HOME MODIFICATION AND AGING IN PLACE SERVICES

Caucasian older man on the right smiling, wearing gray hoodie, middle of photo is a caucasian older woman with white hair and glasses, looking to her right at the third person. third person on right is a caucasian female in 40s, dark hair, dimple, wearing a brown shirt and striped pants, looking at camera while mid sentence, leaning on desk. other two people are seated and looking at the woman.

Home modifications are accommodations made to the environment that maximize your function and safety.  Home modifications allow you to live an independent and fulfilling life in your home.

Data shows that, home modifications that have been recommended by an Occupational Therapist, and that have been customized to your needs and your home, have the best outcome for lowering fall risk.

Not located in VT or neighboring NH? No problem! We offer Virtual Assessments, utilizing technology and a bit of creativity to get the information we need to help you.

Contact us for a free  ZOOM or phone consultation to learn more and schedule your Home Modification or Aging in Place Assessment.

What is Home Modification?

Home modification is the process of making changes to your home that will allow the home to work optimally for your specific needs. The focus is always on maximizing function and safety, reducing fall risk, and expanding independence.

Home modification can include quick and easy changes such as improved lighting, addition of anti-slip treads on stairways and lever doorknobs. At the extreme, home modification may include complete renovation of an interior room or entry/exit and may include landscape changes to allow for level entry.

While a contractor may be needed to implement these changes, it is the home modification liaison who ‘translates’ the rationale and specific recommendations made for your home. Simply following ADA guidelines will not work; these guidelines are generic and made to apply in public settings. You deserve to have aging in place modifications work specifically for you.

As your consultant, I will use your reported goals, strengths, medical history and critical evaluation of your home to make the best home modification plan for you. We will tour your home together with a focus on the bathroom, kitchen and exit/entry. We discuss which steps you may be ready to implement and which plans you may wish to hold off on; this can be an ongoing discussion with graded implementation.

Planning ahead for the curve balls that life can throw at us is the best thing you can do for yourself. Let’s work together to create a home that will support you through all stages of life.

 

Let me help you plan ahead. Contact Home and Able, LLC  today!

Aging in Place Assessment

Caucasian older man on the left smiling, hands on table wearing gray hoodie, middle of photo is a caucasian older woman with white hair and glasses, chin on hand, looking at the third person. third person on right is a caucasian female in 40s, dark hair, dimple, wearing a yellow sleeveless jump suit mid sentence and looking at the older man while they are seated around the table.

What you get:

1.  An in home assessment with Dena

  • In home assessments last  2-3 hours
  • Education on recommendations throughout assessment
  • Discussion of your and/or your loved one’s goals and concerns.
  • Assessment of strengths, pertinent medical history, lifestyle & supports.
  • Home Safety Assessment which includes an evaluation of your bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, exit/entrance. 

2. Your custom digital report 

  • Color coded tiered priority recommendations
  • Approximately 20 pages in length
  • Includes links and photographs to recommended resources and equipment
  • Mocked up photos of your space showing recommendations for grab bar placement and equipment.

PLUS…

  • Tips and checklist for emergency preparedness.
  • Climate resiliency action you can take in your home.
  • A printed copy of your Aging in Place Assessment is available for a $10 fee.

3. A post assessment review via ZOOM

  • After you’ve received your report, you will meet via ZOOM with Dena to go over the report and answer any questions you may have.

Virtual assessments are an option in most cases, please schedule your free consultation to learn more.

Accessibility Assessment

a woman in a dark blue jumper in the distance, left arm extended, standing in the doorway, green wallpaper with golden design.

What you get:

  1. An in home assessment with Dena, Occupational Therapist
  • In home assessments last  2-3 hours
  • Education on recommendations throughout assessment
  • Discussion of your and/or your loved one’s goals and concerns.
  • Assessment of strengths, pertinent medical history, lifestyle & supports.
  • Home Safety Assessment which includes an evaluation of your bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, exit/entrance. 
  1. Your custom digital report 
  • Color coded tiered priority recommendations
  • Approximately 20 pages in length
  • Includes links and photographs to recommended resources and equipment
  • Mocked up photos of your space showing recommendations for grab bar placement and equipment.

