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The Aging-in-Place market for technology to assist seniors, families and professional caregivers for 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 invites new entrants into the market, according to Laurie M. Orlov, founder of the market research firm.

“With an aging demographic, growing elder caregiving responsibilities and emerging technology awareness of service providers means that more people seek and find solutions that help older family members,” said Orlov. “This is a catalyst for both new entrepreneurs like AFrameDigital and BeClose as well as new business opportunities for existing companies like Philips.”

The industry projections are part of the updated market overview report, 2010 Technology Market Overview from Aging in Place Technology Watch. The document updates about technologies to enable aging in place, including categories for communication and engagement, safety and security, health and wellness, and learning and contribution. The report explains how these tighten the connections between families, caregivers, service providers such as home care agencies and care recipients.

“Mary Furlong, founder of SeniorNet and author of “Turning Silver into Gold” commented: “A research veteran like Laurie choosing this space is an indication of the talent being brought to bear in this industry - analysts size the market, showcase the business opportunities, and shape the market space. The venture and business community are catching up with the need.”

Added Ken Dychtwald, Founder of AgeWave and author of “The Power Years,”: “Long-time Forrester and tech industry veteran Laurie M. Orlov is one of the most formidable - and knowledgeable - industry analysts describing the technology trends in the aging in place market. Her well-informed insights and innovative ideas are consistently spot-on.”

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. In addition to her technology background and years as a technology industry analyst, founder Laurie M. Orlov is a certified geriatric care manager is a member of the Philips Think Tank on Health & Well-Being.

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.

A recent article by Tom Kelly describes how rising long-term care costs are fueling the demand for aging-in-place home modifications. According to Kelly, even though builders are doing an admirable job of incorporating universal design features in new homes, baby boomers still continue to be slow in accepting the need for them.

Such slow acceptance is also similar to people’s responses to environmentally friendly homes. For example, only 12% of respondents to a MetLife survey said they would pay more for a green home. But, the same people surveyed are willing to pay an average one-time amount of nearly $7,000 if it would save $1,000 annually in utility costs. While another 23% of respondents said they are concerned about the environment, it does not drive their decision to invest in sustainability.

Kelly believes that the key to modifying people’s ideas and behaviors is through education and the dissemination of proper and appropriate information, in this case by the aging-in-place experts. “The educational push by builders, architects, and designers is to remove the ‘old’ association from universal design (UD).”

UD and aging-in-place construction can also increase an individual’s feelings of independence while simultaneously adding aesthetic beauty and enhancing their home’s resale value. Kelly explains, “Builders are striving to create UD applications that make it easier for someone to carry out daily activities such as preparing meals, climbing stairs, and bathing, as well as changing the physical structure of a home to improve its overall safety and condition.”

According to Kelly, the necessary tools required for homeowners to stay in their homes longer and age-in-place were brought to the forefront of the building community through information attained from a cost survey conducted by MetLife on nursing homes, assisted-living communities, home care agencies, and adult day services in all 50 states.

The survey data consistently showed that the national average rates for private and semi-private rooms in nursing homes, assisted-living base rates, average hourly rates for home health aides and homemaker/companions, as well as adult day services average daily rates have all increased and continue to rise.

CAPS certified remodelers like Home Evolutions can help you choose more affordable aging-in-place and universal design options that can allow you to remain living comfortably, safely, and independently in your own house.

Read more about this story in the next and upcoming issue of The Forever Home.

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.

Builder Magazine recently published its 8 hottest kitchen trends for 2010 and some of the factors influencing today’s culinary workspace design.

“Baby Boomers are hitting retirement age, lending standards have tightened, consumers have swallowed a slice of frugal pie, and the number of single households – particularly single women – is rising steadily,” writes the author. “All of those ingredients are feeding demand for smaller, more budget-conscious kitchens with a heavy emphasis on style and universal design.”

Builder gathered insights from a January 20 design workshop led by kitchen design gurus MaryJo Camp, Mary Jo Peterson, and Connie Edwards at the International Builder’s Show (IBS) in Las Vegas.

