HOME MODIFICATION AND AGING IN PLACE SERVICES

expert aging in place assessment from a certified aging in place specialist

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

Home modifications benefit everyone! From our elders, to kids, people living with chronic diseases and those who use wheelchairs, people who deal with arthritis and those living with dementia and their caregivers.

Home modifications that have been assessed by an Occupational therapist, and that have been customized to your needs and your home, have the best outcome for lowering fall risk. Falls, especially frequent falls, are one of the top reasons people need to leave their homes. Falls impact physical and emotional health and can lead to isolation, depression and loss of abilities. You can see why proactive planning, with implemented home modifications, can ultimately lead to a lowered risk of falls and improve your ability to remain home till the end.

Not located in VT or neighboring NH? No problem! We’ve got a tried and true way to offer Remote Assessments, utilizing technology and a bit of creativity.  Our Remote Assessments start at a lower price point and can be a great way to include distant relations.

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

**Remote Assessments are available **

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 will 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

Home visit to discuss home modifications.

Research shows that the most effective home modifications are those that are tailored to the individual and made by an Occupational therapist. Contractors will want to follow ADA guidelines for your home, however, ADA was designed as the bare minimum and specifically for Public spaces, not for you and your specific needs and goals.

A home visit will last 2-3 hours and includes the following:

  • Discussion of your and/or your loved one’s goals and concerns.
  • Assessment of strengths, pertinent medical history (at your discretion), lifestyle & supports.
  • Home Safety Assessment that includes an evaluation of your bathroom, kitchen, exit/entrance.

After your Aging in Place Assessment has been completed, you will receive your custom digital report with recommendations specific to your bathroom and kitchen, entrances/exits and general safety as applied to your home. It is an option to have additional rooms assessed.

Professional recommendations range from simple interventions to larger renovations. Examples may include aging in place technology, task lighting, anti-slip flooring, durable medical equipment (shower chairs, grab bars), ramps, chair lifts, smart speakers, functional organization and more!

PLUS…

  • Tips and check list for emergency preparedness.
  • Climate resiliency action you can take in your home.
  • Financial options available for securing home modification funding.
  • A printed copy of your Aging in Place Assessment is available for a $10 fee.

Remote assessments are an option in most cases, and start at $495.

Home Modification Assessment

Senior woman reading a home modification custom report.

A home or site visit will last 2-3 hours and includes the following:

  • Discussion of client’s goals and concerns.
  • Assessment of strengths, pertinent medical history (at your discretion), lifestyle & supports.
  • Home Safety Assessment that includes an evaluation of your bathroom, kitchen, exit/entrance.

We offer Accessibility Assessments for business spaces, non-profits, public spaces, and more! While we can recommend ADA interventions, we thrive on identifying and implementing all the small, low-tech ways in which we can make a space more supportive – for physical and sensory needs – often with small doable changes.  Let’s talk!

Remote assessments are an option in most cases, and start at $495.

Book a call!

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 Management Program