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The growing marketplace for technology to assist aging adults is attracting a steady stream of new vendors to a market that will exceed $20 billion by 2020, according to the newly updated 2010 report by Aging in Place Technology Watch. The emergence of caregiving as a concern to baby boomers is driving new entrants into the market, according to Laurie M. Orlov, founder of the market research firm.

“At a time when we are seeing so many business opportunities shrinking, this market is poised for steady growth,” said Orlov, in a press release. “With the slowdown in the housing market, growing elder caregiving responsibilities, and emerging technology awareness of service providers means that more people will look for solutions that help older family members. This is a catalyst for innovation and opportunity for both new entrepreneurs and new business opportunities for existing companies.”

The industry projections from Aging in Place Technology Watch are part of the updated market overview report, “2010 Technology Market Overview.” The document updates which technologies matter to inform caregiving and enable aging in place, including categories for communication and engagement, safety and security, health and wellness, and learning and contribution. The report also explains how these tighten the connections between families, caregivers, service providers, and care recipients. Check it out and let us know what you think.

Orlov is the leading industry analyst describing the trends and technologies in the aging in place market at http://www.ageinplacetech.com. Headquartered in Port St. Lucie, Florida, Aging in Place Technology Watch provides thought leadership, analysis and guidance about technologies and related services that enable boomers and seniors to remain longer in their home of choice.

She spent more than 30 years in the technology industry, including 24 years in IT and nine years as a leading industry analyst at Forrester Research. Laurie is a recognized expert advisor to organizations like AARP and her blog is widely referenced and re-published. She regularly speaks at conferences like Aging in America, Connected Health, and the UCLA Conference on Aging.

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As seniors and people with disabilities age and wish to remain in their homes, they may need help with eating, bathing, dressing, and other physical activities. Long-term care insurance can help pay for such care in the future. Larry Rubin, a long term care insurance agent from Pittsburgh, cites two reasons why people should consider buying long term care insurance. First, without having the insurance, you can get into a situation where you need the type of care that these policies provide and pay for.

“If you don’t have the insurance, then you become a physical and an emotional burden upon your family,” he says. “It can devastate families by trying to find care, provide care, and plan for the care. And it absolutely drains the emotions and physical capabilities of families who don’t have this insurance.”

The second reason is that this insurance can protect your income, retirement, estate and assets because the cost of care is exorbitant, nationally averaging about $75,000 a year if you’re in a skilled nursing facility or receiving ongoing care at home.

“It can cause significant damage to your income,” he says. “So it’s a protection that allows you to hold on whatever income and assets you have and let the policy kick in and take care of any long term care needs.”

Rubin is not a captive agent selling products from only one insurance carrier. Instead, he works with five major carriers enabling him to call upon all of them to get the best policy at the best price for his clients.

Though there is no optimal age to buy long term care insurance, Rubin recommends 45 to 70 years old. The advantage of buying it at 45 years old is the presumption that you’re still in good health. While there are many types of riders and bells and whistles associated with every insurance policy/company, Rubin says to keep in mind four essential benefits, or moving parts, meaning the more benefits, the higher the premium.

First, know how many dollars a month you want the policy to pay for and how many years of coverage you want, keeping in mind that the more years, the more expensive it can get. That typically depends on what you can afford and what the cost of care is should you need a skilled nursing facility in the city you live in.

Secondly, determine what you want the monthly benefit to be. It can be as low as $50 a day to $300 a day, again depending on your financial circumstance. The third component is the elimination period or a deductible—how many days out of pocket are you willing to pay for your care before the policy kicks in, like a deductible on a car or house insurance.

Finally, and although it’s an option, it’s close to anything that Rubin insists on, and that is inflation protection on the monthly amount as well as the lifetime maximum policy. A policyholder can buy 5 percent compounded or 5 percent simple inflation. Inflation protection benefit increases the daily or monthly benefit amount over time to keep pace with inflation and increased cost of expenses.  Even though your benefits are increasing each year, your premium does not automatically increase.

To learn more about long term care insurance, visit AARP, National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and Heinz Family Philanthropies.

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Last week’s AARP study of Washington, D.C.-area seniors who joined aging-in-place networks say the move has made them feel more engaged in their communities and more comfortable with their decision to stay in their homes.

According to the organization, it is clear from AARP research on the local level that the vast majority of seniors would like to remain in their homes and neighborhoods as they age versus going to a retirement community or nursing home.