These are the trends they say we should be watching for in 2010:

Consolidated Activity: As houses get smaller, kitchens are carrying more responsibility. Today’s kitchen is still the hub of the home, and also a spot that’s big on multitasking — particularly now that many of the functions that previously had their own designated territory (e.g., laundry, dining, home office) are being absorbed into the kitchen/great room realm.

Ergonomics for All: The graying of baby boomers will raise important issues relating to functionality, user-friendliness and multiplicity. “Multiplicity acknowledges the variety of sizes, shapes, ages, and abilities of people who are in the kitchen,” according to Peterson said. That means not just older homeowners, but also kids, short adults, tall adults, and individuals with limited mobility.

Luxury for Less: Home buyers of average means must now pick and choose their luxuries strategically. As a result, builders and designers will be challenged to find interesting applications for modest materials, using the expensive stuff only for accents and memory points.

Small and Powerful: Notes the author, “Although kitchen square footage is less vulnerable to pruning than other rooms in the floor plan, many kitchens are getting smaller as houses get proportionately smaller.” To meet this need, many manufacturers have introduced new lines of streamlined appliances.

Planet Smart: Today’s buyers want green features with measurable benefits such as Energy Star appliances and Water Sense-rated plumbing fittings, as well as non-off-gassing finishes combined with good ventilation and air filtration.

Style-Conscious: Quartz and paper composites, glass and stainless steel work surfaces, large-scale (18” square) floor tile, chrome fixtures, and lightweight hulled concrete are becoming popular features.

Light Bright: Since aging eyes need good lighting, look for layered lighting for practical usage and visual effect. That includes a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting.

Devilish Details: In a small space, the entire kitchen becomes a focal point, so it’s important to attend to every detail. “Smaller spaces are less forgiving,” according to Camp. Refrigerators and other appliances should run flush with cabinet faces.

You can read more about these trends in greater detail at Builder.com.

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.

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.

As Baby Boomers continue to age, not only are they concerned with their own health and aging-in-place options, but they are often involved with the aging considerations and well-being of elder parents and other relatives whom they assist. In fact, witnessing parents grow older can be an emotional drain on adult children.

When we age and as our health changes, it is very natural to become focused on ourselves and worry about our own well-being. If we are also faced with the responsibility of assisting parents or other loved ones as they age too, there can often be additional stress and personal difficulties as a result.

A recent article offers 10 tips that Baby Boomers should consider as they help care for and interact with their aging parents. These tips can reduce your and your parents’ stress levels, as well as provide some productive aging-in-place ideas.

According to Dr. Timothy Schwab, chief medical officer of SCAN Health Plan, parental aging is often a psychological wake-up call for Baby Boomers because it reminds them that they are also aging. “It’s the time when Boomers are first dealing with the reality that their parents are no longer as physically or mentally sharp as they once were.” Schwab believes it is very important for adult children to recognize and appreciate these changes. “They [Baby Boomers] also need to ask themselves, ‘How can I help my parents remain strong and independent for as long as possible?’”

Here are 10 considerations that Baby Boomers should keep in mind as they interact with their aging parents:

1. Hearing Loss – Nearly half of all people over 65 experience some hearing loss. If that is happening to your parents, try speaking in a slightly louder tone—but don’t shout! Also try speaking in a lower pitch, because high frequency sounds become harder to hear. Plus, be careful to not drop off sounds at the end of sentences and make sure you face your parents directly when speaking so they can see your lips and gestures.

2. Vision Loss – Older adults should have a complete eye exam every one to two years. If your parents’ sight is worsening, encourage them to try prescription reading glasses, large-print reading materials, or magnifying aids.

3. Falling Hazards – More than one-third of adults over 65 fall each year. If your parents’ balance or strength is fading, consult a physician—and if necessary, get them the right kind of cane, walker, or wheelchair. Always check homes for tripping hazards such as loose rugs or poorly placed extension cords. Also consider installing grab bars and non-slip rubber mats in the tub or shower.

4. Managing Arthritis – In addition to a medical treatment plan, adaptive equipment (such as wide holders for toothbrushes and easier tops for pill containers), can help your parents better handle household items.

