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For Boomers & Their Aging Parents
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Posted on Sunday, February 19, 2012 10:21 AM
There’s so
much new technology in the marketplace aimed at the aging in place market that’s
it’s difficult to keep up. Every few months though, I spend time researching some of
the newest software and gadgets that
have recently made their debut - specifically those designed to help seniors living on their
own and their remote caregivers keep in touch.
Not
surprisingly there has been a growing number of applications available for use
with smartphones and tablets. Here are a
couple:
 SwannView is a video monitoring solution that works on virtually any Smartphone or Tablet without the need for a computer or webcam. The Swann Security kit (cost: $449) includes
four color cameras and a digital video recorder to record up to 30 days of
video from all four cameras simultaneously.
SwannView works over wi-fi or cellular connectivity on an Android,
iPhone, BlackBerry or any Windows device so you can remotely log in to see a
live, real time view. The cameras are
easily mountable and have an infrared LED night vision feature that allows you
to see up to 65 feet in the dark. You
can set this kit up to send you an email if the cameras detect motion.
The iCam app
for iPhone, iPad or iPod touch (cost: $4.99) allows you to monitor multiple
live video and audio feeds over Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity. With a computer and a webcam, you can
visually check- in to make sure all is well.
You can also set up the app to notify you when motion is detected.
Many seniors who live
independently often use a medical alert system to get help in an emergency such
as falling. The problem is that in the past, the majority of these systems
only worked within range of a home based receiving system. When a person was out of their home, they no
longer had on-the-go access to emergency assistance.
 Today’s fall detection devices include fall detection
that works away from home and allows other family members to monitor the
whereabouts of the wearer using GPS tracking. ActiveCare’s Personal Assistance Link (PAL) is
a handset offering a range of features to assist people who want to continue
living independently. The device, which
connects via a cellular network, includes a one-click help button to call for
24/7 assistance, a built in fall detector that’s monitored remotely, and GPS. The PAL offers one touch communication to
Care Specialists from anywhere at anytime.
It looks like a cell phone but is
easier to operate with large buttons and quick one-touch access to
family and the 24/7 Care Center. (Cost:$180 activation fee, $60/month service
charge)
 The Alzheimer’s
Foundation of American along with
Breadcrumb LLC recently announced a state of the art locater device and
caregiver-friendly monitoring system. This innovative new tracking device – BC
300 GPS Device – is designed specifically for the dementia population and aimed
at immediately and precisely pinpointing a person’s whereabouts. .The
BC300 system works by setting up a virtual fence around a person’s residence
and/or other locations, such as a relative’s home or an adult day care center,
and sends an alert when the wearer leaves that zone. As one of the smallest, most lightweight tracking
devices on the market, the BC300 is strapped around a person’s ankle with a
heavy duty band. Designed with the symptoms of dementia in mind, including
memory loss, confusion and other cognitive loss, the device is not dependent on
the user’s activation. Caregivers can access the wearer’s real time location
24/7 on a Google map via computer or smartphone. In the event the person
wearing the locating device leaves a designated safety zone, an alert is sent
to the Breadcrumb Customer Care Center--as well as up to five caregivers and if
necessary, the proper authorities are contacted . (Cost: $190, $38/mo service charge)
As more and more families are caring for older relatives, the need for better ways to share sensitive health information has become obvious. There's many types of information to track, for eg. emergency contacts, details about care-related services or treatments, legal and financial documents, all of which family members in multiple locations may need access to.
This past week, CareZone, launched it's new site offering a way to share and manage information associated with caring for another individual. You set up a profile about the person receiving care, list their current medications, sketch out to do lists, add any relevant contacts, share notes and upload files. As the creator of a profile you can give others access which you can also revoke at any time. You might give access to family members who share caregiving responsibilities, professional caregivers or medical staff. The company plans to charge $5/month or $48/yr for each person for whom care is provided. As an introductory offer you can sign up for free until March 15th.
 Susan LuxenbergPresident HomeSmart LLC
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Posted on Saturday, February 11, 2012 11:27 AM
For those who
live in condos and are looking to make aging-in-place renovations, there are
special considerations to be taken into account when planning a project.
For any
renovation that would require a permit, the condo association must grant approval. The documentation required for review varies
according to each association, but usually includes a description of your
project, associated drawings or plans, and information on your contractor,
including certificates of insurance.
