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Resources

Resources

The following websites were found in a cursory search for companies offering products which might be a bit difficult to locate. These websites are only a starting point but are a source of education about these products, in and of themselves. As you conduct further research, I wish the best for you in your continuing efforts to find the right products to meet your needs.

A tremendous housing crisis is slowly developing in America. Less than 1% of the homes in the United States have features allowing aging to safely occur in them. By 2032, over 68 million current homeowners will be unable to continue living in their homes, unless significant renovation first occurs.

In this book, we take increasingly concerned aging homeowners, and their equally concerned adult children, on a concise journey. We move from inside our society, to outside the home, then inward and throughout a typical residence. At each step, we examine suggested renovations that will enable our elders to continue using those spaces, even as age diminishes their physical and mental capabilities. Perhaps even more importantly, it examines how to set priorities, so such renovations can be done practically and without facing too much resistance.

 

PART “A”

MANUFACTURERS PRODUCTS BY CATEGORIES

The following websites were found in a cursory search for companies offering products which might be a bit difficult to locate. These websites are only a starting point, but are a source of education about these products, in and of themselves. As you conduct further research, I wish the best for you in your continuing efforts to find the right products to meet your needs.
As you conduct further research, I wish the best for you in your continuing efforts to find the right products to meet your needs.

Keyless Entry Systems / Proximity Readers

Walk-off Mats

Rugs With Rubber Backing

Ottomanson – Area rugs with rubber – https://ottomanson.com/info@ottomanson.com

Gorilla Grip – Area rugs with rubber – https://gorillagrip.com/collections/rug-pads-grippershttps://gorillagrip.com/pages/contact-us

Faber Rug Company – https://www.faberrug.comcontact@www.faberrug.com

Grab Bars of all varieties – mounted to floors / walls / ceilings

Prebuilt H.C. Bathroom Modules

Bath System – https://www.bathsystem.com/en/info@bathsystem.com

Durapods – https://durapods.comhttps://durapods.com/#contact

ContainArt – www.containartcommunitybuilders. com/ – containartcommunity@gmail.com

H.C. Accessible Tubs – Self-sealing Doors

H.C. Accessible Showers - curb-free with a hard door

Barrier Free – Tubs and showers – https://www.barrierfree.com/ – Jesse Vycital – jesse@barrierfree.com

AccessibleShowers – https://www.accessibleshowers.com/https://www.freedomshowers.com/contact

Aquatic – Tubs and showers – https://aquaticbath.com/https://aquaticbath.com/contact-us

ActiveAid – bath / toilet / shower systems – https://activeaid.comhttps://activeaid.com/contact-us/

Hand Held Showerheads

Toilet Seat Risers

Bathing Assistance Mechanisms

SB – www.solutionbased.com – sliding toileting and shower chair – Israel Gamburd – israel@sb.care

SEACHROME – Teak shower seats – https://seachrome.com/sales@seachrome.com

DecoTeak – Teak shower seats – https://www.decoteak.comhttps://www.decoteak.com/pages/contact.html

CSI Bathware – Grab bars and shower accessories – https://www.csibathware.comhttps://www.csibathware.com/contact-us/

UPLYFT – Self transfer systems – https://myuplyft.com/https://myuplyft.com/contact/

ARB Teak – Bath and shower accessories – https://arbteak.cominfo@arbteak.com

MUSTEE – Bath and shower accessories – https://mustee.com/info@mustee.com

Transolid – Shower and bath products – http://www.transolid.com/shower_bathsales@transolid.com

Better Living – Bath and shower products – https://betterlivingproductsusa.com/https://betterlivingproductsusa.com/pages/contact-us

Wireless Emergency Pull Cords and Call Buttons

Visiplex – Wireless panic button system – https://www.visiplex.com/wireless-panic-button-systemsales@visiplex.com

Lively – Emergency call responders – https://www.lively.com/services-appshttps://www.lively.com/support/contact-us/

Systems Technologies – Wireless nurse call and emergency systems – https://www.wirelessnursecall.com/https://www.wirelessnursecall.com/contact

Radiant Heat Mats - below bathroom floors

Wayfinding Signage

Raised Planter Beds

Eartheasy – https://eartheasy.com/yard-garden/raised-garden-beds – Shannon Cowan – shannon@eartheasy.com

