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What the Home Caregiver Shortage Means for Seniors and Disabled
Caregiving

What the Home Caregiver Shortage Means for Seniors and Disabled

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

As the population of Americans over the age of 85 grows dramatically, so too has the need for home caregivers. By the year 2026, demand for home caregivers will grow by another million. This is an alarming prediction, because there is already a serious shortage, which is making it very difficult for seniors and people with disabilities to find the assistance they need. Many overall healthy people have resorted to living in nursing homes and other institutions simply so that they can receive basic help with daily tasks. What the Home Caregiver Shortage Means for Seniors and Disabled

Causes of the Home Caregiver Shortage

Although it is a quickly growing profession, there are still not nearly enough people interested in working as caregivers in order to keep up with the demand. Caretaking jobs tend not to pay very well; currently, the average home caregiver is paid only $10.99/hour. This is similar to what employees in retail or food service earn. Additionally, caregivers often have inconsistent schedules, part-time work only, poor benefits, and few opportunities for advancement (1).
Moreover, the job comes with a lot of responsibility, and mistakes can result in serious injury, police investigations, and other issues.
Strict immigration policies may also affect the caregiver shortage, as roughly one quarter of caretakers are immigrants.
With all of these factors combined, it is not exactly shocking that home care agencies experience an annual turnover rate of 60% (1).

Impact of Caregiver Shortage on Individuals and Families

The Columbus Dispatch recently interviewed a woman named Kenna Robinett, who is the guardian for her twin nephews, who are both on the autism spectrum. She was able to find home caregivers for her nephews, but they were far from reliable. The caregivers served her nephews frozen hot pockets (unheated), microwaved bread sticks until they were burnt to a crisp, and stored ice cream in a cabinet drawer. On one occasion, the boys’ school called because one of them had arrived with feces on his hands. Another day, Robinett received a message saying that there would be no one available to care for her nephews as of 3p.m. that same day, because the agency was shutting down.
In addition to causing the inconvenience of rapidly finding a replacement, caregiver turnover can be emotionally traumatic. “This is deeply personal, intimate care,” Patty Lyons told The Columbus Dispatch, discussing her 15-year-old daughter, who has several disabilities and health conditions. “She has a G-tube (which delivers food to the stomach), takes 13 different medications. Essentially, she’s nonverbal. She has to be left alone with a provider while I’m at work.”
Lyons’ daughter, Adriana, previously had a private-duty nurse. Then Medicaid policies changed and she was declared ineligible for nursing services, under the assumption that a less expensive care provider could meet her requirements. However, it took Lyons months to find someone who could appropriately care for Adriana(2).

Caregiver Shortage Causes Unnecessary Institutionalization

Although staying in an assisted living center or nursing home is a viable option for some, seniors increasingly prefer to age at home (3). For those with the financial means, this can work very well; 102 year old Leroy Neuberg told the Radio program Bostonomixthat he credits his longevity to his dedicated and qualified home caregiver (4). However, many seniors who are healthy enough to live at home with some assistance are unable to do so due to the lack of available caregivers. People with disabilities have the same issue –even those who are very young.
25-year-old Korrie Johnson has cerebral palsy and limited mobility, but is overall healthy and mentally fit. Her mother used to help her with daily tasks, but is now unable to do so because she was injured in a serious car crash. Johnson had no other choice but to move into a nursing home in order to receive basic assistance.
“This is no place for someone my age,” she told the Star Tribune. Most of the other residents have dementia and other debilitating conditions.
Johnson is far from the only disabled person living in an institution and wishing to be free. In her home state of Minnesota, approximately 1,500 people under age 65 live in nursing homes. With a bit of help, many of them would likely be able to live at home and lead productive lives.