5. Changes In Eating Or Sleeping Patterns – These changes as well as losing interest in activities that once brought pleasure can be signs of depression. Be sure to have these symptoms evaluated by a physician.

6. Decreased Ability To Mentally Retain Information – Limit your statements to one idea at a time and avoid jargon or technical terms (such as computer speak), which may be common to your generation, but foreign to theirs. When your parents are talking, be patient and don’t interrupt. The first thing said may not be the most important thing on their minds, and once interrupted, they may not return to their pressing issue.

7. Minor Memory Loss Is Normal – If your parents are dealing with some memory loss, keep questions simple and avoid multiple choices. Politely ask them to repeat important information so you know that it has been heard and understood.

8. Alzheimer’s Disease Or Dementia – Both of these can lead to a gradual decline in performing daily activities. If this is the case, children should develop familiar routines for their parents.

9. Caregiver Options – Discuss care-giving needs with your parents and other loved ones. Find ways that each family member can help provide support. Also consider utilizing the services of care managers, clergy members, or family counselors.

10. Consult With Physicians Whom Your Parents Trust – Also have a health plan that will best support your parents by providing health management programs and practical support services that don’t drain the family financially and will allow them to remain independent and in their own home for as long as possible.

Overall, sometimes the best tip is the easiest and most natural—when interacting with aging parents, always proceed with love and understanding. Schwab concludes, “Love and patience go a long way. With greater understanding of the aging process, adult children can nurture their family bond while helping their parents maintain the dignity and quality of life that they richly deserve.”

Remodeling companies like Home Evolutions can assist you and your parents to better cope with aging by helping them remain living comfortably and safely in their own homes.

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.

Many of Home Evolution’s blogs have discussed how Baby Boomers can be instrumental in planning and assisting their parents and other loved ones to age-in-place.

But studies have shown that members of this particular group may also need to consider their own health statistics and personal care requirements as they age. In fact, an article in the Washington Post extensively discussed studies that show a trend in which Baby Boomers appear to not be as healthy as their parents.

A growing body of evidence suggests that Baby Boomers may be the first generation to enter their golden years in worse health than their parents. While nothing is definite, the data sketches a startlingly different picture than the popular image of this health-obsessed group.

It does seem true that Baby Boomers are healthier in some important ways, like being much less likely to smoke. But larger, sweeping surveys are consistently finding that Baby Boomers describe themselves as being less healthy than their parents were at the same age. For example, they are more likely to report difficulty in climbing stairs, getting up from chairs, and doing other routine activities.

In addition, Baby Boomers are more prone to chronic problems such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Mark D. Hayward, a Sociologist at the University of Texas, elaborates, “We’re seeing some very powerful evidence all pointing to parallel findings. The trend seems to be that people are not as healthy as they approach retirement as they were in older generations.”

Although such data is just beginning to emerge, researchers say the findings track with several unhealthy trends, notably the obesity epidemic. In fact, two-thirds of Americans are overweight, which cause joints to wear out quicker, boosts cholesterol and blood pressure, and raises the risk of a host of debilitating health problems.
Surprisingly, despite all of those gym memberships, Baby Boomers tend to be less physically active than their parents and grandparents because their daily routines are often dominated by desk jobs and long drives to and from work.

The assumption has always been that the more educated people are, the healthier their lifestyles and the better access they have to healthcare. But this belief may be skewed because not all Baby Boomers are well educated or health conscious. David R. Weir, an Economist at the University of Michigan, noted, “Not everyone went to college, and not everyone is engaging in these healthful activities.”

Also, Baby Boomers tend to report more stress than earlier generations—from their jobs, from their commutes, and from taking care of their parents and their kids. Lisa Berkman of the Harvard School of Public Health, offered some explanations. “People are working two jobs and not sleeping as much. They’re experiencing more job insecurity and they have less time to take care of themselves. This all could add up to a huge crisis and really calls for us to examine the things that perhaps we’re not doing so well.”