Nature Explore – http://shop.natureexplore.org/Raised-Planter-Beds/ – https://natureexplore.org/contact-us/

Aosom – https://www.aosom.com/outdoor-patiocustomerservice@aosom.com

Pass Through Wall Box

DK Hardware – https://www.dkhardware.comhttps://www.dkhardware.com/contact-us.html

Protex – Through wall locking drop box – https://www.digitalbuyer.com/ –  

Small Ramps for Crossing Thresholds

RampNOW – Ramps and lifts of all types – https://rampnow.com/products/ramps/info@rampnow.com

Safepath EZ Edge Transition – Rubber transition ramp – https://www.healthproductsforyou.comhttps://www.healthproductsforyou.com/contactus.htm

Handi Ramp – https://handiramp.com/thresholdramps/https://handiramp.com/contactus.php

Living Spinal – PVI ramp – https://livingspinal.comsupport@livingspinal.com

Curb Ramp

Modular Ramp Sections

Upside Innovations – Modular ramp sections – https://upsideinnovations.com/https://upsideinnovations.com/contact/

Rampit – Lightweight modular ramp components – www.rampitusa.com – Travis Mather – tmather@rampitusa.com

Prairie View Industries –  multifold aluminum wheelchair ramps – https://www.pvimanufacturing.comhttps://www.pvimanufacturing.com/contact-us/

Aftermarket Modular Handrail Components

Dumbwaiters from Garage

https://www.dumbwaiters.com/ – Stephanie Scheller – Stephanie@TheStephanieScheller.com

Matot – Dumbwaiters – https://www.matot.com/https://www.matot.com/contact

Arrow Lift – Lifts, home elevators, and material handling – https://arrowlift.com/other-solutions/dumbwaiters/https://arrowlift.com/contact/

Home Elevator – Jeeves dumbwaiters – https://www.home-elevator.net/jeeves-pro.phpinfo@nwlifts.com

Chair Lifts for Stairs

Bruno Independent Living Aids – stair and scooter lifts – https://www.bruno.com/ https://slipproofsafety.com

Stannah – Stair lifts – https://www.stannah-stairlifts.com/https://www.stannah-stairlifts.com/contacts/

Harmar – Stair lifts – https://www.harmar.comhttps://www.harmar.com/contact/

Lang Home Medical Equipment – stairlifts and platforms – www.langhme.com – Matthew Tangen – Matthew@langhme.com

Garaventa Lift – outdoor stair lifts – https://www.garaventalift.com/https://www.garaventalift.com/en/contact.html

Platform Lifts - for short level changes

Apex – Wheelchair lifts – http://www.apexwheelchairlifts.com/info@nwlifts.com

Bruno – Various types of lifts – https://www.bruno.com/vertical-platform-lifts/residentialsocial@bruno.com

AmeriGlide – Lifts, elevators, tubs and other accessibility solutions – https://www.ameriglide.com/Vertical-Platform-Lifts.htmsales@ameriglide.com

Freedom Lift Systems – Wheelchair lifts – https://www.freedomliftsystems.comhttps://www.freedomliftsystems.com/contact

Stairtracks Mobility – custom platform lifts – www.startracksmobility.com – Robert Helvie – sales@startracks.org

IndeeLift – www.indeelift.com – Michael Martin – Michael.martin@indeelift.com

LULA Elevator Lifts

Nationwide Lifts – Dealer for various manufacturers of elevators and lifts – http://home-elevator.nethttps://home-elevator.net/contact.php

LULA Elevators – Small elevators – https://lula-elevators.com/https://lula-elevators.com/contact-us.php

Access Elevator– lifts and elevators – www.allaboutaccess.net – Frank Wasilewski – frank@allaboutaccess.net

Savaria Lifts – Residential lifts and elevators – https://www.savaria.comhttps://www.savaria.com/contact-us

Small Residential Elevators

Garaventa Lift – Small elevators – https://www.garaventalift.com/https://www.garaventalift.com/en/contact.html

Residential Elevators – Home elevators – https://residentialelevators.com/https://www.residentialelevators.com/contact/

Lifeway Mobility – lifts, ramps and stair lifts – www.lifewaymobility.cominfo@lifewaymobility.com

