Home Modifications and Repairs for an Extra Margin of Safety

Make your home safer for seniors! Perform repairs and add features that allow the home to be more accessible for everyone—including those with mobility problems or sensory impairment.

A recent survey by the AARP Public Policy Institute showed that 90% of Americans over 50 intend to stay in their own homes. There are many good things to be said for "aging in place"! For many Americans, staying in our own homes means staying where our roots are. We cherish our familiar surroundings. We know the services and businesses in our neighborhood. We rely on an informal support system of neighbors, and perhaps family.

But many of us may find that our homes haven't kept up with our needs as we deal with the common physical changes of aging. Whether you live in a house, an apartment, or a condo, this might be a good time to take stock of your home. What changes can make your home as safe and secure as possible? And if you are one of the growing number of family caregivers whose older loved one now lives with you, have you considered ways your home can adapt to your loved one's needs?

Senior-friendly modifications can provide greater peace of mind for everyone in the family. Here are some steps to take:

• Perform a safety inspection of the home. What improvements can be made?
  
  
  • Non-slip, non-glare flooring
  • Low-pile carpeting
  • Handrails on both sides of stairs
  • Grab bars in bathroom
  • Additional lighting and night lights
    
• For accessibility and independence, add...
  
  
  • Easy-grip knobs and pulls in kitchen
  • Rocker or touch-type switches
  • Wheelchair or walker access
  • Cordless phone
  • Automatic garage door opener.
    
• If necessary, re-arrange the house for one-story living.
  
• Make sure roof, gutters, stairs and railings are in good repair.
  
• Inspect and upgrade plumbing, electrical, heat and air conditioning systems if necessary.

You can fix some things by yourself or with the help of handy friends, but doing it yourself is not always the best way to go. Poorly planned and built features can prove useless, or even dangerous. For example, a ramp that is too steep and lacks safety features is worse than no ramp at all. Grab bars that are not solidly anchored can cause rather than prevent falls. If you are hiring a handyman or contractor to do some of the work for you, be certain the person or company you select is reliable and trustworthy.

• Get recommendations from friends who have had similar work done.
  
• Be sure the contractor is licensed and bonded.
  
• Get references and check them.
  
• Check with the Better Business Bureau, the state consumer affairs office, and the local licensing board, if applicable.
  
• Get a written agreement, and don't pay the full agreed price until the work is completed to your satisfaction.
  
• Get bids from several contractors—but remember, the lowest bid isn't always the best choice.

Important note: Older adults are often targeted by unscrupulous contractors and service providers. Be wary of door-to-door repair sales. A common scam is for a salesperson to come to the door, claiming that his company is working on a job in your neighborhood and offering to do work on your house for a low rate. He might claim to have spotted dangerous conditions that should be taken care of "right away." But when the work is completed (if it ever is completed), the services and materials often turn out to be shoddy and not to code. Never agree to any services until you have checked out the company.

Paying for Home Improvements

If you are concerned that paying for safety improvements is beyond your means, remember that help is available through...

Community Assistance Programs—Most communities and all states have programs to assist older persons with home maintenance, seasonal weatherization, and needed repairs. Some programs are free of charge, except for the cost of materials, while others charge on a sliding scale, ability-to-pay basis.

Home Repair Loans—Government housing agencies and nonprofit organizations offer loans for home repairs and accessibility renovations, such as ramps, grab bars, and accessible kitchen and bathroom fixtures. Loans may be interest-free, or at below-market interest. Contact your local Senior Information and Referral or Area Agency on Aging to learn about eligibility requirements and a list of sources available in your area.

Reverse Mortgages—A reverse mortgage is a loan against a senior's house that allows them to convert part of their equity into cash. The loan is paid back when the homeowner sells the house, passes away, or moves out permanently. Reverse mortgages are another area where you need to have your guard up. Be sure to work with a reputable lender, consult with your financial advisor, and do your homework before making any commitments or signing any documents. 

To Learn More

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) offers home modification information and resources for seniors, families and professionals. See the Falls Prevention resource page to learn about creative programs that reduce home hazards. And check out the NCOA Crossroads Always at Home: How to Age in Place blog, where you will find the latest updates for professionals whose mission is to help seniors stay safe and independent at home. The NCOA has also archived a recent webinar hosted by Louis Tenenbaum, a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, on the topic of Universal Design and Aging in Place.

To learn more about reverse mortgage, see Reverse Mortgage: Use Your Home to Stay at Home on the NCOA website. The NCOA also offers free reverse mortage counseling. Learn more online, or call toll-free (800) 510-0301.