One of the most alarming red flags was raised by the federally funded Health and Retirement Study (HRS), which is tracking more than 20,000 U.S. adults as they move through middle age toward retirement. After examining the first wave of Baby Boomers to enter the study (5,030 adults born between 1948 and 1953), researchers were shocked to discover that they appeared to report poorer health than groups born between 1936 and 1947.

The HRS showed that Baby Boomers were much less likely than their predecessors to describe their health as “excellent” or “very good,” and were more likely to report having difficulty with routine activities, such as walking several blocks or lifting 10 pounds. They were also more likely to report pain, drinking and psychiatric problems, and chronic problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

These findings are consistent with a number of other studies, including one that found that American adults have poorer health than their British counterparts. Robert Hummer, a Sociologist at the University of Texas, added, “Overall it looks like there’s been some recent declines in overall health among younger adults compared to the cohorts of previous decades.” In addition, one of Hummer’s colleagues produced similar findings in a survey of 2,500 adults between 1995 and 2001.

Some experts believe that if the findings are confirmed and continue to worsen, we may be on the verge of a social change where we’ll have an increasing proportion of seniors needing assistance, and even possibly a decline in life expectancy.

In response to this possible trend, companies like Home Evolutions can assist with helping Baby Boomers and others prepare themselves for their future aging-in-place needs. Contact us today for an assessment of your needs.

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.

In recognition of the growing number of seniors and people with disabilities who decide to age-in-place, many health care organizations are taking proactive initiatives to address this trend and provide information, benefits, and options to those who choose to remain living at home as they age. The United Hospital Fund (UHF) of New York is one such institution that has specifically focused on helping this population.

In 1999, the UHF established its Aging in Place Initiative (AIPI) to foster the development of new models of care that support the health and well-being of older people living in communities. The models combine health care and community resources in order to address the needs of residents living in what the UHF calls, “naturally occurring retirement communities,” or NORCs. These communities could be housing developments, neighborhoods, or geographic areas originally established for multi-age populations, but which over time, have become home to large concentrations of seniors.

NORCs can evolve as a result of residents’ aging-in-place, in-migration of older residents into an age-integrated community, or out-migration of a significant proportion of younger residents. A NORC may be an age-integrated apartment building, a housing development with multiple buildings, a number of developments in close proximity to one another, or an age-integrated neighborhood with significant concentrations of older residents. While currently existing in many U.S. communities, NORCs are expected to become even more common as the country’s overall population ages.

The AIPI conducts community, program, and policy analyses; fosters partnerships of health care, social service, and housing organizations; and facilitates the development of innovative models for the expansion and improvement of NORC supportive service programs (NORC-SSPs)—these are programmatic responses to the challenges and opportunities present in multi-age communities with large concentrations of seniors.

NORC-SSPs are partnerships among governments, community residents, health and social service providers, and philanthropists that help transform communities which were not specifically built for seniors, into “good places to grow old.” This is accomplished through the organization and development of on-site services and programs that promote successful aging and are responsive to individuals’ changing needs over time.

In general, NORC-SSPs integrate social workers, nurses, and resident volunteers to work together and provide a multi-faceted approach to addressing the health and welfare needs of seniors. These collaborations result in educational and recreational activities, ancillary services (including transportation, housekeeping, and social, adult day-programs), as well as volunteer opportunities that maximize seniors’ involvement in the program and within the community.

The UHF’s Aging in Place Initiative is comprised of three programs:

• NORC Action Blueprint Project. This project supports NORC program planners, managers, funders, and policymakers by defining guiding principles and identifying elements of successful programs, as well as providing program development, management, and sustainability tools.

• NORC-Health Care Linkage Project. Through collaboration with New York Community Trust, this project is testing systematic ways to develop and strengthen effective linkages between community-based NORC-SSPs and health care providers serving their communities.

• NORC Strategic, Program, and Technical Assistance. Through a variety of outreach, promotion, and technical assistance activities, this program strengthens and expands the capacity of New York NORC-SSPs and other programs to serve as model laboratories to advance aging-in-place strategies.