Solving the Home Caregiver Crisis

Advocates argue that unnecessary institutionalization, such as what Johnson is experiencing, violates civil rights. The Supreme Court “Olmstead” ruling (1999) mandates that states provide their residents with care in the most integrated environment possible.
Even from an economic perspective, home care makes sense. It tends to cost taxpayers less than nursing home care (5).
A critical component of fixing the caregiver shortage is making home caretaking a better profession. Worker cooperatives may help improve conditions for home caregivers, as well as provide training opportunities. Additionally, changes to Medicaid rules could provide caregivers with increased pay and benefits, more stability, and room for advancement (1).
As a society, we must recognize the importance of this profession, and treat home caregivers with the respect they deserve.
Sources

  1. Forbes– The Shortage of Home Care Workers: Worse Than You Think
  2. The Columbus Dispatch– Crisis in care: Lack of quality caregivers, constant turnover tough on disabled, families
  3. The Chicago Tribune– ‘Crisis mode’: As boomers age, a shortage of caregivers
  4. Bostonomix– Demand For Senior Home Care Grows, But Its Pay Remains Low
  5. Star Tribune– Shortage of home health workers forcing young Minnesotans with disabilities into institutions

This guest blog post was contributed by Reiter & Walsh ABC Law Centers.

What the Home Caregiver Shortage Means for Seniors and Disabled

What the Home Caregiver Shortage Means for Seniors and Disabled What the Home Caregiver Shortage Means for Seniors and Disabled What the Home Caregiver Shortage Means for Seniors and Disabled What the Home Caregiver Shortage Means for Seniors and Disabled What the Home Caregiver Shortage Means for Seniors and Disabled What the Home Caregiver Shortage Means for Seniors and Disabled

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Topics to Discuss with Aging Parents
Aging

Topics to Discuss with Aging Parents

by Kathy Macaraeg
written by Kathy Macaraeg

Ideally, you want to ask all of these questions at once so that if your parents don’t have any of the documents, you can set an appointment with a family lawyer to take care of everything at once.
Are There Areas in Your Life Where You Need Help?
You should ask your aging parent this question frequently. Circumstances change. While they may not need assistance with anything today, that could change quickly tomorrow. If you are at a loss for what types of questions to ask, here are some suggestions:

  • Are you having trouble safely getting around the house?
  • Have you fallen or lost your balance recently?
  • Are you eating well? Do you need help getting healthy food?
  • Are you still comfortable driving?
  • Do you need me to bring you anything?
  • Is everything working properly?

You would be surprised by how many of my clients quietly struggled with the above issues because they didn’t want to bother their children or alert their children to their inability to live independently. In addition to asking these questions, you should be checking for signs of their abilities. Some signs include:

  • Frequent falls or bruising
  • Weight loss or trouble sleeping
  • An empty refrigerator or pantry or no “fresh” foods
  • They are not grooming in the same way or as frequently
  • Their mail or paperwork is piling up
  • They are forgetting appointments or important dates
  • They keep phone calls or visits short (so that you don’t notice any issues)

Do You Have an Advanced Medical Directive?
An advanced medical directive is a legal document in which a person specifies what actions should be taken for their health if they are no longer able to make decision for themselves because of illness or incapacity.
If they do, discuss what is on their advanced medical directive so that if an issue suddenly arises, you won’t have to waste time hunting for the documentation. If they don’t set up an appointment with a family law practitioner.
Do You Have a Healthcare Proxy or Durable Power of Attorney?
A healthcare proxy is a document with which a patient appoints an agent to legally make healthcare decisions on behalf of the patient, when he or she is incapable of making and executing decisions stipulated in the proxy.
Does Your Doctor Have Signed Consent Forms For Who Can Speak to Him/Her?
If you or a sibling want the opportunity to speak to your parent’s medical provider outside of attending their appointment, you need to be sure their doctor has a signed consent for that enables you to do so. Medical offices may have their own forms or they may be less formal and just need your parent to call and clear you. Check with your parent and their medical provider.
Do You Have a Financial Power of Attorney?
A Financial Power of Attorney authorizes someone to act on your behalf in financial matters. This is a difficult topic to bring up as your aging parent may be concerned that he or she will lose control of their finances. You also need to be cautious about who is given this role as there is a risk that in the wrong hands, their money can be mismanaged or worse.
On the other hand, if your aging parent is struggling to stay on top of his or her bills or has reduced cognitive function that makes it impossible to make financial decisions, it is critical that someone steps in to help with finances. Of note, it is important that your aging parent make this decision while he or she has the cognitive ability to do so, which is why you want to have the discussion early.
At What Point Is Aging in Place No Longer Feasible for You?
Everyone wants to age in place. There are very few people who want to leave their family home to move into a communal living environment. Unfortunately, it isn’t possible for everyone to age in place.
Take the time to discuss with your aging parent at what point – if there is a point – they would consider assisted living. If they are completely against moving into assisted living, what are their preferences and is it in their financial control. Would your aging parent prefer moving in with family? Is that even an option? Would their preference be round-the-clock caregiving services?
There may become a point where it truly isn’t an option to age in place. They may not be ambulatory. They may be ill. They may need round the clock care which is out of the budget. If they do need to move into a facility, what type of environment is most preferable?
——
None of these conversations are pleasant, yet they are all important to ensuring your parent’s end of life care is what he or she would want. Jumping into caregiving as a result of illness or an injury is stressful.
If at all possible, you want to have caregiving discussions with your aging parents early and often. You never know when circumstances will change and you don’t want to have conflict with your aging parent over his or her care, or with a sibling or family member.
Lastly, use the resources of Senior.com. They specialize in helping people age in their home longer by providing fall prevention products like lift chairs, walkers or rollators, canes and Stander products.