The question is how to make aging at home safer and more comfortable?

Organizers in several DC communities, indicated that the best way to make that happen is through a Village. By that, they mean a grassroots membership organization, modeled after Beacon Hill Village in Boston, through which neighbors help neighbors access support and services to age in place.

“That could mean anything from a ride to the doctor, home repair referrals, or someone to take in your mail when you’re on vacation all the way to 24-7 home care,” according to the findings. “Some Villages also offer social opportunities from chess clubs to yoga classes to lectures and cultural outings.”

Since October 2007, six Villages have opened their doors in DC—more than in any city nationwide other than San Francisco. Five of them agreed to participate in an AARP DC study released on October 26, 2009 at the Village to Village Network Symposium in Washington, DC.

The goal of “Neighbors Helping Neighbors: A Qualitative Study of Villages Operating in the District of Columbia” is to provide District Villages the opportunity to learn from one another and to share their best practices, challenges and advice with organizers across the country regarding:

• Starting a new Village
• Building a strong board of directors
• Recruiting members
• Retaining members

Researchers from AARP interviewed residents and volunteers from five villages to find out what works and what doesn’t. A summary of key best practices and recommendations include the following:

• When starting a new Village, be flexible and open to change – adopt a “learn as you go” philosophy.
• Make sure you have the right mix of people on your board – experts in business, sales, fundraising, legal issues, finance, and local government, as well as a cheerleader.
• Use one-on-one conversations, such as small group dinners, to effectively recruit new members.
• Seek in-kind donations of office space and bookkeeping, and if possible, pool resources with other Villages nearby for common needs like bookkeeping and insurance.
• Offer a “membership plus” program or reduced membership fee for people in neighborhoods with low incomes.
• Find ways to recognize volunteers.
• Communicate with members via email and phone – shown to be the most effective communication channels.

What do you think of the Village concept? Let us know and we’ll share your responses with AARP.

Are you following us on Twitter? — Home Evolutions will give you real-time updates when our latest blogs are posted, as well as timely information on Aging-in-Place news from around the country.

One of the best resources on the Internet about aging-in-place is the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). As you know, our company is a member of the National Association of Home Builders and I hold a special and highly recognized designation as a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS).

But they are also a great resource for consumers too. Their Web site is chock full of information on living in one’s home independently regardless of age or ability.

A new fact sheet on their Web site includes some of the interesting facts, statistics, and information they’ve assembled for consumers just like you.

How big is Aging in Place?

• 89% of people 50+ wish to remain in their own homes indefinitely (AARP).
• 75% of remodelers have seen an increase in requests for aging in place work (NAHB).
• 60% of remodelers already perform aging in place work (NAHB).
• Over half of all 55+ households rate their current home a 9 or 10 out of 10 (American Housing Survey).
• The aging population is the number two issue to affect the remodeling industry over the next five years, only behind the availability of skilled labor (NAHB).

What is NAHB doing to help the aging population?

NAHB, in partnership with AARP and the NAHB Research Center, developed the CAPS program, the leading national educational designation designed to teach professionals how to modify homes for aging in place. Since 2002 more than 2,200 have completed CAPS, making it one of the fastest-growing education programs at NAHB.

What should my home contain if I want to age in place?

• A master bedroom and bath on the first floor.
• A low or no-threshold entrance to the home with an overhang.
• Lever-style door handles.
• No change in levels on the main floor.
• Bright lighting in all areas, especially places like stairways.
• A low-maintenance exterior.
• Non-slip flooring at the main entryway.
• An open floor plan, especially in the kitchen/dining area.
• Handrails at all steps.

What are some techniques CAPS-trained professionals use?

• Lighting from multiple directions – reduces glare and shadows.
• Light sockets with more than one bulb – redundancy in case one bulb burns out.
• Stacking closets for a future elevator shaft.
• Contrasting colors for depth perception – use a different color counter (or edging around the counter) than the floor, staining the edge of the stairs a darker color than the rest of the steps.
• Convenience shelf at an entry way to place your grocery bag while getting your keys.

NAHB Remodelers provides more information for consumers online at: www.nahb.org/aginginplace.

Are you following us on Twitter? — Home Evolutions will give you real-time updates when our latest blogs are posted as well as timely information on Aging-in-Place news from around the country.

