents. Others offer single unit
homes or a townhome set up. The variety
of living accommodations has certainly changed drastically over the sterile and
hospital-like state of residences from days gone by. With
each generation adding years on to life expectancy, we will certainly see an
increase in versatility and options for elder care in the decades to come. Our seniors are raising their voices and the
demand to be heard is creating an ever increasing shift in a sense of control even
late into their golden years. Article by Jon Reyes, a
guest writer from Steam Shower Store. Jon is a specialist
writer and has extensive knowledge in everything related to steam showers,
saunas and hydrotherapy benefits. |
Universal Design & Aging in Place
| Posted on December 1, 2016 at 3:04 PM |
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The concept of accessibility is closely linked with the concept of
equality. In many countries, it is
enshrined in law, for example the American with Disabilities Act, The ADA,
however, only applies in certain, specific environments, essentially
government-run facilities, public infrastructure and employment. It only covers a limited number of private
companies, such as those involved in providing accommodation and transportation. The development of private homes is entirely
outside the scope of this legislation and yet arguably the provision of
high-quality, accessible homes is of fundamental importance in a society where
lifespans have been growing longer for many years now, with the result that
there is a growing segment of people who strongly wish to age in place and
enjoy their independence in to great old age. It’s therefore hardly surprising that the principle of universal
design has come to the fore over recent years.
In simple terms, universal design is based on the philosophy that all
buildings should be completely accessible to everyone, as far as is reasonably
and safely possible. In other words, the
idea of homes being created to fulfill the needs of a certain group of potential
customers (couples without children, families, empty nesters…) is replaced by
the aim of creating homes which are suitable for anyone at any stage of life
and regardless of any disability. As
well as incorporating the principles of universal design into new-build homes,
or homes which are in need of extensive renovation, it’s often possible to
update existing homes to make them more accessible. The first principle of universal design is that it should
accommodate all users and avoid singling out any particular group of
people. Features such as ramps, widened
doorways and laminate flooring all enhance accessibility in a way which is
appropriate to all users. The second
principle is flexibility in use, which has become very much a feature of modern
home design, particularly in cities.
Although this concept is often viewed in the context of maximizing space
in smaller homes, it also maximizes usability in larger spaces and includes
features such as pull-out work areas in the kitchen, appropriate lighting and
accessible storage. The third principle
is simple and intuitive use.
Functionality and usability takes place over advanced features. This would include features such as walk in
tubs, floor-level showers and easy-access appliances. Again, while these features all enhance
accessibility and help to make aging in place a feasible reality, they are all
of benefit to all occupants of a home.
It’s also worth noting here, that accessibility can become a major issue
at any time, for example during the later stages of pregnancy or if a person
has an accident and needs time to recover.
Hence, creating (or adapting) homes with accessibility in mind, takes
care of these situations before they arise. As the old saying goes, growing old is mandatory, growing up is
optional. The aging process is a part
of life, but it’s also fair to say that older age has a very different meaning
now than it did even twenty years ago.
At age 82 Cloris Leachman competed in season 7 of Dancing with the Stars
(in 2008) and lasted a full 7 weeks.
There are many reasons for this change and one of these reasons is that
many people have become more actively aware of the need to manage their health
throughout their lives and, in particular, as they transition into their later
years of adulthood and into their senior years.