Your
first step then is to find out about the approval process either through the condo association
directly or via the management company of the building. They not only can supply you with a list of submittals
required and rules for renovation, but also the dates when the association
meets for plan review.
From my
experience, the most stringent requirements imposed by condo associations have
to do with restricted work hours. Their
biggest concern is that your neighbors are not inconvenienced by the work being
done in your home. Many condo
associations also impose additional restrictions on the contractor, such as
what entrance and elevators can be used, where parking is allowed, procedures
for debris removal, areas for material storage, etc. Make sure you give this information to any contractor
pricing your job. It’s important they
understand the restrictions so as to be able to set up an orderly approach (and
realistic costs) for your renovation.
It makes
common sense that it may be difficult to obtain approval for any structural changes to your condo considering that your condo is only one unit tied to the
structure of an entire building. Often there are hidden utilities behind walls and over ceilings that feed
other units. Even if approved, structural changes may be prohibitive when compared to similar renovations to a single
family home.
Keep in mind
that each association is different in their requirements so do not rely on
assumptions from a contractor or be intimated by stories from friends living in
other locations.
And while it
may seem like an additional burden and a frustrating delay to have to go through your association’s
approval process, if you understand an association’s requirements before committing to a remodeling project, you’ll save yourself both time and money in the long
run.
 Susan Luxenberg President HomeSmart LLC
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Posted on Saturday, February 04, 2012 1:10 PM
Many of us
are facing the similar issue of getting our aging parent(s) to acknowledge that
they need some help in their home. More
often than not it’s a frustrating “locking of horns” as we try to persuade our
parent that it is no longer safe or feasible for them to live without
assistance, whether it’s help with cleaning and cooking, bill paying, driving,
or any of the normal activities of daily living.
The
difficulty starts in even knowing how to approach the subject, let alone meeting all their ready objections. Denial and control are the key elements here, so the objections are multiple and range from “I’m don’t need any help” to “I
don’t want to spend the money.” I’ve had seniors who have been hospitalized
for falling, tell me that they know
for certain they will not fall again and therefore do not need non-slip
flooring or grab bars. They simply will
be more careful.
Recently I
spoke with a daughter, who lives in California, about installing some
additional safety aides for her father, a 99 yr old living in Florida. Her dad had been hospitalized three or four
times in the past year for falling and yet refused to use a walker or allow
grab bars to be installed in his home. As
she explained to me, “If there was nothing to help him, that’s one thing. But I’m starting to resent having to drop
everything to jump on a plane and fly cross country to the hospital when there
are options that would help prevent his falls.” My sister, brother, and I have had numerous conversations about the best way to broach the topic
with our own parents. We’ve debated whether,
out of respect we should only gently press an issue or, out of concern we
should push forward to do what needs to be done. I’ve had similar discussions with the adult
kids of my clients. At some point or
another, everyone struggles with how long to beat around the bush before taking
control and forcing a solution. I’ve spoken
to case managers, clinical social workers, psychologists and gerontologists for
some expert guidance in this matter. Their compounded wisdom suggests we consider
the following when trying to help our aging parents:
First, don’t
barge in and dictate that which you think needs to be done. Find a
quiet time to talk with your parent and explain why you are concerned. Encourage
their response, stay open minded, and listen carefully.
Make the conversation positive and emphasize
that if they are proactive and act before there is a crisis, they stand a
better chance of retaining control and independence.
Find out how
you can help them by understanding what options they might be considering and
what their objectives are.
Do not push
them to accept your assessment but rather give them sufficient time to form
their own conclusions.
Be prepared
to prioritize and negotiate the changes you believe need to be made.
Use trusted
advisers or other family members for support.
Sometimes it just takes the right person or personality to allow for a dialogue
without emotionality or defensiveness.
Don’t just
state the problem – help them find solutions. Do some research in advance so that you know
what resources and agencies are available in their community. Obtain
contact information, brochures, financial costs, etc. so that your conversation
with your parents can be realistic.
Most often
there’s more than one way to handle any given situation. Your parents may be far more ready to listen
if you can present a variety of choices to them, allowing them to make the
decision for their own well being.