Topics to Discuss with Aging Parents

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Age-In-Place

Age at Home and Not a Nursing Home

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

Most of us want to age-in-place. But can we? Affordable, accessible and well-located housing affects the quality of life for all ages, but it’s most significant for older adults. In a report released by The Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University and AARP, it claims that the three key points are the cornerstone to comfort and security. How to Age at Home and Not a Nursing Home
Housing is the single largest item in most budgets and its costs and expenses directly influence financial security. The home’s location and accessibility are essential to health and safety, to stores, services, and transportation. Without the three components, older adults may experience inactive, non-productive, and isolated lives. If an individual lives with a disability or chronic disease, they will suffer since local supports and services could be difficult to find and access. How to Age at Home and Not a Nursing Home
Whether one chooses to remain independent and to grow older at home is up to individual and their loved ones to know if the home will allow them to age-in-place. Start early when assessing your preferences, the readiness of the home, and the community it’s located. How to Age at Home and Not a Nursing Home
I’ve listed suggestions and tips that will make the home safer. Consider these and adapt accordingly.

  • Numerous safety and fall hazards exist in everyone’s homes. What needs fixing is determined not so much by specific hazards, but by observing a person’s ability to maneuver (walk and transfer) safely in the home. For example, extra handrail support becomes a priority for balance.
  • Hire help for difficult talks. Many older adults have fallen off ladders or roofs doing home maintenance. It might be worth hiring someone instead. Keep the home clean by hiring a housekeeper.
  • Home technology helps and keeps people living with chronic illness to have healthcare in the home. While most people will think about physical space modifications, the most underutilized trend is the simple use of technology.
  • Adopt wearable or simple sensors which connect the older consumer with family, emergency support services, and detect falls, allowing family or caregivers to identify issues before they escalate and exacerbate.
  • Think of the future every time you make a change to a room. Every renovation should consider future need or ability to retrofit. Select lever handle faucet and add lighting options in dark hallways and bathrooms. Are studs in place for grab bars?
  • Use the assistive devices that are available to you-canes, walkers, hearing aids, etc. Look critically at how you use your space and what changes would make it easier for you to maneuver in your house. Get an evaluation from a physical therapist.

Think ahead. When considering retirement, some gravitate toward a place in the countryside, which feels like a good idea when active and able. However, there are real advantages to having neighbors, friends, and family close by.

How to Age at Home and Not a Nursing Home

How to Age at Home and Not a Nursing Home How to Age at Home and Not a Nursing Home How to Age at Home and Not a Nursing Home How to Age at Home and Not a Nursing Home How to Age at Home and Not a Nursing Home How to Age at Home and Not a Nursing Home How to Age at Home and Not a Nursing Home How to Age at Home and Not a Nursing Home How to Age at Home and Not a Nursing Home How to Age at Home and Not a Nursing Home How to Age at Home and Not a Nursing Home How to Age at Home and Not a Nursing Home

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Help! My Loved One is Struggling, but Resists Home Care Services
Aging

Help! My Loved One is Struggling, but Resists Home Care Services

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

Discussing home care services with an aging loved one is difficult conversation – but it’s particularly difficult if your parent or relative is resistant to home care. As a leading home care services provider, Visiting Angels is more than familiar with seniors who initially resist a helping hand around the home. Help! My Loved One is Struggling, but Resists Home Care Services
When a relative continuously rejects home care services that could improve their quality of life and extend their years living in the comfort of home, there are a number of strategies that you can take with them. Most important of all is to have respectful conversations, carefully listening to and acknowledging your loved one’s points of view.

