Aging in Place

“Aging in place” is a growing trend among the members of the boomer generation. I’m not sure whether the trend was spawned by watching how our parents chose to live out their elder years, economics, or just personal preference, but more and more people are choosing to stay in their homes for the foreseeable future and making plans accordingly.

My husband is in the  home modification and renovation business and has been for better than 20 years. He is seeing how this trend is playing out in his customer’s lives. One by one, those who have relied on him over the years for home improvement advice are now turning to him for guidance on home modifications that will help them prevent falls and improve mobility as they age.

COMMON MODIFICATIONS:

  • Adding Handrails
  • Ramps
  • Wider door openings
  • Bathroom renovations
  • Reworking cabinets and closets for easier access

In addition to the growing availability of products and design features for aging in place, there are increasing numbers of individuals and companies providing the necessary support services. My husband, for example, recently went through an extensive training program that is provided by the National Home Builders Association to become a Certified Aging In Place Specialist (CAPS). This is a nationwide program that not only gives service providers the expertise they need, but gives the consumer confidence when hiring someone to make their important home modifications.  On the NHBA site you will find a directory where you can locate a CAPS professional in your home town.

As I learn more about the details and options for successful aging in place, I will share it with you in this little corner of Aging Abundantly. Please let me know what questions or concerns you have about the aging in place option and I will do my best to address them here or I will refer you to another site.

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