The latest edition of The Forever Home is now available online. For those of you who are new to our blog, our quarterly e-newsletter provides you with insightful information, valuable advice, and helpful tips to assist you to age-in-place comfortably and independently.

In this issue, you’ll read about the recent AARP’s Aging-in-Place videos which we participated in to help raise awareness on how to make your home safer as you age. The 3-part series of short video clips showcases Ross and Anna, a couple in their 70s who are making changes to their home so they can age in place. AARP invited us to visit the home of this couple to make some simple kitchen, bathroom, and home interior/exterior fixes at low-to-no cost.

According to the online health care Web site, HealthCommentary.org, our current health care system is not well equipped to address the immediate demands of a rapidly aging population. In our article, Technology Continues to Advance Home-Centered Health Care, you’ll read why experts are recommending that we place a stronger emphasis on prevention and wellness.

We’ll also take you behind the scenes of a nursing home. One medical student documented her time inside a nursing home to better understand what it’s like for an aging person who is living in one. The theory behind the program is that if future doctors can better understand how seniors live and what they go through on a daily basis, then those doctors can better treat and care for older patients because they have truly walked in their shoes. As an added bonus, the program hopes to inspire and steer medical students to choose geriatric care as their focus. This specialization is in near desperate need of new doctors.

Finally, our country’s general awareness of green practices is growing at an almost fever-pitched rate. This is a result of the now more accepted reality of the dangers and undeniable negative effects that global warming can have on our future. In addition, there has been an expansion of political and social pressures on us to modify our overall consumption behaviors.

We hope that you enjoy this issue. Please feel free to forward our newsletter to your friends and families. We invite you to email us at hburns@homeevolutions.com with your comments, suggestions, and any story ideas that would help The Forever Home better meet your specific needs.

A recent article by Helen W. Brown discusses some very interesting results of a survey conducted by AARP about female Baby Boomers and their long-term care (LTC) planning.

According to Brown, past research has consistently shown that it is challenging to make people proactive about LTC plans. It is also generally thought that this is especially true of Baby Boomers because this group has historically resisted traditional aging perceptions. Brown explained, “A common belief is that they will live in a society in which prevailing attitudes, demography, economics, and medical advances have made the prospect of growing old in America one that contains previously un-dreamt-of choices of managing chronic illnesses and remaining active and involved in life. This mindset could lead Boomers to believe that they will never have a need for LTC.”

The question was raised whether this was equally true for both male and female Baby Boomers, or if attitudes about LTC planning significantly varied along gender lines. In late September 2008, AARP commissioned an online survey with a nationally representative panel of Boomer women.

These were some of the key findings of that study:

•    More than half of the Boomer women (53%) have not had any experience with caregiving.

•    Over one-third (36%) had provided care or are currently providing care for an aging relative.

•    Those who have been caregivers are twice as likely to have some kind of LTC plan (16%) as those who have not (8%).

•    More than half of respondents (56%) indicated that they did not have any type of LTC plan.

•    Most often, the trusted source of information that Boomer women turn to when making plans for their future health needs or financial security, falls into the category of family and friends (83%).

•    When asked to rank the factors that would most influence them to make and implement an LTC plan, the number one factor was observing the LTC experience of a friend or family member—followed by understanding clearly the available options and then fear of what will happen if no action is taken.

•    More than two-thirds of respondents (65%) indicated they cannot afford the cost associated with LTC planning.

Additionally, a significant number of Boomer women were unaware that Medicare does not cover LTC. In fact, over a quarter of respondents (29%) said they are counting on Medicare to pay for their LTC service needs.

AARP contracted Knowledge Networks, Inc. to conduct this survey during September 3-16, 2008. With a nationally representative panel of 2,898 women aged 50-62, the survey also included over-samples of African American and Hispanic women.

It is never too early to start thinking about and planning for your LTC. Remodeling companies like Home Evolutions can help Baby Boomers and others prepare themselves for their future aging-in-place needs. This can allow you to remain living comfortably, safely, and independently at home for as long as possible. Contact us today for an assessment.

Are you following us on Twitter? — Home Evolutions will give you real-time updates when our latest blogs are posted as well as timely information on Aging-in-Place news from around the country.

We’re proud to announce that Home Evolutions is being prominently featured in a series of AARP’s Aging-in-Place videos on its Web site.