Strategies for Discussing Home Care Services

When discussing home care services with a resistant parent or relative, there are a number of strategies you can use to help your loved one see the benefits to home care services. Here are some strategies you may wish to use:

  • Plan for Multiple Conversations. It’s unlikely that you’ll change your loved one’s mind about home care services during your first talk. Plan ahead for a discussion that unfolds over several conversations.
  • Approach the Topic Sideways. If your loved one is resistant to home care services, start conversations on a different, but related note. For instance, if your parent or relative has age-related strength issues, ask them if there are any activities that you can give them a helping hand with.
  • Listen Carefully. Understanding where your loved one’s resistance to home care services is coming from is important. They might feel that home care services are a threat to their pride, security, or independence. Understanding their concerns makes it easier for you to seek solutions that overcome these worries.
  • Avoid “Crisis Conversations”. Emotions run high immediately after an accident or close call. Avoid bringing up home care immediately after an age-related incident. Instead, give your loved one time to process the event by waiting a few days.
  • Turn to Family. Family members can be helpful when you discuss home care services with your loved one. Privately voice your concerns with other members of your family and bring them into the fold during your conversations. However, be careful not to appear as if you are “ganging up” on your loved one.
  • Start Small. Even if you feel that your loved one could benefit from a full care plan, it may be best to start small. Having a caregiver stop by for a few hours once a week allows your loved one to take home care services for a kind of test drive. As they come to enjoy the benefits of home care services, they may ask you to expand their care plan.

Choosing a Home Care Services Provider

If your loved one agrees to home care services, it’s important to find a home care services provider who your loved one feels comfortable with. This means choosing the right company and the right caregiver.
While some home care services assign caregivers to clients on their own, others like Visiting Angels take a more flexible approach. To make seniors feel more at ease, the agency you choose should have caregivers meet with seniors and their families before starting care. That way, you can make sure the right fit exists before starting home care services.
Do you have a loved one who could benefit from home care services, but remains resistant to care? Contact your local Visiting Angels to learn more about our services and how we can help you ease your loved one into home care.

Help! My Loved One is Struggling, but Resists Home Care Services

Help! My Loved One is Struggling, but Resists Home Care Services Help! My Loved One is Struggling, but Resists Home Care Services Help! My Loved One is Struggling, but Resists Home Care Services Help! My Loved One is Struggling, but Resists Home Care ServicesHelp! My Loved One is Struggling, but Resists Home Care Services Help! My Loved One is Struggling, but Resists Home Care Services Help! My Loved One is Struggling, but Resists Home Care Services Help! My Loved One is Struggling, but Resists Home Care Services
 

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5 Tips for Aging in Place
Age-In-Place

5 Tips for Aging in Place

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

When Joanne Harrison’s spouse passed away, the 78-year-old had no interest in moving. She’s healthy, has many friends, and her two sons live nearby. Plus, she’s a confident driver and gets herself to doctor’s appointments and the grocery store. 5 Tips for Aging in Place
Those are all important prerequisites for people who want to stay in their homes as they grow older, or “age in place.”

According to an AARP survey, nearly 90% of those over age 65 want to stay in their homes for as long as possible. But Sullivan and others, who want to stay put as they grow older, “need to have a plan—and a support system—in place that allows them to stay in their community, ideally in their home, as long as possible, and to ensure that they’re living safely and independently,” explains Suzanne Schmitt, vice president for family engagement at Fidelity. 5 Tips for Aging in Place
Here are five things that aging singles or couples—and their children, other family members, or caregivers—should keep in mind when assessing the living situation.