Take the next step toward your independent future. Now through May 31, 2009, as part of our outstanding service to our customers, Home Evolutions is offering a free in-home assessment. We’ll conduct a thorough evaluation of your current lifestyle and home to identify what can make your home safer and more accessible. Please note:  This limited time offer is currently available only to residences within Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

If you, or someone you know, are interested in this free, limited time offer, please fill out our contact form today and one of our representatives will be in touch to schedule a convenient time to visit you in your home.

Can your neighborhood, building, or community be categorized as a NORC?

When making the decision to age-in-place, many seniors and people with disabilities focus on remodeling and renovating their bathrooms so that they can have safe and accessibly functional facilities in this very important personal space of the home.

With years of statistics reporting long incident lists of bathroom accidents, it is no surprise that so many people emphasize upgrading these areas in order to remain living comfortably, safely, and independently.

The International Conference on Aging, Disability, and Independence (ICADI) has identified that numerous examples of bathroom designs fail to provide the appropriate amount of safety protection. In fact, the ICADI notes that many studies suggest that in general, bathrooms pose the most threats to personal safety in the home.

The following fatality statistics are related to bathroom accidents:

• Over 100 people die of bathtub-related burn injuries every year.
• One person dies every day from using a bathtub or shower in the United States.
• Bathroom deaths exceed those due to handgun accidents, ladder and scaffolding falls, and ignition of clothing.

In addition, thousands of injuries occur in bathrooms each year (estimated numbers):

• 140,000 due to bathtubs and showers;
• 43,000 because of towel bars
• 35,000 from toilets;
• 21,000 due to sinks
• 6,000 because of faucets;
• 2,000 from laundry hampers.

Slips and falls are the most frequent types of bathtub accidents. This can be even more of a danger and problem for seniors who have decreased vision, balance, or flexibility. In fact, one out of three Americans over 65 will suffer a fall. These accidents generally occur while entering and leaving the tub, or while changing between sitting and standing positions.

A recent article on the Age-in-Place website, described that renovations to a bathroom can not only greatly increase home safety for seniors who choose to age-in-place, but the remodels themselves can also be stylish and aesthetically pleasing.

Here are a few bathroom modifications that can greatly increase home safety and decrease the incidents of accidents and injuries:

• Replace standard toilets with a comfort-height version. Comfort-height toilets are several inches higher and are easier to use.

• Install grab bars in the shower, tub, and toilet areas. Double rows in tubs and showers are ideal because they assist both standing and seated bathers. Grab bars and hand grips are now available in many of the same fashion finishes as faucets and other bath accessories.

• Replace knob-style faucets with lever-handled faucets. These are much easier to grip by someone with arthritis, Parkinson’s, or diminished strength.

• Replace wall-mounted shower heads with ones on slide bars.

• Replace pre-code shower valves with non-scald versions. Scalding is one of the most serious bath injuries and can be avoided by using pressure and temperature-balanced shower valves.

• Add benches to shower stalls. This is helpful for users who need to sit while showering and works best with slide bar shower heads.

• Increase bathroom lighting and color contrasts. This can offset decreased vision.

• Remove sharp edges on countertops.

• Check that vent fans are working properly to help avoid mold. Vent fans should ideally vent outside the home. Modern vent fans that turn on and off automatically when they sense moisture in the room are ideal.

• Replace smooth, slick flooring with textured tiles. Textured tiles provide more traction. Floor treatments to existing smooth surfaces can also improve traction.

• Remove steps in front of tubs. Commonly found in master baths, these are high-risk slip hazards.

A Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) like Home Evolutions can help you design and remodel your bathroom to be even safer—as well as more accessible and beautiful than ever before.

Take the next step toward your independent future. Now through May 31, 2009, as part of our outstanding service to our customers, Home Evolutions is offering a free in-home assessment. We’ll conduct a thorough evaluation of your current lifestyle and home to identify what can make your home safer and more accessible. Please note:  This limited time offer is currently available only to residences within Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

If you, or someone you know, are interested in this free, limited time offer, please fill out our contact form today and one of our representatives will be in touch to schedule a convenient time to visit you in your home.

What are some of the things you would change and modify in your own bathroom that would make it a safer and more livable space for you as you age-in-place?