Stiltz Home Lifts – residential elevators – https://www.stiltzlifts.comhttps://www.stiltzlifts.com/contact-us/

Fox Valley Elevators – residential elevators, dumbwaiters – https://www.foxvalleyelevator.comhttps://www.foxvalleyelevator.com/contact-us/

Hospital Type Beds

ProBed – adjustable beds for patient care – www.pro-bed.com – Brian Bailey – bbailey@pro-bed.com

Love Rehab Solutions – adjustable safety beds for children – www.LoveRehab.Solutions – John Burley – jburley@loverehab.solutions

Flexabed – adjustable beds – https://flexabed.comhttps://flexabed.com/contact-us/

Video Phones / Intercom Systems ? Doorbell Cameras

Door Ringer – Safety and surveillance – https://door-ringer.cominfo@door-ringer.com

Ring – Doorbell security cameras – https://ring.comhttps://support.ring.com/hc/en-us/articles/360036196372

Swiftlane – Access and security solutions – https://www.swiftlane.comcontact@swiftlane.com

Home Security Systems

Digital Medication Dispenser

Hero Health  – https://herohealth.com/hello@herohealth.com

Tab Time Super 8 – https://tabtime.comhttps://us.tabtime.com/pages/contact-us

LiveFine Automatic Pill Dispenser – https://www.livefineproducts.com –  supportlfc@camarketing.com

Livi automated medication dispenser – https://www.liviathome.com/info@liviathome.com

e-pill Vibrating Pocket Pillbox – https://www.epill.com/sales@epill.com

Pet Bathing Tubs

Robotic Lawn Mowers

Keyhole Lights with Motion Detection

Collections, Etc. – https://www.collectionsetc.com/products/motion-activated-door-keyhole-light – https://www.collectionsetc.com/customer-support/contact-us/

Newegg – https://www.newegg.com/p/pl?d=keyhole+lightwecare.facebook@newegg.com

Lockable Pass-through Box - for small deliveries

Robot Vacuum and Mop Devices

Programmable Thermostats

Vehicle Accessibility

Bettenhausen Mobility – Braunability accessible vans dealer – www.BettenhausenMobility.com – Micah Neely – mneely@bettenhausenauto.com

BraunAbility – Wheelchair accessible vehicles and lifts – https://www.braunability.com/us/en.htmlproductspecialist@braunability.com

Adapt-Solutions – Vehicle access solutions – https://www.adaptsolutions.com/info@adaptsolutions.com

AMS Auto – Affordable wheelchair accessible vans – https://illinoishandicapvans.com/ams@amsauto.net

MobilityWorks – Wheelchair accessible vans, cars, and SUV’s – https://www.mobilityworks.com/https://www.mobilityworks.com/contact/

Toyota Mobility – Accessible vehicles – https://www.toyotamobility.com/https://www.toyotamobility.com/dealers

VMI / AMS Vans – Accessible vehicles – https://www.vantagemobility.com/https://www.vantagemobility.com/dealers/

Induction Cooktops

Under Counter Drawer Dishwashers

Pull-Down Shelving

Kitchensource – Pull-down kitchen shelving – https://www.kitchensource.com/uppercabinetorganizers/d/pulldownshelves/support@kitchensource.com

Rev-A-Shelf – Pull-down kitchen shelving – https://rev-a-shelf.com/2552https://rev-a-shelf.com/contact-us

Adjustable Height Countertops

Under Cabinet Lights - with motion detection

Kill Switch for Electric Stoves

RangeSafe – Safety replacement knobs  – https://www.rangesafe.comhttps://www.rangesafe.com/contact-rangesafe  

Fireavert – Electric Stove Automatic Shut-Off – https://www.fireavert.com/productssupport@fireavert.com

CookStop – Stovetop Fire Prevention – https://www.cookstop.comhttps://www.cookstop.com/#Contact

Downdraft Stoves

Clear Offset / Expandable / Double Swing Hinges

Hands-free Entry Options – pressure pad / motion sensor / push plate

Norton Rixson – Door controls and hardware – https://www.nortondoorcontrols.comhttps://www.nortonrixson.com/en/contact-us

Commercial Door Systems – Touchless entry – https://www.commdoorsystems.com/touchless-entry/info@commdoorsystems.com