The 3-part series of short video clips showcases Ross and Anna, a couple in their 70s who are making changes to their home so they can age in place. AARP invited me and Patricia Nunan, CEO of Philadelphia-based Lifestyles Design, to visit the home of this couple to make some simple kitchen, bathroom, and home interior/exterior fixes at low-to-no cost.

Seniors should start thinking about making these changes in a home now before they lose their independence. A properly modified home will allow a senior to live in a safe, comfortable home environment while maintaining their independence and quality of life.

In the Kitchen Makeover Video, we made simple changes to the kitchen for a price tag of under $235, including the installation of:

• Cabinet and drawer pulls
• Organizing bins for medication
• Three under-cabinet lights
• Wind-up timer
• Fire extinguisher
• Silicone pot holders and trivets
• Auto shut-off electric teapot

In the Bathroom Makeover Video, we installed these items in the bathroom to make it safe:

• Two grab bars for the bathtub
• One portable grab bar
• Non-slip textured strips for the bathtub
• Handheld shower head with glide bar
• Anti-scald lever shower control
• Single lever handle faucet

Including the services of a handyman for 4 hours of his time, the total cost for these minor modifications was $609.

We always pay close attention to the bathrooms because there are over 200,000 injuries a year in a bathroom, a majority occurring among the senior population. Even with a limited budget, you can still make many minor changes that can decrease the incidence of accidents and injuries.

Another video showcased safety additions to the interior and exterior of the home, such as the adding of hand rails, lever handle door knobs, and step stool.

Take a look at the videos and let us know what you think. We appreciate your feedback.

Last week, NBC’s Today show aired a television segment as part of its Today’s Family series entitled, Caring for an Elderly Parent. Al Roker interviewed Elinor Ginzler from AARP and psychiatrist, Dr. Janet Taylor, on how siblings can talk openly and honestly about caring for their aging parents.

Roker noted that this inevitable and sometimes difficult decision process can become even more harrowing when siblings begin disagreeing with one another. “It can lead to major problems and broken relationships,” he added.

Ginzler began the interview by denoting some of the signs children of aging parents might observe that could indicate it may be time for them to begin more directly assisting their parents. “This is all about what we call assessing the situation—so that means when you are visiting [your parents], you’re also checking up on them.”

She added that adult children should specifically observe how their parents are looking and walking, as well as checking out the condition of the house. Ginzler also said children of aging parents should ask questions like, “Do my parents seem to be engaged the way they used to be with their friends and community around them, or have some things changed?”

Roker then noted that if you notice there are such changes and if certain living adjustments have to happen for your parents, one must walk a fine line because these are the adults that raised you and they’re not use to it being the other way around. In fact, Ginzler believes that family conversations about what’s going to happen as parents get older are a great idea and they should “happen early, happen often, and they should start even when things are ok.”

Taylor agreed, “Communication is key because with your siblings, there’s always going to be conflicts, tensions, and old sibling rivalries which come up because they haven’t been resolved. So the fact that you can talk about the commitment to your parents, and at the same time talk about the commitment to yourselves as siblings, is important—especially before a time of crisis when a change has to happen.”

If there are really divergent opinions among siblings about what to do with their parents, Taylor explains that the most important thing to do first is listen to your parents. “Clearly hear the message that your parents are giving you—that’s why it’s so important if you can witness something first-hand. Then when you’re talking to your parents about making a change, you can say, ‘I’ve noticed this…’”

Again, both experts reemphasized the importance of communication, as well as resolving old sibling conflicts and issues through this process. “Grow up, so to speak, and really think about how you communicate best [with your siblings] and do it in a way that is not antagonistic—but really meant to help your family,” added Taylor.

It is also very important that siblings themselves decide who should lead the discussion of aging and assisted care with their parents. Ginzler explained, “Siblings need to come together and decide who is the best one to carry this message, because that sibling is the one who will be listened to by mom and dad the best!”

But if sibling relationships are so bad that productive discussions about aging parents are being delayed, made inconclusive, or terminated, then Taylor suggests that adult children follow these tips for repairing fractured sibling relationships:

•    Identify the Root of the Problem—For example, if it’s old feelings about whose mom’s favorite, resolve such issues.

•    Recreate the Most Successful Way of Communicating—Think about a time not related to mom and dad when you were able to communicate effectively with your siblings. Then get your point across about your parents using those same techniques (emails, phone calls, etc.).

•    Talk About What Needs to Happen—Stay focused on the problem at hand.