1. Explore the Benefits of Staying Put

There are many reasons why aging in place can be a win. For starters, “it may be financially advantageous,” Schmitt says. For instance, depending on the situation, staying in a home can be less expensive than moving to an assisted-living community. There are the upfront costs of moving, an often steep entrance fee, and monthly payments for room and board, which can easily top $3,000 a month.
Even more important are the psychological payoffs of not moving away from one’s established community of friends, medical professionals, and faith community. Though these factors are hard to place a financial value on, they are a vital component of healthy aging.
“The single most predictive factor of whether you’re going to age well—meaning be able to be independent and live a long and healthy life—isn’t money,” says Schmitt. “And it isn’t even necessarily your health. It’s your social connections, which may get lost [if you move], because many people focus more on their finances.”

2. Do a Home Safety Check

The first step in an “aging in place” plan is to run a complete safety check of your home. “Many people don’t know what to look for,” says Schmitt. “There are some hazards that you might take for granted—for example, furniture obstructing pathways or stairs.”
Sullivan’s children did just that. They walked around her house with an eye for any potential hazards that might cause trouble should her vision or mobility begin to deteriorate. Then they hired a home modification professional to help make needed changes.
The good news is that many of the improvements that may make it easier to stay in your house—such as raising electrical outlets to make them more accessible and installing brighter outdoor lighting—aren’t expensive.
Sullivan’s home was retrofitted by installing secure handrails alongside the stairs to the front door, switching doorknobs to levers, adding automatic lights to hallways, removing rugs that might become tripping hazards, and placing grab bars in the shower.
“There are plenty of easy options to modify a home,” says Schmitt. “The sooner you start preparing, the better.”

3. Assess Transportation

“Driving may be your lifeline and independence,” Schmitt points out. “Coming to the ‘I don’t think I can drive’ moment is tough, but it can’t be avoided.”
And, although driving might not be a concern now, it may ultimately become one.
If you are at the point that you can no longer drive or walk to the grocery store or reach other important services, consider other transportation options. “If you have public transit, great, but it doesn’t exist in a lot of places,” explains Schmitt. In that case, you may need to make other arrangements, such as ride sharing with friends and neighbors, or transportation assistance that many companion-care services may offer. When it comes to groceries and getting things like prescriptions filled, automatic delivery or online delivery can be a great option. A family or friend can help manage orders and accounts and can track order history to help make sure you are getting what you need.

4. Ensure a Supportive Community or Network

This is a linchpin: Communications—social connectivity. Think about how supportive the community is where you live.
Isolation can be a stumbling block to aging well. And it can creep up slowly. No matter how safe the inside of a home is, if there isn’t enough interaction with a community, a plan can fall apart.
“Are you lonely? Part of aging in place successfully is being able to stay connected, and not fall into the depression that many people experience because they are isolated,” says Schmitt.
Are you comfortable on a computer? Can you connect online with your children, grandkids, and others?
You might also investigate some of the companionship services available in the community, through websites such as Caregiving.org.
Start to pull together a list of people and professionals who can step in and help if you need someone to go along to a doctor’s appointment or someone to help with errands, or for lunch or dinner dates. If your family doesn’t live nearby, you may want to have a pipeline to neighbors you can call for periodic checkups.
A growing number of communities use the “village” concept for services and support to seniors. The idea, originating in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston, is to create a nonprofit organization that arranges for services—including transportation, home repair, and social activities—for a fee. 5 Tips for Aging in Place

5. Make it an Ongoing Process 5 Tips for Aging in Place

“One of the myths is that people think they can make a plan once, and they’re done,” says Schmitt. “This is something that needs to be reviewed regularly by you and your family member or caregiver.”
Once the home is retrofitted, keep an eye open to see if you are having trouble. Friends and family members may want to look out for any unexplained bruising on the aging person’s arms or legs. “It can be an indicator that they may be having trouble moving around,” Schmitt notes. Also, look around the home when you visit. Is there a pile of mail? Are things in disarray? Check the refrigerator. Is it bare? Is food spoiling?
What if you experience a health event, such as a bout of pneumonia that requires a lengthy hospital stay, or a fall that affects your cognitive ability or mobility. These are going to be very important points when you have to take a look at whether the plan you put in place is still going to work going forward.
“In an ideal world, we will age gracefully in place, but that doesn’t happen very often without careful preparation,” says Schmitt. “Take the time to sit down and get the aging-in-place conversation going.” 5 Tips for Aging in Place
Article from Fidelity.com

5 Tips for Aging in Place

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How Denial About Decline Compromises Senior Care
Housing Tips

