Aging in Place? Why Home Modifications are Important
Most older adults indicate they would like to remain in their homes as they age. However, they most likely have not considered the modifications needed to ensure their home is suitable for “aging in place.” The reality is that many homes are not designed for individuals to safely age in place, especially when living with a chronic condition or mobility impairment that impacts activities of daily living (bathing or showering, dressing, getting in and out of bed or a chair, walking, using the toilet, and eating).
Home modifications may be needed to maintain as much independence as possible.
Listen in as a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist shares her insights on aging in place and how home modifications support safety and independence.
Click to listen to this episode:
Tune in for insights and resources from Katy Dodd.
About Katy:
Katy Dodd is a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) with LifewiseCHM, a leading home modification benefit manager. As a residential renovation company specializing in accessibility, LifewiseCHM relies on Katy to engage with payors who are challenged with finding quality providers to keep their members safe at home and out of institutional care. She is the team lead in solidifying partnerships with managed care organizations throughout the country, with her main focus being on contract negotiation, account management, marketing and branding.
Katy earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Economics from Rockhurst University and serves on the LifewiseCHM Advisory Board to provide recommendations for strategic business development. She earned her Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation in 2010 and served as an Executive Board Member with the Case Management Society of America in Kansas City and as a council member on the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), First Suburbs Coalition. Most recently, Katy served as the Treasurer for a local non-profit, The Grooming Project.
Show Notes
- What aging in place means
- What is meant by the term clinical home modifications
- The areas of the home to assess for improved safety as one ages
- Modification recommendations for different areas of the home, including the entryway, bathroom and kitchen
- Helpful tips and resources that support aging in place
Episode Resources
- Aging in Place: Tips on Making Home Safe and Accessible
- Older Adults’ Preparedness to Age in Place – University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging
- Aging in Place: Growing Older at Home – National Institute on Aging
- 4 Ways a Caregiver Can Encourage a Loved One’s Independence – AARP
- Get the Facts on Falls Prevention – National Council on Aging