•    Try to Listen and Support, Not Judge—Listening is so important and again that will help with communication. The key is to really get what mom and dad need.

Once all siblings come to an understanding and consensus about what their parents want and need as they grow older, adult children can effectively utilize the services of home remodeling companies like Home Evolutions to help their loved ones age-in-place safely and comfortably.

Are you following us on Twitter? — Home Evolutions will give you real-time updates when our latest blogs are posted as well as timely information on Aging-in-Place news from around the country.

You’re not going to pick up the phone and call just any Joe the Plumber to come fix a leaky faucet, right? Most likely, you want to make sure that person has the credentials and experience to do the job right.

The same goes for your home remodeling needs. As you get older, you’ll want prefer to age in place. So you want someone who is experienced in Universal Design concepts and understands how to make the modifications to allow you to live in your home safely, independently, and comfortably.

The NAHB Remodelers of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) along with the NAHB Research Center, NAHB 50+ Housing Council, and AARP developed the Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS) program to address the increasing number of consumers who will soon require these modifications.

According to the NAHB Web site, these are some of the questions to ask as you consider remodeling or modifying your home.

How should you modify your home to make it more comfortable? To age-in-place you will probably need to modify your house as you mature to increase access and maneuverability. These modifications range from the installation of bath and shower grab bars and adjustment of countertop heights to the creation of multifunctional first floor master suites and the installation of private elevators.

Who can you rely on to modify your home?

CAPS professionals, like Home Evolutions, have the answers to your questions. We’ve been taught the strategies and techniques for designing and building aesthetically enriching, barrier-free living environments.

What is the CAPS designation?

A Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) has been trained in:
• The unique needs of the older adult population
• Aging-in-place home modifications
• Common remodeling projects
• Solutions to common barriers

What information should you think about?

• Do I want to add a bathroom and possibly a bedroom to the main level?
• How can I make my kitchen more functional?
• Am I worried about preventing falls?
• How much money can I budget for this project?
• Will I need to get a home equity loan?
• Will other members of my family benefit from modifications?
• Will remodeling increase the energy efficiency of my home?
• Where do I find a professional I can consult with about my needs?

Contact Home Evolutions today and receive your free 63 point quality of life and home safety checklist.

Are you following us on Twitter? — Home Evolutions will give you real-time updates when our latest blogs are posted as well as timely information on Aging-in-Place news from around the country.

According to a new survey prepared for AARP, one in four baby boom generation households (26%) expects to move from their current home in the future, with the majority looking for a single-level home that is more comfortable or convenient.

Most boomers (79%) say they would like to stay in their current home for as long as possible.  Less than 10% said they would like to stay in their current home but don’t think they will be able to do so.

Many of those who expect to move said they will be looking for a better house, a better climate or a home that is closer to family and friends. More than half of those boomers (age 45-64) planning to move expect to look for a home that’s all on one level (59%).  About half said they will look for a newer home (50%) or a smaller home (49%).

The poll conducted by Opinion Research Corporation for AARP was released to coincide with the announcement of the 2008 Livable Communities Awards from AARP and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) honoring innovative thinking in the field of home and community design.

“While boomers will reflect the patterns of earlier generations and mostly age in place,” said Elinor Ginzler, Senior Vice President of AARP, “the sheer number of boomers will increase demand for a whole variety of home and community options. The 2008 Livable Communities Award winners offer some great examples of appealing, user-friendly design.”

Established in 2007 by AARP and NAHB, the Livable Communities Awards are presented annually to builders, remodelers and developers for projects that enhance the daily lives of people of all ages and abilities by incorporating:

•    Design elements that accommodate the needs of all residents with all levels of physical ability from children through grandparents;
•    Easy access to community services and features such as retail, restaurants, medical, social and cultural activities, as well as viable transportation options;
•    Improved energy efficiency and enhanced site design; and
•    Better communication with key stakeholders

A panel of expert judges appointed by NAHB and AARP reviewed applications and selected the finalists. Judging criteria varied from category to category, but points were awarded based on: 1) Universal Design Features; 2) Ease of Maintenance and Energy Efficiency; 3) Exterior Design and Landscaping/Site Design; 4) Incorporation of Livable Community Design Features; and 5) Stakeholder Involvement.

Winners will be honored at a dinner in Washington, DC on December 10, 2008. For more information, photos and video clips of the winning projects, visit www.aarp.org/homedesign.