Susan Luxenberg President HomeSmart LLC
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Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2012 12:30 PM
Handi-Treads ™non slip stair
strips are an indoor/outdoor aluminum non slip surface designed to ensure safety and protection against stairway accidents and injuries. They can be used on
any material including wood, concrete, masonry or aluminum stairs, ramps, decks and
marine surfaces. Applications range from both interior and exterior steps and stairways to wood porches and ramps. They are inexpensive,
easy to install, and are a good solution for areas where water, ice, snow and
sand can make walking slippery and dangerous. The anti slip strip not only improves traction
but also provides a visual and tactile cue to be careful and slow down.
Handi-Treads™ cost approximately
$10 - $20 each, depending on size. Standard sizes
are as follows, although custom sizes are available: 1.
1.875” X 30” strips 2.
3.75” x 30” stair
treads 3.
3.75” x 48” stair
treads 4.
2.75” x 12” stair
nosings
Ten
color choices include: silver, black, brown, red, bronze, yellow, green, blue,
purple and gold. Colors are created through anodizing.
These non skid strips are
100% aluminum, manufactured from an OSHA approved material and have been used
on ADA compliant ramp surfaces for many years. The aluminum never rusts and never requires
additional maintenance. Handi-Treads™ come
with a lifetime warranty for tread performance for homeowners.
 Susan Luxenberg President HomeSmart LLC |
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Posted on Thursday, January 19, 2012 3:37 PM
We know that people are
reluctant to face their own aging limitations.
We also know that very often seniors are not willing to spend money to
improve their own comfort in their homes. Taken together it’s quite a challenge to get an
aging senior to make needed changes for safety and convenience.
Many
who plan on aging in place are simply not interested in remodeling their homes no
matter how much more comfortable they’d be. They would rather live with a barrier, or put
together some temporary “fix”, than pay to solve the problem. I’ve
lost count as to how many bathrooms I’ve walked into where a standard folding
chair is balanced half in and half out of the bathtub, its purpose to aid
someone no longer able to step into the tub to take a shower. Needless to say, a precariously balanced metal
folding chair is not an appropriate (or safe) solution.
So if we’re to convince these
seniors to make some changes for their own good, we need to start small, with modifications
that can be accomplished quickly, without major disruption, and relatively
inexpensively.
Let’s start with the bathroom
since it’s the place in the home where most falls occur.
1. Add a seat to the
shower or tub 2. Replace a
stationary shower head with a hand held one 3. Create non-slip
tiles throughout bathroom and shower/tub by applying non-skid coatings readily available
in tile stores 4. Install higher watt
bulbs in fixtures to improve vision 5. Add grab bars to
shower, tub, and toilet areas; colored grab bars are available if needed to
increase visibility 6. Remove scatter
rugs 7. Remove glass
shower doors and replace with screw mount shower rod and shower curtain 8. Replace door knob
and faucet knobs with levered handles 9. Replace door
hinges with swing away hinges to increase doorway width 10. Replace standard toilet
with comfort height one making it easier to rise without loss of balance
Next is the kitchen where the
goal is to eliminate stretching and bending as much as possible.
1. Lower upper
cabinet shelves where possible. Place dishes
and often used items on an easily reachable shelf 2. Replace cabinet
doorknobs with latches that open to the touch 3. Increase lighting
above the sink, stove and work areas 4. Make sure there
is a heat resistant surface adjacent to stove, oven and microwave to place hot
pots and dishes 5. Adjust
refrigerator shelves so the lighter foods are placed on top, heavier ones at waist level 6. Install single
lever faucet at kitchen sink 7 . Coat ceramic
floor tiles with non-skid coatings 8. Remove or tape
down throw rugs 9. Place microwave
on counter for easy access 10. Install pull out
drawers and pop up shelves in bottom cabinets for heavier appliances, eg. mixer 11. Make sure all
appliances are working properly and controls are easy to read and/or marked 12. Store food in
closed plastic containers for ease of selecting and carrying
Other areas of the house.
1. Install low
profile thresholds or “ramps” wherever threshold exceeds ½” 2. Install railings at
any step, on both sides of stairs, and
along hallways 3. Increase stair
lighting 4. Install non-skid
stair treads, especially to exterior stairs
What I’ve found with my own
clients is that getting someone to accept the need to modify their home is a
process that moves from denial, to reluctant acceptance, to reliance on the
improvement. Once we’re able to convince
a senior that the modification is necessary, they ultimately come to realize
how it benefits their life. It’s a struggle, but it’s worth it.