After- market View Windows - to install in inside doors

Overhead Hoist Rails and Components

Assistance with Standing

Altimate Medical – Various mobility aids – https://easystand.com/https://easystand.com/contact-us/

EasyStand – Assistance in standing upright – https://easystand.comhttps://easystand.com/contact-us/

Zing – Assistance in standing upright – https://zingstanders.comhttps://zingstanders.com/contact-us/

Personal Emergency Alert Systems

Artificial Intelligence Pets

Remote Care via Tablets and Avatars

https://www.grandcare.com/ – Scott Feldstein – sfeldstein@grandcare.com

PatientPoint – https://www.patientpoint.comhttps://www.patientpoint.com/contact

PointClickCare – Remore care – http://www.touchstreamsolutions.com/remotecare@pointclickcare.com

Snug Safety – An app that allows seniors to check in daily using phones – https://www.snugsafe.com/support@snugsafety.com

Humanoid Robots

Blue Frog Robotics – Mobile emotional robots – http://www.bluefrogrobotics.com/robot/https://www.bluefrogrobotics.com/contact-us

Medical Systems - with bracelet or keychain tags

Smart Home Technology - to run HVAC, verify doors and windows are locked, stoves are off, etc.

SimpliSafe – Smart home protection – https://simplisafe.comhttps://simplisafe.com/contact-us

Crestron – Electronics – https://www.crestron.com/Inboundsatisfaction@crestron.com

Light Wheelchairs

Spinlife – Lightweight Transport Chair – https://www.spinlife.comhttps://www.spinlife.com/about/contact.cfm

Drive Medical – Deluxe Lightweight Aluminum Transport Wheelchair –
https://www.drivemedical.com/us/en/products/mobility/wheelchairs/transport-chairs/aluminum-transport-chair/p/ATC17-BK/downloadPdf

Medline – Ultralight Transport Wheelchair – https://www.medline.com/category/Durable-Medical-Equipment-DME-/Wheelchairs/Lightweight-Wheelchairs/Z05-CA11_10_25/products

Cheelcarelightweight chairs and accessories – www.cheelcare.com – Tom Roberts – troberts@cheelcare.com

Folding Scooter Store – portable scooters – www.foldingscooterstore.com – Hunter Donaldson – 804-641-2470 – https://foldingscooterstore.com/pages/contact-us

Mobility & Access – Adaptive strollers / bicycles – https://www.mobilityaccess.com/info@mobilityaccess.com 

Whill – Power chairs – https://whill.inc/us/https://whill.inc/us/contact/

Amigo Mobility – power scooters – https://www.myamigo.comhttps://www.myamigo.com/contact/

Basic Wheelchairs

Medline – Steel transport wheelchair – https://www.medline.comhttps://global.invacare.com/contact-us

Invacare Tracer – EX2 Quick Ship – www.invacare.comhttps://global.invacare.com/contact-us

Matia Mobility – www.matiamobility.com – Kevin J McNeil – kmcneil@matiamobility.com

Merits – Scooters, chairs and lifts – www.merits.com – Kristene Bengen – kbengen@meritsusa.com

Permobil – Wheelchairs, Seating, and mattresses www.permobil.com – Tony Campanella – tony.campanella@permobil.com

Pride Mobility – Electric wheelchairs and scooters – www.pridemobility.com – Jeff Distasio – jdistasio@pridemobility.com

National Seating and Mobility – Wheelchairs – https://www.nsm-seating.com/chicagohttps://www.nsm-seating.com/contact-us

Action Trackchair – All-terrain wheelchairs – https://actiontrackchair.com/  – info@actiontrackchair.com

ComfyGo, Inc. – Mobility Products – https://comfygomobility.com/info@comfygomobility.com

Frog Legs – wheelchair suspension products – https://froglegsinc.com/info@froglegsinc.com

GoZeen – mobility and standing assistance – https://gozeen.com/info@gozeen.com

Sunrise Medical – All types of wheelchairs and scooters – https://www.sunrisemedical.com/https://www.sunrisemedical.com/contact-us

Broda – wheelchairs and chairs – https://brodaseating.com/https://brodaseating.com/contact