For all the advances in modern medicine, the human body itself still
works in much the same way it always has, which means that as we age the body
becomes more susceptible to injury and takes longer to recover from exercise or
accidents. This makes it all the more
important to find gentle way of stimulating the body, with minimal risk of
injury. Water can play an important role
in this. Swimming is a safe and fun way
of keeping fit into later years and can be supplemented by wellness treatments
which combine the benefits of both water and heat, such as whirlpool baths and
steam rooms. Article by Jon Reyes, a guest writer from Clearwells. Jon is a specialist writer and
has extensive knowledge in everything related to steam showers, saunas and
hydrotherapy benefits. |
Product Spotlight: Flip A Grip
| Posted on November 4, 2015 at 12:25 PM |
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We love this product for our clients. It's called Flip A Grip and is a handle that can mount on a door frame, or anywhere someone might have a problem maintaining balance. While we install grab bars of all sizes and shapes in bathrooms to increase safety for our clients, these little handles work beautifully in a places where a grab bar is just to big or bulky -- particularly in doorways. The Flip A Grip is a sturdy handle with a non-slip, latex free handle that glows in the dark and folds out of the way when not using it. If you or a loved one has trouble with transfers, stairs or walking, the Flip A Grip is a great safety product. Designed by a physical therapist to prevent falls and make it easier and safer to get his patients in and around the house, the Flip A Grip can help you maintain your independence. Flip A Grip Features: • Allows for greater mobility and independence within the home • Attaches easily, securely and fits in spots that ordinary grab bars can't fit • Folds up to be hidden and out of the way when not in use • ADA compliant and meets ASTM specification 446-85 • Has capacity to handle both push and pull forces • Non slip grip glows in the dark You can find this product online at various retailers. It costs approximately $40/handle.   Here's a link to a video showing how it is to be installed: https://youtu.be/Wv_DHe_-y9U  Susan Luxenberg HomeSmart LLC |
S Florida Event: Annual Friendship Walk
| Posted on April 24, 2015 at 2:55 PM |
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JOIN US FOR THIS SPECIAL EVENT TO BENEFIT CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS The Friendship Walk Sunday, May 3rd, 2015 9:15 am - 1:00 pm Pines Trails Park 10555 Trails End Parkland, FL 33076 The Friendship Walk is an annual vehicle for volunteers, families and friends of The Friendship Circle of North Broward & South Palm Beach Florida to raise community awareness and much needed funds for programs benefiting individuals with special needs and their families. The Friendship Circle, a non-profit organization founded in 2003, has a refreshing approach to helping families of children with special needs. More than 400 volunteers bring the spirit of true friendship and unconditional acceptance to the hundreds of children who participate in over a dozen weekly recreational, social and education programs, as well as summer and winter camps. The May 3rd 3k walk kicks off with an inspirational Opening Ceremony, followed by the walk through the park. Following there is a family friendly,action packed Carnival & Fair with rides, activities, food, games, live entertainment until 1 PM. This fun filled event is attended by a broad cross-section of people who come together to demonstrate their solidarity and support for the work done by the Friendship Circle. For more information, to donate, or to register for the event, please go to www.iwalk4friendship.com We hope to see you there!  Susan Luxenberg, Owner HomeSmart LLC |
10 Common Home Barriers that Challenge Aging in Place, Part 1
| Posted on April 15, 2015 at 6:18 PM |
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The longer I am involved in helping people remain in their homes as they age, the clearer the repeating issues become. I have found that there are 10 barriers within a home that consistently challenge everyone as they get older. These barriers wind up causing safety issues because as we age our ability to maneuver safely around them diminishes. In the next few blogs I am going to address all 10 issues. This, Part 1, will tackle the top three: 1. STEPS AND STAIRS - This refers to both exterior and interior steps. In a perfectly designed home for aging- in-place there would be no stairs or steps anywhere. In Florida many single story homes, while designed for retirees, were designed with changes in floor level. Consequently,there might be a step or two from dining to living room or steps down leading from an entrance hall to the rest of the house. With aging comes deterioration of our vision and depth perception making these areas particularly unsafe. The solution for both singular steps and flights of stairs are railings, stair treads that delineate stair edges, and upgraded lighting. You'll see in the pictures below some examples of these solutions that include battery operated lighting particularly useful for stairs, and colored stair treads which work well on exterior stairs - both inexpensive solutions to major issues.   STAIR TREADS BATTERY OPERATED LIGHTING For those who can no longer manage stairs at all, in addition to standard portable sutcase ramps there are numerous threshold ramps that are lightweight, some of which adjustable so they can adapt to 1 - 4 steps, and can be easily moved from front to side or back doorways.   