 Susan Luxenberg President HomeSmart LLC |
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Posted on Thursday, January 12, 2012 4:26 PM
I think most people would agree that making a
home safe and comfortable can allow an individual to remain at home and retain
independence as they age and their abilities change. Even the smallest renovation can change the
life of someone with a disability and mean the difference between comfort and
discomfort in one’s own home. Grab bars, stairway railings, lever door handles, non-slip coatings to
flooring, and threshold ramps are low cost modifications that greatly improve
safety. More extensive modifications may
include widening doorways, installing elevators, stair and porch lifts,
replacing tubs with walk-in showers, lowering counters and cabinets, and
increasing lighting.
Keeping
someone independent, however, often extends beyond making physical changes to a
home. It's not uncommon that additional resources are required both in services and equipment. Assistive Technology devices are a
group of products that improve a person’s ability to live and function
independently. These products can be as
simple as a cane or a weekly pill organizer, or as sophisticated as a
voice-activated computer system or sensor.
In fact, the area of assistive technology has grown so quickly and there are so many products and devices available to meet every need, that it can be very confusing to the uninitiated.
Categories of Assistive Technology Devices:
Independent
Living Aids. These products help people perform activities
of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and preparing meals. They include everything from reaching tools
and jar openers, to shower seats, bed rails, night lights and easy to
read alarm clocks, low vision aids and low hearing aids, neck pillows, back pillows, bluetooth devices -- the list is endless.
Medication
Aids. Pill organizers (from the simplest to the
most high tech), timers and pill crushers.
Mobility
Aids. Canes, walkers, scooters and wheelchairs, both
manual and electric. Walkers improve
stability and should be tested to ensure they are sturdy, lightweight, at the
correct height for the individual, and can be moved easily. Manual wheelchairs
require some arm strength or leg strength and skill to move the chair while
electric wheelchairs are useful for those who can move around on their own but
lack the strength to wheel themselves. Scooters are useful for those who can
walk very short distances and get around by themselves.
Technology.
Advances in computer and phone technology have greatly helped seniors to
live independently while maintaining connection to family, friends and support
services. There are modified phones with
large buttons, headsets, speakerphone capabilities or visual displays. Updated computer technology includes voice
recognition software and modified keyboards.
There is also simplified equipment that allows for email, photos and
other documents without having to use a computer.
Crisis
Monitoring. Personal emergency response systems (PERS)
call the appropriate contacts and emergency services when a monitor center is
alerted via an emergency button worn as a pendant, bracelet or belt. Occupancy monitors use pressure sensitive
pads that activate when someone moves to get up. Webcams and other sophisticated computerized systems allow for long distance monitoring for distant family members.
Most of
these products are available at drug stores or medical supply stores and
you also can easily browse online for products. And
while some assistive devices are paid for by Medicaire, ie walkers, wheelchairs
and scooters if prescribed by a physician when determined to be medically necessary,
most are not. If you are looking for
funding you’ll need to check Medicaid waiver programs, health insurance, the
Department of Veteran Affairs and some public service organization like United
Way and Easter Seals.
If you are uncertain exactly what products or equipment
to choose, there are a few agencies which keep a complete list of assistive technology devices and can help you determine which is right for your
particular circumstance. In addition to
the national programs, every state has a State technology assistance project
that has information about assistive technology, financial assistance to purchase
equipment, and loan programs. ABLEDATA can connect you with someone in your state.
For more information, you can contact:
 Susan Luxenberg President HomeSmart LLC
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Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2012 6:04 PM
With so many
people downsizing as they age and their lifestyles change, I’m interested in finding new products designed for smaller spaces, particularly kitchens. The last time I built a really small kitchen was
for a studio apartment and the configuration wound up being nothing more than a few
cabinets lined up against a short wall
with a stove on one end and refrigerator on the other - definitely pretty standard and boring. The updated version of a studio kitchen or kitchenette, the compact kitchen, has opened the door to more interesting small space design. The compact kitchen is a space saving
combination appliance/cooking center that is specifically designed for the home,
but for a far more casual lifestyle. Take a look at some of the new compact kitchens
being offered on the market today.