Heavy Duty Electric Wheelchairs

F KD Foldlite – Heavy Duty Electric Wheelchair – http://www.kd-foldlite.com/electric-wheelchairsservice@kd-foldlite.com

Porto Mobility – Ranger Discovery Wheelchair – www.portomobility.comhttps://www.portomobility.com/contact

EZ Lite Cruiser – www.ezlitecruiser.comsupport@ezlitecruiser.com

Pride Mobility – Jazzy 1450 – www.pridemobility.comhttps://www.pridemobility.com/contact-us.asp

4 Wheel Walkers with Seats

Hugo – Elite 700-959E Foldable Rollator Walker – www.hugoanywhere.comconsumersupport@drivemedical.com

Flooring Transition Strips

Koffler Sales – Transitions and thresholds – https://kofflersales.cominfo@kofflersales.com

OnFlooring – Transition strips and trim – https://onflooring.com/products/transition-stripshttps://onflooring.com/contact

Easiklip Floors – Transition strips – https://easiklip.comhttps://easiklip.com/pages/contact-us

Adjustable Chair Cushion

Sitnstand – Portable lift chair – www.sitnstand.com – Amir – amir@sitnstand.com – (already signed form)

PART “B”

DISTRIBUTORS OF MULTIPLE PRODUCTS MEETING NEEDS

Invacare – Mobility and patient care products – www.invacare.com – Brian Murphy – bmurphy@invacre.com (send email with form and ask the question again)

Rifton Equipment – Wide variety of adaptive equipment – www.rifton.comsales@rifton.com – 800-571-8198 – call to find out to whom to direct an inquiry

My Care Supplies – medical supplies for at-home care – https://mycaresupplies.comhttps://mycaresupplies.com/contact-us/

Handicare – stairlifts, lifts, slings, transfer systems – https://www.handicareusa.comhttps://www.handicareusa.com/contact-us/

EZ Access – ramps, lifts, and in-bed bathing accessories – https://www.ezaccess.comhttps://www.ezaccess.com/services-support

Golden Technologies – lift recliners, scooters, power wheelchairs – https://goldentech.comhttps://goldentech.com/contact/

Stander – home care safety products, mobility aids, bath safety products, and bed rails – https://stander.comhttps://stander.com/contact/

Prism Medical – home medical supplies – https://www.prism-medical.com/team-prismhttps://www.prism-medical.com/team-prism/contact/

Health Products for You – Extensive range of home care supplies and equipment – https://www.healthproductsforyou.com/https://www.healthproductsforyou.com/contactus.htm

Tri-State Mobility – Range of mobility products – https://tristatemobility.com/https://tristatemobility.com/contact-us/

RehabMart – Wide variety of products for rehabilitation and use at home – https://www.rehabmart.com/category/threshold_ramps.htmhttps://www.rehabmart.com/assistance.asp

Discount Ramps – Multiple mobility products – https://www.discountramps.com/search.aspx?ss=thresholdhttps://www.discountramps.com/contactus.aspx

Med Mart – Wide range of products for home use – https://medmartonline.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=modular+ramphttps://medmartonline.com/contact

Handicare – Stair lifts and multiple mobility and home health products – https://www.handicareusa.com/https://www.handicareusa.com/contact-us/

Discover My Mobility – Lifts, chairs, and more – https://www.discovermymobility.comhttps://www.discovermymobility.com/tops/contact/

Carex – Mobility, safety, and home care solutions – https://carex.com/https://carex.com/pages/contact-us

Medline – Heavy Duty Walker and many other medical supplies and devices – https://www.medline.comhttps://www.medline.com/about-us/contact-us/

PART “C’

PROVIDERS OF SERVICES TO THE ELDERLY

AgingInPlace – Free online resources for all aspects of aging-in-place – https://aginginplace.org/https://aginginplace.org/contact-us/

Hartland – Insurance services for retirement – www.gohartland.com – George Kleanthis – gkleanthis@gohartland.com

Remarkable – Support for entrepreneurs design assistance devices – www.remarkable.org – Molly Levitt – molly@remarkable.org

Strategy for Access Foundation – Documentaries and stories for the disability community – https://fun4thedisabled.com/ – Vanessa Harris – fun@fun4thedisabled.com

Sports N Spokes – Wheelchair sports magazine – www.sportsnspokes.comhttps://sportsnspokes.com/contact-us/

