A Home for Life

Aging-in-place means remaining in one’s home safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level. It means the pleasure of living in a familiar environment throughout one’s maturing years, without changing health conditions requiring a move to a new home.

There are three main categories of Aging-in-Place:

• Without urgent needs: This group includes individuals who want to age in place and, although they are not experiencing immediate or significant health issues, they have a preference for Universal Design.

• Progressive, condition based needs: This group is made up of those with chronic or progressive conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, cataracts, macular degeneration or hearing loss that will require special modifications for aging in place. These individuals are usually aware of their needs but meeting them isn’t necessarily urgent.

• Traumatic change needs: This group includes those who experienced an abrupt or traumatic change such as a stroke, a fall resulting in a broken bone or recovery from surgery that necessitates modifications to allow them to stay in their home.

Certified Aging-In-Place Specialists (CAPS) are remodelers, general contractors, designers, architects and health care consultants who have received formal training through the National Association of Home Builders.

“Through the training program, I was taught specific strategies and techniques for designing and building esthetically enriching, barrier-free living environment,” said Margit Glenn, co-owner Visionarch, LLC in Port Orchard. “Barrier-free homes have features such as plentiful lighting, thresholds that are flush with the floor, no-step entries, wide doorways and hallways and floors and bathtubs with non-slip surfaces.”

CAPS Professionals like Margit can partner with a Senior Move Manager to ensure that every aspect of a home has been organized to suit your needs. Trained through the National Association of Senior Move Managers, At-Home Specialists can assist with:

• re-purposing existing spaces

• clearing clutter

• increasing safety in main walkways

• simplifying kitchen cabinets

• organizing closets

• donating or selling items no longer needed.

Senior Move Managers apply the same coordinated, compassionate organizing techniques to help you stay in your home as they do to help you move. They can also recommend local experts when further assistance is needed from occupational therapists or caregivers.

To live safely and comfortably at every stage in your life, talk to a CAPS Professional about modifications to your current home or building a new home, in order to make your home a home for all times.

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