ASK THE EXPERT with Certified Aging in Place Specialist Julie Leith of Durable Assistance & Consulting
During this live session with Family Members she answers questions about and discusses:
- Aging in Place: The focus on allowing elderly people to continue living in their own homes safely as they age, and the challenges associated with it.
- Home Safety Modifications: Specific modifications mentioned include adding grab bars, ramps, and non-slip flooring to reduce fall risks and accommodate mobility issues.
- Financial Considerations: Discussion of the costs associated with home modifications, including funding options like VA benefits and out-of-pocket expenses.
- Early Planning: Emphasizing the importance of making home modifications early, ideally while still working and financially able, to prepare for easier aging.
- Fall Prevention: Detailed strategies to minimize fall risks in homes, such as improving lighting, removing rugs, and installing bathroom safety features.
- Family Conversations: How to discuss and persuade aging parents to accept home modifications, including strategies to handle resistance and emotional considerations.
- Professional Guidance: Involving professionals like aging-in-place specialists to assess homes and provide recommendations tailored to individual needs.
- Universal Design: Promoting designs and modifications that accommodate all ages and abilities, ensuring homes are accessible and safe for everyone.
- Resale Value and Home Modifications: Addressing concerns about whether modifications like grab bars might affect the resale value of homes.
- Emotional and Psychological Aspects: Acknowledging the emotional impacts on elderly individuals and their families when making decisions about home safety and independence.
Julie shared a detailed home assessment checklist so you can see what changes might need to be made to your parent’s home, or yours, to make it safer. Click here for the assessment.
**This is a members-only video resource.**