Paraplegia News – Magazine for better wheelchair living – www.pnonline.comContact Us | PN Online

Orcam Technologies – Text read aloud by scanning – – www.orcam.com – Corrine Nero – Corrine.Nero@orcam.com

Assistive Technology Programs – innovation requested to meet stated needs – listed by state at https://acl.gov/programs/assistive-technology/assistive-technologyhttps://acl.gov/contact

Home For Life Advantage, Inc. – multiple products for home modifications – www.homeforlifeadvantage.com –  info@homeforlifeadvantage.com

Lite Run, Inc. – Gait training system – https://www.literun.com/marswalkdemo@literun.com

Pragma System – Upright positioning and gait training – https://pragmasystemusa.com/mario@pragmasystemusa.com

World Institute on Disability – Removing barriers excluding people with disabilities – https://wid.org/wid@wid.org

International Association of Accessibility Professionals – https://www.accessibilityassociation.org/s/https://www.accessibilityassociation.org/s/contact-us

 Living in Place Institute – Certification and training programs for aging-in-place – https://livinginplace.institute/dani@livinginplace.institute

Administration for Community Living – 2020 Older Americans Act – Authorizing programs – https://acl.gov/about-acl/authorizing-statutes/older-americans-acthttps://acl.gov/contact

UDS Foundation – A Guide to Aging in Place Design – https://udservices.org/aging-in-place-design/resourcecenter@udservices.org

Justify It – Creates a comprehensive letter of medical necessity (LMN) – https://justifyit.com/https://justifyit.com/contact/

AtheleMED – Primary care at home – www.athelemed.cominfo@athelemed.com

AgeGuide – A resource and advocate for the aging – https://ageguide.org/https://ageguide.org/contact/

Elderworks Educational Services – finding assisted living or any type of senior housing or elder care solutions – https://www.elderwerks.org/help@elderwerks.org

Kastle Keepers – Take care of homes while elders are away – https://kastlekeepers.net/kastlekeepers@aol.com

Silvernest – Home sharing and roommate finder – https://www.silvernest.com/hello@silvernest.com

 Nesterly – Home sharing and roommate finder  – www.nesterly.comhello@nesterly.com
My Personal Bookkeeper – Managing household affairs – https://www.mypersonalbookkeeper.com/info@mypersonalbookkeeper.com

A Place for Mom – advice for choosing assisted living –  https://www.aplaceformom.comhttps://www.aplaceformom.com/contact

 My Caring Plan – Financial assistance programs for seniors – https://www.mycaringplan.comsupport@mycaringplan.com
Debt.org – Financial Help and Government programs for seniors – https://www.debt.orginformation@debt.org

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – Making sure banks and other financial institutions treat you fairly – https://www.consumerfinance.govCFPB_OlderAmericans@cfpb.gov

NOLO – Information regarding daily money management programs – https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/daily-money-management-programs-seniors-32269.htmlhttps://www.nolo.com/customer-support/contact

American Society on Aging – Enhancing the knowledge and skills of those working with older adults – http://www.asaging.orginfo@asaging.org

National Council on the Aging – An association of organizations and professionals dedicated to promoting the dignity, self-determination, well being, and contributions of older persons – http://www.ncoa.org/https://www.ncoa.org/page/contact-us

Volunteers of America — provides a wide range of service programs such as meal programs, transportation, Medicare enrollment help, nursing care, and affordable housing. – https://www.voa.org/info@voa.org

Feeding America — provides meals for seniors by working with a nationwide network of food banks. – https://www.feedingamerica.org/https://give.feedingamerica.org/a/contact-us?_ga=2.66754663.831307722.1688265869-1926423596.1688265869

Meals on Wheels America — with locations across the country, serves home-cooked, nutritious meals to adults aged 60 and above, served at home or in a group setting. – https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/info@mealsonwheelsamerica.org

AmeriCorps Seniors — links volunteer seniors to other seniors with daily tasks and companionship. – https://americorps.gov/serve/americorps-seniorsSocialMedia@cns.gov

National PACE Association — offers medical, rehabilitation, personal, and other types of care. – https://www.npaonline.org/info@npaonline.org

Family Resource – Turning neighborhoods into supportive retirement communities – https://www.familyresourcehomecare.com/virtual-villages-new-models-of-assistancehttps://www.familyresourcehomecare.com/contact-us/

PART “D”

IN SEARCH OF FUNDS

Some upgrades recommended in ‘Renovations to Enable Aging-in-Place’ cost little or nothing. Some, like upgrading to LED fixtures and bulbs, return more savings within a few years, than they initially cost. For information on the cost of many recommended upgrades, the AARP has published a valuable resource entitled the ‘HomeFit Guide.’