Data helps seniors determine where to live

by Carol Marak
written by Carol Marak

Seniors want data when searching for the best place to retire. While the younger people have their own lifestyle criteria, older adults have stricter requirements because as they grow older, their needs expand. Data helps seniors determine where to live
AARP claims Social Security is the foundation of retirement and 84 percent of people age 65 and older receive benefits. Social Security provides more than a third of income for retirees which is hardly enough to survive since the average benefit in the U.S. is $17,189/year according to the Census survey. Data helps seniors determine where to live
So what do seniors look for when evaluating areas to retire? The majority want to keep working and live in a state where housing is affordable. Data helps seniors determine where to live
Using the U.S. Census data and other government surveys, let’s compare three states in the country based on work and housing to see which would be the best state to retire. I’ve selected Arizona, Minnesota, and Texas for my own analysis.

Arizona

  • There are 215,982 seniors living alone in Arizona. Of these, 68% are female.
  • Average social security income is $18,179/year
  • The median household income for an Arizona senior is $39,445
  • The number of seniors working in the state is 13 percent
  • 83 percent own a home and 21 percent of the owners spend over 35% of their monthly budget on a mortgage
  • The number of people aged 65 and over in Arizona is projected to rise 101% over the next 15 years, from 1,181,358 to 2,371,354.

Minnesota

  • There are 201,459 seniors living alone in Minnesota. Of these, 72% are female.
  • Average social security income for all seniors is $17,798/year
  • The median household income for a Minnesota senior is $37,329
  • The number of seniors working in the state is 16 percent
  • 78 percent own a home and 32 percent have a mortgage. Those with a house payment, 20 percent spends over 35% of their monthly budget on it.
  • The number of people aged 65 and over in Minnesota is projected to rise 54% over the next 15 years, from 774,390 to 1,193,124.

Texas

  • There are 638,725 seniors living alone in Texas. Of these, 70% are female.
  • Average social security income is $16,334/year
  • The median household income for a Texas senior is $36,915
  • The number of seniors working in Texas is 17 percent
  • 81 percent own a home and 32 percent have a mortgage. Those with a house payment, 20 percent spends over 35% of their monthly budget on one.
  • The number of people aged 65 and over in Texas is projected to rise 67% over the next 15 years, from 3,112,883 to 5,186,185.

At initial glance, from the perspective of a single female, aging alone, Texas is a better fit for me since there are more people in my predicament (solo agers.) My first assessment is crude, but the housing and mortgage numbers tell me that homes are more affordable in Texas and Arizona. Plus, both project to have a higher rate of people my age down the road.
Even so, having a job helps people thrive, and having one is vital to me. The Harris poll found 54 percent of workers (age 60+) say they will work part or full-time after retirement. Texas has a slightly higher number of working seniors than Arizona or Minnesota.
The city guides can give you much more insight than the little I give today. You can do your individual assessments by using the data provided for over 8,000 cities across the country. Data helps seniors determine where to live Data helps seniors determine where to live Data helps seniors determine where to live

Data helps seniors determine where to live

Data helps seniors determine where to live

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7 Simple Steps to Senior Bathroom Safety
Fall Prevention TipsSafety & Fall Prevention

Seven Simple Steps to Senior Bathroom Safety

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

One in three seniors over the age of 65 will experience at least one fall annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in the home for the elderly. Slick floors, small spaces, sharp edges and few things to grasp make mobility difficult and increase chances for dangerous falls. Seven Simple Steps to Senior Bathroom Safety
Unable to complete everyday tasks with the same mobility they once had, many senior homeowners are left with unsafe measures to prevent falling in the bathroom. These may include insufficiently secured towel racks that could fall when gripped for support, shower chairs that are not slip resistant and sliding shower doors that could move unexpectedly when entering and exiting the tub. Seven Simple Steps to Senior Bathroom Safety
“We want seniors to live safely and comfortably in every part of their homes. It’s important that senior homeowners are aware of the challenges independent living can present and take the appropriate precautions,” says Larry Rothman, Roto-Rooter’s director of plumbing services. Seven Simple Steps to Senior Bathroom Safety
Roto-Rooter, America’s largest provider of plumbing and drain-cleaning services is offering tips on what to install in the bathroom to keep it safe for loved ones so they can maintain an independent lifestyle with easier mobility.