Kitchoo, a French company, has
designed compact kitchens that provide all the functionality expected from a
kitchen in the least space possible. Most models incorporate an integrated
fridge-freezer, an induction hob with 2 rings, and a telescopic mixer tap,
while optional extras include integrated dishwasher, microwave oven, washing
machine, recycling bin and cutlery rack, depending on the model. Kitchoo compact kitchens are sophisticated,
well-equipped and extremely practical. The five designs, including the
award-winning K1 kitchen, can be hidden away behind closed doors when not in use and
look like any other cupboard or dresser that you might find at home. Right now Kitchoo is only sold in the UK,
Switzerland and throughout Europe with future plans to distribute in the United
States. Current pricing is about 5390
euros ($ 6,978) for the K1 kitchen to
about 6800 euros ($8,805) for the larger K2 kitchen version. Keep in mind installation is extra. Kitchoo K1 Compact Kitchen
Kitchoo K2 Compact Kitchen
If you’re looking for something
that makes a strong style statement, how about the CircleKitchen ? Designed by Compact Concepts, this kitchen furniture manages to handle space
problems in a highly functional and stylish manner, although the unit only
measures about 6 sq ft. It
features all the characteristics of a usual kitchen. Integrated with the
ability to rotate as much as 180 degrees, the Circle Kitchen provides everything from a regular sink, to dishes, a microwave and
even a dishwasher. Pricing is between $6,500 and $15,000 plus installation
costs.
Styles range from the sleek and modern basic circle
To a more subdued look with additional cabinetry
There are also more
traditional (and less costly) compact kitchens being offered. Acme Kitchens specializes in a full line
of custom made all-in-one built ins designed around your specifications.
Here is a 60”
electric compact kitchen with built-in oven. This model provides additional
base storage space and allows for use of a separate upright refrigerator. It includes a 20 gauge stainless steel
counter top, sink bowl, single lever faucet, sink strainer, four (4) electric
burner elements and a 24" wide electric oven with black glass door and
convection bake feature. Many options are possible; you may substitute a gas
burner cooktop, include a dishwasher and alter the appearance by choosing a
custom color, counter top and door finish.
And another Acme kitchenette design
Compact Kitchens offers units ranging in 4 sizes:
30”, 39”, 48”, and 60” which are priced from $899 to $1,499 plus shipping and installation. Their 60" wide (c-60) model features the
sink on the right, two 110 volt electric sealed burners, and two generous
storage com-apartments. Refrigerator freezer is off center in middle. Dimensions are 59.5" Wide X 38" Tall X 24" Deep.
With the current trend towards downsizing, innovative space-saving designs for the
home are more important than ever. And as added
bonus, installation of these kitchen units is much easier and less costly than installing the
components of a more traditional kitchen. Are these units going to be suitable for everyone? Certainly not, but when looking to conserve space while at the same time enhancing design, the new compact kitchens are worth a second look.
 Susan Luxenberg President HomeSmart LLC
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Posted on Sunday, November 20, 2011 1:11 PM
It’s holiday time which means that you may be
either visiting or being visited by your parents. This
is a perfect time to assess your parents’ safety and comfort whether in your
home or theirs.
I recently gave a presentation at a senior complex and spoke about safety concerns that could be found in
almost every home. That triggered a
lively conversation about the problems these seniors encountered when visiting
their kids: no grab bars in the
bathroom, slippery shower and tub floors, no place to sit down when showering,
steps that
were not clearly delineate, stairs without handrails, or poorly lit hallways or
staircases. Most of those I spoke with said
that they were reluctant to ask their adult kids to make any permanent changes to
their own homes or install any special equipment, etc. I’ve
no doubt that if their kids thought about it, they would be happy to provide
their aging parents with safer, more comfortable surroundings. And truthfully these modifications would benefit everyone in the home.
So here’s a simple list. None of these items are costly and all can be
done quickly:
1.
Reduce tripping hazards by removing books, shoes, laundry, and toys from stairs;
ensure there are clear pathways through all rooms 2. Install
handrails on stairs and steps; bright
colored tape can be applied at the edge of steps and stairs to delineate floor
level changes. 3.
Increase the lighting at the top and bottom of the stairs; put bright lights
over all porches and walkways 4. Store frequently used items in easy-to-reach places so that using a
step stool or chair is not necessary. 5.
Small throw rugs are a hazard. Either remove them completely or tape them to
the floor with double stick tape. 6.
