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Home Modification:
“Staying in Your Home May be the Best Option”
Consider these findings from the
AARP survey, Fixing to Stay: A
National Survey on Housing and
Home Modification Issues:
• “As Americans grow older they
want to remain in their own
homes, and many are modifying
their residences to enable
them to do so.
• More than 8 in 10 respondents
age 45 and over (including many
Baby Boomers) - and more than
9 in 10 of those 65 and over-say
they would like to stay where
they are for as long as possible.
• Even if they should need help
caring for themselves, 82% would
prefer not to move from their homes.
• 67% of those making changes or
modifications to their homes
believe doing so will let them
live there longer than they would
have otherwise been able to -
most for another 10+ years.”
When considering where you want
to live, staying in your home may
be the best and most cost effective
option. Much has changed in the
past 20 years that make this option
more attractive and affordable.
Many neighborhood grocery stores
will deliver either free of charge or
for a nominal fee. Dry cleaning
companies will pick up your dry
cleaning and everyday laundry.
Veterinarians and pet groomers
The Bold Look of Kohler © Kohler Co.
will come to your home. A wide variety
of home health care services
are available from nursing and
medical assistance to bathing and
foot care. In fact, almost any service
imaginable is now equipped to
serve clients in their homes. Other
supporting factors may include:
• Proximity to family, friends,
neighbors, hospitals, doctors
and houses of worship; &
• Familiarity with neighborhood,
services and stores.
If you find, because of mobility or
safety issues, your home no longer
meets your needs, what you may not
know is there are companies who
specialize in making modifications
that will make it possible for you to remain
in your home. Some of the most
common home modifications are:
• Bathrooms – grab bars, comfort
height toilets, barrier free
showers, etc.;
• Ramps;
• Widening doors and halls;
• Auto door openers;
• Stair chairs and lifts; &
• Home elevators.
Not only has the service industry
changed to meet the needs
of those wanting to stay in their
homes, the home remodeling industry
has also changed to meet
new needs. We have entered a
Keeping You In the Comfort of Your Own Home
Unique solutions to maintain an active and independent lifestyle
• Bathroom changes
• Elevators and lifts
• Kitchen options
• One level living
• Laundry changes
and relocation
• Stair modifications
• Maintenance and repairs
612-861-0188
www.sylvestreconstruction.com
7708–5 th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55423
new era in accessible design. Not
only will these modifications make
you and your guests more comfortable,
but, in the hands of a professional
interior designer, your
spaces can also be beautiful. The
era of “institutional” looking accessible
spaces is happily over. When
considering remodeling firms to
complete home modifications, there
are several key questions to ask:
1. Does your firm belong to any
professional associations?
- National Association of the
Remodeling Industry (NARI)
- Builders Association of the
Twin Cities
2. Has staff completed continuing
education and certifications?
- Certified Aging in Place
Specialist (CAPS)
- Certified Remodeler (CR)
3. Does your firm offer free initial
consultations?
4. Does your firm complete home
safety and accessibility
assessments?
5. Has your firm been recognized
for accessible spaces?
6. Is your firm licensed by the
State of MN?
7. Does your firm and all of its
subcontractors carry liability
insurance?
8. May I see photographs of
completed projects?
9. Do you have references?
10. Do you have a degreed
interior designer on staff?
When you analyze the cost of
home modifications and remaining
in your home with the cost of
alternate living arrangements, you
may discover that staying in your
home may just be the best option.
************************************
Mary Mackmiller, “Home for Good,”
952-949-8600, www.hfgpros.com
Articles
Articles Page 19 Senior Housing Directory