Before reading today’s blog, we’re happy to announce that for those of you who are on Twitter and want to stay on top of all the latest happenings with Home Evolutions, you can follow the Home Evolutions Blog on Twitter as well. Each time we post a blog post here, it automatically gets tweeted to Twitter. When we’re not busy posting blog posts, we’ll be tweeting about aging-in-place topics. So be sure to follow us on Twitter!

My hometown newspaper, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, reported Friday that $27 million in federal stimulus money will go to the Pittsburgh Housing Authority under an improvement program to help seniors and people with disabilities age in place.

Around $17 million will be used to improve the accessibility of 67 apartments by widening doors and hallways, reduce outdoor slopes to a 2 percent grade, remove steps, add rails, and lower cabinets. Another $2 million go towards the construction of eight new, accessible homes on authority-owned land in five neighborhoods.

According to Authority Executive Director A. Fulton Meachem Jr., the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development has ordered the authority to make 5 percent of its units accessible, and the stimulus money allows it to finish the long-running 200-unit effort without borrowing more money.

The rest of the authority’s stimulus money will pay for other improvements and cover $1.2 million in costs and fees and $2.7 million for administration.

The Post-Gazette added that the terms of the $787 billion federal stimulus package, the authority must have the money obligated within a year, must spend 60 percent of it within two years and must spend it all within three years.

The authority will list all stimulus-paid activities and contracts on its Web site so the public can see how the money is spent.

Don’t forget that through May 31, Home Evolutions is offering a free in-home assessment. Although we serve most counties in Western Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia, this limited time offer is currently available only to residences within Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. If you, or someone you know, are interested in this free, limited time offer, please fill out our contact form today and one of our representatives will be in touch to schedule a convenient time to visit you in your home.

Want to learn more about accessibility options that you can make to your home? This is one of the many topics that we can come and speak to your organization or group about. We’re available to conduct a seminar or presentation at no charge on any Aging-in-Place topic you may be interested in. Contact us today to set up an appointment.

We are pleased to announce the release of the spring edition of The Forever Home, our quarterly e-newsletter which provides insightful information, valuable advice, and helpful tips about aging-in-place.

In this newest issue, you can read about how the current mortgage and housing crisis may actually be inadvertently advancing the Aging-in-Place Movement. With houses being harder to sell and as seniors have less retirement funds and security due to a volatile stock market; keeping one’s home, modifying it, and remaining there may be the most sensible and affordable option for seniors. Some explanation of related terms and things to think about when considering aging-in-place are also discussed.

Plus, a universal design house in Colorado is profiled along with the home’s designer and resident, Cynthia Leibrock. She is a Harvard instructor who has built her home with a myriad of aging-in-place options and functions just in case she or her husband would ever need them. The unique aspect of the house is that it is both functional and beautiful. In fact, Leibrock uses her home as a live-in teaching and marketing promotional tool for universal design and the Aging-in-Place Movement.

Then there’s the recent aging-in-place case-study featuring Bob and Jen Mankowski of Pittsburgh. Learn about how Home Evolutions assessed a house they were planning to purchase and how the remodeling company influenced their decision and alleviated their uncertainties about home customization. See what innovative modifications Home Evolutions suggested and provided for them. It’s a wonderful story about how the company helped Bob and Jen find and modify a dream house where they can now plan to remain living comfortably, safely, and independently for many years to come!

Finally, to complement this issue’s piece on the Leibrock house, check out our summary of AARP’s extensive definition, explanation, and exploration of universal design.

We hope that you enjoy reading this issue as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you! As always, please feel free to forward our newsletter to your friends and families. We also invite you to email us at hburns@homeevolutions.com with your comments, suggestions, and any story ideas that would help The Forever Home address your interests and better meet your specific needs.

If you haven’t already heard, now through May 31, as part of our outstanding service to our customers, Home Evolutions is offering a free in-home assessment. We’ll conduct a thorough evaluation of your current lifestyle and home to identify what can make your home safer and more accessible. Please note:  This limited-time offer is currently available only to residences within Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

If you, or someone you know, are interested in this free, limited-time offer, please fill out our contact form today and one of our representatives will be in touch to schedule a convenient time to visit you in your home.