Have night lights in the bedroom, hallways and bathrooms. 7.
Apply non-slip strips or non-slip coatings in bathtubs and showers 8.
Install grab bars in showers and tubs 9.
Purchase an inexpensive
shower bench or chair which can be taken in and out of the tub or shower as
required.
After all, an
injury from a fall is one the biggest dangers the over-65 population faces and
one that often results in a loss of independence. Implementing the safety measures mentioned above can
substantially reduce the chance of injury to your parents and allow for a safer holiday season for all.
Happy Holidays!
 Susan LuxenbergPresident HomeSmart LLC
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Posted on Monday, November 07, 2011 10:15 AM
While the goal for
many of us is to age gracefully in our own homes, there is far more to staying
in your home than physically adapting the home itself. We know the importance of socialization to remaining emotionally healthy as we age. We know that continuing to
challenge ourselves mentally helps to forestall senility and other forms of
mental illness. And we all want to remain independent, vibrant,
relevant individuals for as long as we can.
I recently read an article entitled, Elders
a (Labor) Force for Social Change, written by Marc Freedman in which
he explores meaningful ways to turn retirees into what he calls “a new workforce
for social change.“ I think it’s quite
appropriate to the topic of successfully aging in place.
Elders a (Labor) Force
for Social Change By Marc Freedman
We’re a nation that will soon have more older
people than young ones, and much of the popular media portrays this as a
disaster story that goes something like this: Tens of millions of people, the
single biggest group in society and a mighty political force, are about to
dominate the scene. Overnight at age 60, they will become the elderly, pass out
of the “working-age population,” become incompetent and incontinent, bankrupt
the health care system, and vote for hefty increases in public spending on
their retirement at the expense of everyone else.
We’ve stretched the average life span from 47
years in 1900 to nearly 80 today. But our imagination about the shape of those
longer lives has lagged behind. Until not long ago, the 50s and 60s meant
retirement, grandparenthood, senior discounts, and early-bird specials. Today
there is a growing group of what I call “neither-nors.” Neither young nor old,
neither ready to be retired nor able to afford it.
With big thinking, there is a chance to tap the
talents and experience of the “baby boom” generation to solve longstanding
social problems, from health care to homelessness, education to the
environment. There is a chance to turn an older population into a new workforce
for social change.
Some people, like Gary Maxworthy, are leading the
way. As an idealistic young man, Maxworthy wanted to heed JFK’s call to
service, but he already had a family to support. Instead of joining the Peace
Corps, he launched a career in the food-distribution business, where he worked
for more than 30 years.
As Maxworthy approached 60, his wife’s passing
sent him into a period of soul-searching. He thought a lot about his old Peace
Corps dream and the prospect of returning to it. In the end, he chose a more
manageable domestic option, VISTA, part of the AmeriCorps national service
program.
VISTA placed Maxworthy at the San Francisco Food
Bank, where he discovered that—like food banks throughout the state of
California—it was primarily giving out canned and processed food. It was all
they could reliably deliver without food spoiling.
Maxworthy knew that California farmers were
discarding tons of blemished but wholesome fruits and vegetables that were not
up to supermarket standards. He launched Farm to Family, a program that in 2010
distributed more than 100 million pounds of fresh food to needy families in
California.
Without question Maxworthy would have done a lot
of good as a 22-year-old Peace Corps volunteer. But would he have been able to
do something comparable to developing a system to distribute 100 million pounds
of food to hungry people every year?
Never before have so many people, like Maxworthy,
had so much life experience and the time and the capacity to do something
significant with it. That’s the gift of longevity, the great potential payoff
from all the progress we’ve made in extending lives.
But we won’t collect this experience dividend if
we don’t move to recognize a new stage of life and create the kind of support
people need to transition from the end of midlife to the beginning of their
encore years. We need innovation.
How about inventing a gap year for grown-ups, a
time when they could take a break, volunteer at home or abroad, or try a new
career direction? A gap year—perhaps financed by a new tax-exempt savings
vehicle we could call the Individual Purpose Account— could be a source of
renewal for those embarking on a new career chapter.
What about midlife fellowships for those seeking
roles that combine purpose with a paycheck? And why stop there: Let’s rethink
our entire education system. Why cram so much learning into our teens and early
20s when we may want to move in a whole new direction in our 50s, 60s, and 70s?
