
Aging In Place
Downsizing to a retirement community isn’t for everyone. We can help boomers and seniors achieve their goal of not moving anywhere, but remaining active and healthy in their own home. As certified Aging-in-Place* specialists we can help people who choose to stay in their own homes but simply require: expertise in home safety assessments; organization, decluttering and design skills; solid knowledge of aging in place concepts .
* Aging in place is a term that refers to making changes in the home and identifying supports to allow people to live safely, independently and in a familiar environment for as long as possible. The primary concepts behind aging in place is to look at limitations that people typically have while aging, and modify the home environment to minimize the impact of these limitations.
Minimum Accessibility
- Accessible entrance (low threshold for wheelchair, walker and so forth)
- First floor bedroom, bath, kitchen, entertainment area
- 36″ continuous clear width
- 32″ at point (doorways)
Basic Home Modification
- Install handrails on both sides of all steps (inside and outside)
- Remove small area rugs that often cause tripping
- Secure all carpets or large rugs with double-sided tape
- Install easy to grasp shaped handles for all drawers and cabinet doors
- Use brighter bulbs in all settings (not over wattage allowed)
- Install night lights in all areas of night activity
- Add reflective, non-slip tape on all non-carpeted stairs
- Install lever handles for all doors
- Place a bench near entrances for setting down purchases and resting
- Install closet lights, as well as adjustable rods and shelves
- Install rocker light switches
FAQ’s
75% of people 80 years and older still live in their homes.
According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) 90% over the age of 65 report they would prefer to stay in their current residence provided they can do so comfortably and with minimal danger.
However, according to Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, over 80% of all seniors who fall in their homes require hospitalization and more than half are never medically cleared to return home.
Housing Options for Seniors
- Stay in home until something happens, then move to:
- Assisted Living
- Memory Care
- Nursing Home
- Bring in Home Health Care Services
- Move in with children or other family members
- Move to an Independent Living/residential Community
- Stay in your current home, but adapt it for safety, function and easier mobility
Our Services
We are specially trained to come into your home, comprehensively assess your current living environment and offer recommendations to set up your home to accommodate a safe and desired lifestyle.
Minor home renovations can help seniors avoid a potentially disastrous fall and identifying specialized in-home care can delay the need to move.
Our Services include:
Home Access and Safety Assessments
We will assess your ability to complete daily tasks safely and independently in your home, focusing on both short term and long term abilities. SRS uses the Comprehensive Assessment and Solution Process for Aging Residents (CASPAR) extended home assessment tool.
Recommendation Reports
Generate a comprehensive report discussing recommendations and solutions to create a safe environment for you to live in.
Innovative Solutions
We can fix identified problems including space planning, organizing and decluttering, engaging and overseeing the services of a qualified contractor to make your home more safe and accessible,
Specialty Product Specification
Recommend and/or specify products to enhance safety and independence. We also assist in ordering, inspecting and coordinating installation of products.
Funding Source Research and Assistance
We provide information on funding sources available for providing home modifications.
Education / Prevention
We provide education for professionals and the community on a variety of topics, including aging in place, universal design and accessible design.
We provide training for the user/caregiver on design features, installed products, safety and maintenance of modifications.
Concierge Services
Simple house maintenance and cleaning
Grocery shopping
Prescription Delivery
Tech support at home
Ways You Can enable “aging in place”:
- Better lighting to illuminate doorways, walkways and steps. Motion-sensor switches can ensure that the lights go on when a senior enters the room, and relocation of switches to areas that are easy to reach
- Widened doorways to accommodate a walker, wheelchair or other assistive device
- A ramp as an alternative to stairway, especially at entryways of the home
- A chairlift that allows moving from one floor to another without using the stairs
- Handlebars in shower stall or near bathtub
- Safety frame to provide support and stability when using the toilet
- Simple devices such as phones with larger keypads and better volume control
See also these Home Safety Tips.