  • Equip showers and surrounding walls with sturdy grab bars anchored to wall studs so they can support the full weight of an adult. Some portable safety handles use super strong suction cups and are easy to apply and remove.
  • Consider installing nonskid tape or mats on the floor of a shower or bathtub.
  • A shower chair is also a safe solution that can be easily placed where balance is a challenge.
  • Flexible handheld shower wands with an on/off button might be easier to use than a traditional shower head. These are especially useful in combination with shower chairs.
  • Toilets can be replaced with ADA-approved raised-height models to lessen the chance of a harsh fall. Alternatively, raised-height seats can be installed on existing toilets.
  • Check temperature settings on water heaters, as water hotter than 120 F can scald skin. Special no-scald faucets or a no-scald regulator can be installed as a secondary layer of protection.
  • Some faucet handles are difficult for arthritic hands to grip and turn. These should be replaced with models that are easier for seniors to use.

A study by the Home Safety Council found that falls are the leading cause of home injury-related deaths among older adults. Making simple home installations can make day-to-day living for seniors easier, reduce their risk of falling and give peace of mind to those close to them. Most of the devices Roto-Rooter suggests can be installed by most anyone and are recommended for overall safety and optimal mobility for seniors.

7 Simple Steps to Senior Bathroom Safety

Provided by: ARA
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Build A Home With Great House Design Plans
Housing Tips

Build A Home With Great House Design Plans

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Building a custom home is one of the most rewarding homeowner experiences. One of the fastest sectors choosing to build a home is people who intend to age in their home. This is often called “Aging in Place.” There are many custom features you can add to make it easier to age in your home. Building the right home for you starts with a great design and good planning.
After obtaining house plans, property to build on and hiring contractors, the work toward a dream home is well underway. The decision to build a home from the ground up involves a lot of important decision making. This will establish factors for the future house in every detail from deciding between house plans, to select the right layout, to the materials used for the kitchen cabinets. Build A Home With Great House Design Plans

Benefits of a Custom Home Include:

  • 100% customization for every detail. Even house plans can be modified to suit tastes and preferences. The ability to have the final say in all of the work that will go into the building of a home creates a house that will be perfectly suited to the homeowner’s exact specifications, and allows for a more comfortable and rewarding final result.
  • Purchasing the lot will assist with the advantages to custom building. It’s one of the most important details of the home building process. The property can dictate everything from the materials used, to the direction the house will face. Plenty of time should be spent on the property, to get a feel for the land, and to think of an ideal house plan to match the landscape and neighborhood.
  • Avoiding builder’s grade appliances. Building a custom home involves picking out appliances. When a pre-built home is purchased, generally the kitchen appliances are builder’s grade. This means that they are not as high quality, and are plainer in design than is typically preferred. By installing high quality appliances of choice, the lifespan will be longer, and having the choice will guarantee a better match with the decor. Build A Home With Great House Design Plans

Before buying a plan check to be sure that it conforms to standards including the International Residential Code [IRC] and the Uniform Building Code [UBC]. The house plan can be modified to conform to the standards of states or countries but it is still well advised to read, research and consult with your architect regarding this matter. After deciding on the house plan that is perfect for the property, and suits needs and lifestyle, the next step is to continue the process of building the home. Some of these steps include: Build A Home With Great House Design Plans

  1. A Materials List
    This list will tell the contractor all of the materials that have been decided upon to build the house including fixtures, molding and paint.
  2. A Building Material List
    The items on this list will detail the construction materials required such as the lumber, concrete and nails.

Building a custom home is full of decisions but they are well worth it for a home that will be loved and enjoyed by its occupants today, and by their future generations tomorrow.
Great House Design provides house plans to their customers who are building new homes. The searchable plan database makes finding the perfect home easy, and to desired specifications. For more information on Great House Design and their plans visit, Greathousedesign.
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Build A Home With Great House Design Plans

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Age-In-Place

Is Aging In Place A Pipe Dream?