By capitalizing on the unique assets of this vast
population, we can make something extraordinary out of what so many think of as
the leftover years. The right public policies could even provide new chances
for social mobility. Today’s
boomers are the first wave passing into this new period, which will soon be
occupied by their longer-living children and grandchildren. In crafting our
society to respond, we’ll open up options for younger people, who could then make
life decisions with the expectation of more than one bite of the apple.
We all have a stake in this project. It’s our
chance to turn the purported paradox of longevity—good for individuals,
terrible for society —into a vast payoff for all generations, today and
tomorrow.
 Susan LuxenbergPresident HomeSmart LLC |
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Posted on Tuesday, November 01, 2011 2:50 PM
The question
frequently comes up as to how to pay for accessibility modifications, especially
more major ones like a fully adapted bathroom or kitchen. Unfortunately, other than long term care
insurance and personal savings there’s little out there today to help defray the
cost of renovating a home in order to create a barrier free environment.
There is,
however, money available for Veterans. Veterans or
service members who have specific service-connected disabilities may be
entitled to a grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for the
purpose of constructing a barrier free home or modifying an existing home to meet
their special needs.
The Specially
Adapted Housing Grant (SAH), or a 2010(a) grant, is intended for disabled
veterans. The goal of the SAH Program is
to provide a living environment that affords the veterans or
service members a level of independent living he or she may not normally enjoy. The grant is
meant to offset the cost of specially adapted housing and offers up to half of
the cost of the purchase, construction, or renovation of the house to a maximum
amount of $50,000. If the maximum grant
is not used all at once, a second grant can be obtained for future adaptive
modifications. For example, if the total
cost of adapting a home is $80,000, the maximum grant would be for 50% of the
$80,000 or $40,000. The veteran could,
at a later date, claim another grant of $10,000 for the repair of the
adaptations done originally, or for the installation of additional adaptations,
or towards the purchase, construction, or adaptation of another home.
According to VA requirements, those eligible
for the grant are those entitled to or currently receiving VA compensation for
what the Department of Veteran Affairs defines as permanent and total service
connected disability. Eligibility must
first be determined before an application for the Grant can be made. Some of the requirements in determining
eligibility include: 1. It must be medically feasible for the
veteran or service member to reside in the house. 2. The house must be adapted to be
suitable to the veteran’s needs for living purposes. 3. It must be financially feasible for
the veteran to acquire the house with the assistance provided by the Grant.
The types of
adaptations covered include ramps, lifts, widened doorways and hallways,
expanding garages and carports to allow for wheelchair maneuverability,
accessible bathrooms, adjusting placement of wall switches and electrical
outlets, windows that are operable from a wheelchair, automatically operated
entry and garage doors, kitchen adaptations, modifying exterior walkways and
entrances.
The following are pictures of projects completed under the SAH grant program.
Modified Kitchen with new cabinets, counters, flooring and window
Fully adapted bathroom
Carport addition
The Special Housing Adaptations (SHA) program, or
2101(b) grant, provides the actual cost to the veteran of certain adaptations
and/or equipment, not to exceed a maximum grant of $10,000. The home to be
adapted must be owned by the veteran or by a member of the veteran's family,
and the veteran must intend to continue residing there.
Types of renovations covered depend on the
specific disability and include special lighting, sliding doors, handrails,
grab bars, smoke detectors, security systems, exterior doors and locks,
concrete or asphalt walkways, fencing,
porches, awnings, additional electrical, lever faucets, lowered
cabinets, rocker light switches and other adaptations with the approval of the
VA.
Here are a couple of pictures of projects completed under the SHA program.
Bermed walkway and front porch
Enlarged doorway and pocket door
The Temporary Residence Adaptations (TRA) program
provides adaptation assistance to veterans who are residing, but do not intend
to permanently reside, in the a residence owned by a family member. If a
veteran is otherwise eligible for SAH, the assistance is limited to $14,000. If
a veteran is otherwise eligible for SHA, the assistance is limited to $2,000.
SAH and SHA grants may be used up to three times,
as long as the aggregate grant amount does not exceed the statutory dollar
limitation. TRA grants may only be used once (and count as a grant usage for
purposes of the limit of three), and the amount of assistance provided will be
subtracted from the veteran's available statutory maximum.
 Susan Luxenberg President HomeSmart LLC
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