4 minute read
Changing A Home
Brighter, Safer Spaces
Recognizing a need for safer homes so that individuals can live there as they grow older is at the heart of every aging-in-place program across the country. New Directions Aging in Place has an innovative approach that not only includes physical home improvements but also the involvement of occupational therapists.
The organization’s work has evolved since its beginning in 1971, and Max Monahan, director of home repair for New Directions, believes this is why they have been able to develop such an effective and holistic program over the last 50 years.
“We have always served the needs of low income, elderly individuals,” he says. “In 1993, we began to offer free home repair provided by volunteers like the Boy Scouts or local handymen. They would do basic work such as cleaning gutters and installing handrails. As those programs expanded, contractors came on board to provide more skilled labor — roof repair, flooring installation, and bathroom remodeling. To date, we have completed work for nearly 5,000 area homeowners.”
Five years ago, New Directions, in partnership with Spalding University Occupational Therapy, developed a 10step program to support the stay-athome-safely goals of their participants.
“The strength of this program,” Max says, “lies in the wraparound support. Occupational therapy students from Spalding meet with homeowners and discuss potential dangers in the home.” Based on those recommendations, remodel work begins, and the therapists return again after the work is done to train residents and make sure they feel secure. Those followup sessions occur three additional times for one year after the initial remodeling work is complete.
What areas of a home pose the greatest potential danger for a fall or injury? The kitchen, basement, bathroom, bedroom, and driveway are probably the most commonly reported locations needing upgrades.
“I would encourage a homeowner to take a close look around the house,” Max says. “Are there areas that make you feel a little nervous? Do you frequently miss a step while going downstairs? Is it hard to stand up in the shower these days? Maybe the driveway is cracked or uneven, or your hallways are too dark.” Begin a list of spaces or moments that seem potentially hazardous. Even some simple improvements to those areas in your own home can extend the years you spend in the place you love.
Safety improvements to the bathroom and areas with steps are among the most common that New Directions installs. “Typical bathroom improvements include high-rise toilets, grab bars at various heights in the shower, walk-in showers or bathtubs, and a seat so the person doesn’t have to stand while bathing,” Max says. “We often replace steps with ramps and add handrails for greater stability while walking. We level floors and adjust lighting for better movement through the house, particularly at night.”
Max, who first volunteered at New Directions when he was 15 years old, has seen firsthand the ability of these programs to improve people’s lives. “These free repair programs ensure that homeowners are able to age in place as long as possible,” he says. Low-income homeowners often feel forced to sell because they cannot afford safety updates and basic maintenance. When that happens, the home is lost to future generations as well. “Our mission for sustainable housing benefits not only the current homeowner, but those family members who will likely inherit it,” Max says. More than that, he adds, these remodels sustain and enhance the existing neighborhood. “This is phenomenal, life-changing work.”
By Megan S Willman | Photos submitted
Fall 2024 | Today's Transitions