PLUS…

  • Tips and checklist for emergency preparedness.
  • Climate resiliency action you can take in your home.
  • A printed copy of your Home Modification Assessment is available for a $10 fee.
  1. A post assessment review via ZOOM
  • After you’ve received your report, you will meet via ZOOM with Dena to go over the report and answer any questions you may have.
  1. This assessment is tailored to meet the needs of:
  • adults, teenagers and children living with chronic, progressive or congenital disorders. 
  • Businesses and non-profits who want help creating neurodivergent or physically accessible spaces. 
  • People who want to live in an accessible home.

Virtual assessments are an option in most cases, please schedule your free consultation to learn more.



Discharge planning

Home and Able takes the stress and worry out of helping your loved one discharge home from the hospital or rehab. Dena has worked in hospitals, rehabs and in home health. She understands the logistics and most importantly, where there are gaps of care. We have the knowledge to get you home and keep you home!  Connect with Home and Able to learn more.

Floor plans and Contractor Liason

If you are ready to make larger renovations to meet your home modification needs, Home & Able will provide you with professional floor plans to be used with your contractor. Dena has additional training in creating floor plans and is a member of the National Association of Home Builders. 

As your contractor liason, I work closely with you and the contractor to ensure the home modifications are being implemented to your specific and desired needs. I can also help with sourcing materials.

Do you have questions about home modification services? We’d love to answer your questions and help you decide what solutions would be a good fit for you or your loved one.

Client Testimonials

” I first became acquainted with Dena several years ago, when my husband  was progressing along the Parkinson’s path, unfortunately also accompanied by macular degeneration and some dementia.  Dena was sent to us and immediately she made a positive impact on our lives, identifying potential problems in our home that I wouldn’t have picked up, subtle tripping hazards, suitable places for grab bars and reflective tape, plus she introduced exercises that I could assist my husband with as part of a daily routine.  Tom was always happy to greet her and work with her; to me, she became a lifeline of sorts, a beloved and trusted link to the outside world.   Dena has equally high measures of dedication and professionalism, knowledge and compassion.  I’ll always be grateful for the difference she made in our lives, and, honestly, I cannot recommend her highly enough.”
  – Claire Chomentowski, Roxbury, VT

“I am very glad I chose Home and Able to help me with my plan for Aging in Place. Dena’s assistance, tips, and generous and outgoing nature made her a real pleasure to work with.  One of the best aspects of her Aging in Place Assessment Report, were the tips and suggestions. It’s one thing to ‘tell’ a client what to purchase but she went the extra mile by giving the client pictured examples of products that work, along with purchasing information. THANK YOU!!”

 – P. Coyle, Charlotte

“Home and Able offered solutions when I felt stuck. From simple modifications to local resources, Dena has a wealth of knowledge around aging in place. She helped us take actionable steps toward a future that feels safe and comfortable for my aging parents.”  

– Meg H., Maryland

 

“Dena Wilkie Wolff’s expertise and kindness have been heaven sent as I prepare to care for my frail mother in my home. Dena took detailed information about my mother’s needs, came to my house, and 10 days later provided a report with detailed recommendations. The report even included links to Amazon and other sources for the equipment needed to reduce the risk of falls and help Mom feel safe and comfortable. Home and Able is an amazing service. A thousand thanks, Dena! You’ve helped me go from anxious to confident that I can help Mom’s final chapter be rich and happy.”  

-M. Emery 

Dena is a member of the following organizations

Certified Aging in Place Specialist - logo aging in place home modifications

National Assoc of Home Builders
Certified Aging in Place Specialist

Exec Certificate in Home Management Program - logo aging in place home modifications

USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology
Exec. Certificate in Home Modification Program