FREE STANDING THRESHOLD RAMP LIGHTWEIGHT SUITCASE RAMP 2. NARROW DOORWAYS - For a doorway to be accessible and comfortable to get through while in a wheelchair or using a walker or when helped by a companion, it needs to be at least 32" wide. Many interior doorways would fail that test! In Florida we face a common issue of 24" bathroom doors. Once one can no longer walk through a doorway unaided, a 24" doorway is extremely uncomfortable if not impossible to maneuver. The obvious fix is to enlarge the doorway by cutting the wall so as to widen the door opening then install a new door, preferably a pocket door which allows for complete access. Keep in mind that to do so may also require shifting the vanity location which is often located adjacent to the bathroom door, so while this may be the only option available it is also a costly one. An inexpensive option which may prove helpful is to swap the existing door hinges with swing away ones. These will allow for an additional 4" of clearance when getting through a doorway since these hinges allow the door to swing clear of the jamb and set it tight to the wall. The pictures below show both options.   SWING AWAY HINGES TO REPLACE EXISTING DOOR HINGES   SPRING ACTION POCKET OPENER/CLOSER POCKET DOOR 3. TOILETING- Why oh why were standard toilets designed at the height they are? One does not have to be old to have difficulty standing up or sitting down on them. Just ask anyone with a bad back or a knee injury how comfortable those efforts are. The CDC has released a study showing that 75% of falls in adults over the age of 85 occur in the home and of those falls 52% occur in the bathroom around toileting. The solution is to replace your older standard or lowboy height toilet with a comfort height one. Comfort height toilets are 17" high compared to 14-15" height of a standard one and those 2-3" really make a difference. Are these toilets expensive? Not really. Both Kohler and American Standard offer comfort height toilets starting at about $200. Just make sure when shopping you use the term "comfort height" and not ADA. As soon as the salespeople hear ADA they search for an unnecessarily expensive and specifically designated toilet. If a 17" height is still not enough, a toilet riser (basically a little platform) can be built under the toilet to bring it to a more comfortable height. You will see pictures below of varied toilet configurations.   COMFORT HEIGHT TOILET TOILET PLACED ON FLOOR RISER Another options to install a wall hung toilet, a more popular choice in Europe than in the U.S. The benefits of a wall hung toilet are that one can set the height to individual preference and cleaning under it is easy. These toilets also take up little room in a bathroom as opposed to a floor mounted toilet which usually has a much larger footprint than the toilet bowl warrants. Note: for those who require additional help when maneuvering on and off a toilet, wall mounted grab bars can be set on either side of the toilet on the wall behind it. These bars function like the arms of a chair and offer great security for those with either balance issues or when transferring from wheelchair or walker to toilet seat. There are a couple different styles differing widely in price.   MODERN FOLD DOWN BARS TRADITIONAL FOLD DOWN BARS TOILET ON CUSTOM BUILT FLOOR RISER Next: Part 2, Commonly found barriers within a home #4-6 Susan Luxenberg HomeSmart LLC |
Home For the Holidays 2014
| Posted on November 14, 2014 at 11:59 AM |
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Note: I originally published this post a couple of years ago, but believe the information is important
enough to re-post each year at holiday season. Statistics remind us
that fall prevention is key to independence as we get older, and
features in a home that pose no problem when we're at our physical best
often become more difficult to negotiate with aging frailties. It’s
holiday time which means that you may be either visiting or being
visited by your parents. This is a perfect time to assess your parents’
safety and comfort whether in your home or theirs. I recently gave a presentation at a senior complex and spoke about safety concerns that could be found in almost every home. That triggered a lively conversation about the problems these seniors encountered when visiting their kids: no grab bars in the bathroom, slippery shower and tub floors, no place to sit down when showering, steps that were not clearly delineate, stairs without handrails, or poorly lit hallways or staircases. Most of those I spoke with said that they were reluctant to ask their adult kids to make any permanent changes to their own homes or install any special equipment, etc. I have no doubt that if their kids thought about it, they would be happy to provide their aging parents with safer, more comfortable surroundings. And truthfully these modifications would benefit everyone in the home. So here’s a simple list. None of these items are costly and all can be done quickly: 1. Reduce tripping hazards by removing books, shoes, laundry, and toys from stairs; ensure there are clear pathways through all rooms 2. Install handrails on stairs and steps; bright colored tape can be applied at the edge of steps and stairs to delineate floor level changes. 3. Increase the lighting at the top and bottom of the stairs; put bright lights over all porches and walkways 4. Store frequently used items in easy-to-reach places so that using a step stool or chair is not necessary. 5. Small throw rugs are a hazard. Either remove them completely or tape them to the floor with double stick tape. 6. Have night lights or battery operated lights in the bedroom, hallways and bathrooms. 7. Apply non-slip strips or non-slip coatings in bathtubs and showers 8. Install grab bars in showers and tubs, appropriately anchored (no suction ones, please!!) 9. Purchase an inexpensive shower bench or chair which can be taken in and out of the tub or shower as required. After
all, an injury from a fall is one the biggest dangers the over-65
population faces and one that often results in a loss of independence.