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Former secretary of HUD Henry Cisneros’ mom lived in the house she and her husband bought in 1945 until last month, two weeks after her 90th birthday, when she was hospitalized, and the doctor said it wouldn’t be responsible to let her go home because her disorientation and forgetfulness would likely result in another incident. Cisneros reluctantly helped her moved to a memory care facility, and the visits are wrenching. “The truth is she doesn’t want to be there; she wants to go home. She ends up crying, and I want to go out to the car and cry,” Cisneros said in his keynote speech at a conference on housing and aging yesterday. Is Aging In Place A Pipe Dream?

Housing is the linchpin of our well-being, according to the AARP Foundation and the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies which held the conference in conjunction with the release of a new report, Housing America’s Older Adults—Meeting the Needs of An Aging Population. The experts explored the mismatch between the nation’s housing stock and Americans’ desire to age in place at home. And they issued a warning: as the baby boomers age and the number of Americans over age 85 swells (triples!) to 20 million by 2030, “our country must face the basic fact that we are aging and we are not ready,” Cisneros said.
Cisneros’ mom, Elvira, intended to live out her days in her 1920s bungalow in the West Side neighborhood of San Antonio, Texas where Cisneros was mayor before he headed the U.S Housing and Development Agency under President Clinton (he now heads housing developer CityView). Cisneros even held her up as a model of aging in place in his 2010 book “Independent for Life: Homes and Neighborhoods for an Aging America.”

Integrating housing and health services in new accessible multi-family buildings is one approach to the nation’s lack of affordable housing, but most Americans would rather stay at home, in a rocking chair on their front porch.

The reality is that for some people, you can age in place—but only up to a point. Most Americans live in isolated detached, single family homes in suburban or rural neighborhoods without access to transportation services. “The existing housing stock is unprepared to meet the escalating need for affordability, accessibility, social connectivity and supportive services,” the report concludes. The conference speakers offered a range of solutions. The audience favorite: Age-Friendly NYC’s program that enlists doormen (through the building services union) to refer tenants to city agencies and social services if they show signs of elder abuse or cognitive decline.
Here are some ideas for the rest of us. Is Aging In Place A Pipe Dream?
Pay off your mortgage. More than 70% of homeowners aged 50 to 64 are still paying off their mortgages in 2010, with an average loan-to-value ratio of 56%. And 40% of homeowners aged 65 and over are paying off their mortgages, with an average loan-to-value ratio of 45%.
Trying to get to a situation where you’re not facing mortgage payments in retirement is key, says 53-year-old Chris Hebert, acting managing director of the Joint Center. Herbert said he’s aiming to pay down his home loan in the next 10 years. If your house is paid off, you can better handle property insurance, taxes, and day to day expenses, and have a cushion to pay for health care and caregiving services.
Renovate with universal design. “Where older people live now is likely where they’ll be living,” Herbert says, noting that people are making decisions about housing they’re going to occupy later in life in their 50s and early 60s. He tried to get his 63-year-old brother-in-law who was embarking on a major home renovation project to think ahead, but he didn’t do anything to make his house accessible. Nobody in the process—the architect or builder—egged him on to do so. One thing that allowed Cisneros’ mom to stay in her house as long as she did was ramps and an accessible bathroom that were originally installed for her late husband.
The five key features for an accessible home are: a no-step entry, single floor living, wide doorways, accessible electric switches and outlets, lever-style door handles and faucets. Only 21% of houses have at least three of these features.
Talk about who will help mom. Between 2015 and 2035, the number of people over the age of 75 living alone will nearly double from 6.9 million to 13.4 million, the majority of whom will be women. And the majority of those women will have caregiving needs. About one in four older adults has a cognitive, hearing, mobility or vision difficulty. By age 85, however, more than two in three adults face at least one of these difficulties.
The family care ratio is going in the wrong direction, notes Herbert, who says he pools resources with four siblings to care for his mom, but he and his wife have only two kids to eventually call on for caregiving support. And then there are the childless who will rely on friends and extended family to help them through old age. Of the youngest baby boomers, aged 50 to 59, 16% do not have children who might take care for them in older age, the Joint Center found.
“The Joint Center is often referred to as the Joint Center for gloom and doom,” Herbert jokes. But the message he hopes people will take away is that individuals and their families need to recognize these issues and take steps now to prepare.
By Ashlea Ebeling,

FORBES STAFF

Is Aging In Place A Pipe Dream?

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