Implementing the safety measures mentioned above can substantially
reduce the chance of injury to your parents and allow for a safer,
happier holiday season for all. Happy Holidays! Susan Luxenberg, Pres. HomeSmart LLC |
Recent Questions: The value of accessibility improvements
| Posted on August 15, 2014 at 4:57 PM |
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Question: Will modifying my bathroom negatively
affect my home’s value? Answer: Actually,
modifying your bathroom to make it safer and more accessible will improve the
value of your home. Many of the past
solutions for accessibility were pretty institutional in design but today there
are numerous alternatives that not only function to improve safety and comfort
but also enhance the look of the space. The manufacturers are all aware that there are 77 million Baby Boomers
who are looking to the future and demanding high end products to make their
homes safe as well as beautiful. Furthermore,
this generation of Boomers is becoming educated in the concept of universal
design – looking to create spaces that are comfortable for all users regardless
of their physical abilities. Think about
it, if your bathroom – or for that matter any
room in your home - functions well for a
wide range of users, young/old, short/tall, wheelchair bound or not, it becomes
more desirable to a wider range of purchasers when it comes time for you to
sell. Question: My husband and I (both of us in our early 80’s) live
in a two story home and it is becoming increasingly difficult for me to climb the
stairs to our bedroom. We do not want to leave this house but want to
remain here for as long as possible. Can
you explain both stair lifts and home elevators and whether either one is a practical
solution for us? Answer: When deciding
how best to adapt your current home both physical and financial considerations are key. And since I do not know your particular
situation or what your preferred type of housing would be if moving, I can only
review the features, some pros and cons, and costs of both options and leave it
to you to determine what might work best for your situation. A stair
lift is a motorized chair on a track that carries a person up and down the
stairs. Stair lifts are typically attached
directly to the stair treads, not the walls, so installation can be
accomplished in under a day with minimal disruption to the house. In addition
to quick installation, stair lifts can easily be removed when they are no
longer needed. Many companies purchase
used lifts, then refurbish and re-sell them, so it is possible to recuperate
some of the equipment costs when you are no longer in need of the lift. Stair
lift solutions are available for types of stair configurations - inside and outside - and
can be battery operated, A/C operated, or A/C operated with battery backup.
Each requires a grounded electrical outlet positioned near the unit to power it
or to recharge the battery. The cost of a stair lift is
substantially less than a home elevator. Cost depends on simplicity – the simpler
the unit, the straighter the stairway, the lower the cost. A new stair lift installed on a simple, straight stair should cost under $4,000. Used ones will cost less. Pricing depends largely on the drive mechanism
selected, the options you choose, for example battery-backup, remote controls,
upholstered seat, etc., the length of the track (number of stairs it will
travel), and the type of stairway on which it will be used. There are companies that will rent them which might make sense if needing for a vacation or seasonal home. Stair lifts do have ongoing costs
and regularly scheduled maintenance is recommended along with annual
replacement of the battery (battery-operated units). A home elevator is the better
option for someone who is unable, or would have great difficulty transferring into
a stair lift chair. A home elevator is
a significantly more expensive option than a stair lift and one that can be difficult
to incorporate into an existing home. In order to install a home
elevator, you need to find space for the elevator shaft. The first way to
locate usable space is to look for downstairs closets,pantries, or powder rooms with clear floor space
above on the second floor that can be incorporated into the shaft.
If none of that is available, a shaft could be built by taking space
from an existing downstairs room and space from the corresponding room above to
use for the elevator shaft. This is a definitely
a major (read expensive) remodeling project all one its own and very
disruptive. If there is no interior
space available, an exterior shaft could be built with doorways to the interior
cut into the exterior wall. Costs of home elevators vary
significantly based on the number of floors spanned, the structural
requirements for the shaft, electrical requirements, and the size and features
of the elevator itself. Lower-end residential elevators begin around $15,000
and can cost upwards of $100,000 for more sophisticated or decorative
models. Home elevators require regular inspection
and repairs and their maintenance costs are higher than those of a stair lift. When it comes to deciding what makes the most sense for you, as with any modification for aging in place, you will need to weigh the emotional, physical and financial costs of moving as compared to the cost of the renovation and the value it brings as regards your comfort, safety and independence. Susan Luxenberg President HomeSmart LLC |