There are numerous U.S. agencies that assist in making dwellings more accessible for low-to-moderate income residents. In many cases, qualifications for financial assistance from these programs include:

  • The occupant is physically disabled or has difficulty leading a normal life because of aging.
  • The unit under consideration is a permanent dwelling unit.
  • The total household income is below the stated threshold.

Weatherization Assistance programs are offered by governmental agencies and some private concerns, to help provide finances toward energy-related upgrades. Priority is usually given to the aged and disabled. Utility companies are a good source of information for the availability of these programs.

Upgrading an existing home can be financially daunting. Prioritizing needed changes will become critical. Renovations must be ranked by necessity, by cost, by impact on the user, and by which changes are the most critical to the user’s well-being and continued aging-in-place. Renovations to kitchens and bathrooms seem to find their way to the top of such lists.

Aging-in-place costs are sometimes more affordable, when spread over time. Renovations may also need to be in stages, if the home must remain occupied during any renovations.

Additional ideas and sources for funding needed renovations can be found below.

Help Hope Live – Non-profit assisting with raising tax-sheltered funds – www.helphopelive.org – Sonny Mullen – smullen@helphopelive.org

Amer1can Credit UnionLoans for renovations and equipment – www.american1cu.org – Jenni Knorr – jknorr@a1cu.org

CIGNA Medicare Advantage Health Plans – https://www.cigna.com/https://www.cigna.com/medicare/

National Funding Sources listed by Lifeway Mobility – https://www.lifewaymobility.com/resources/national-funding-sources/
National Directory of Home Modification and Repair Resources – https://homemods.org/national-directory/https://homemods.org/contact-us/
CareLink – Help for seniors with home repairs – https://www.carelink.org/help-for-seniors-with-home-repairs/info@carelink.org

Senior Living – Guidance for important financial decisions for seniors – https://www.seniorliving.org/https://www.seniorliving.org/contact/

ElderLife Financial – Financial solutions for Senior Care – https://www.elderlifefinancial.com/info@elderlifefinancial.com

Need Help Paying Bills – Sources of all types of awesome assistance – https://www.needhelppayingbills.cominfo@needhelppayingbills.com

Eldercare Locator – Information on benefit programs for elders – https://eldercare.acl.gov/public/resources/topic/Financial_Assistance.aspxeldercarelocator@USAging.org

PART “E’

FINDING RENOVATION CONTRACTORS TO MAKE ALTERATIONS

Home For Life Advantage, Inc. – All Home Modifications Chicagoland – www.homeforlifeadvantage.com – Lori Gibson – info@homeforlifeadvantage.com – instructor

Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists – trained and certified by the National Association of Home Builders – locate them at https://www.nahb.org/nahb-community/nahb-directories/professionals-with-home-building-designations-directory#sort=%40lastname%20ascending&f:Designation=[CAPS] – info@nahb.org

BILD – Accessibility specialist and installer – www.bildnow.com – Sean Auter – sean@bildnow.com

Houzz – Find professionals – https://www.houzz.com/proMatch/design-build/universal-design?m_refid=olm_google_783531962_43646525929_kwd-298507296388&pos=&device=c&nw=g&matchtype=b&loc=9021544&loc2=&lsmr=ho_google&lsd=ho_google&gad=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3a6z9ufa_wIVLyCzAB3dkwfXEAMYASAAEgKJwvD_BwE   – https://help.houzz.com/s/contactsupport?language=en_US

National Association of the Remodeling Industry – https://www.nari.org/find-a-chapterinfo@nari.org

Lowes ‘Livable Home Services’ – Accessibility products and installers – https://www.lowes.com/l/install/lowes-livable-home-serviceshttps://www.lowes.com/l/help/contact-us

Home Depot ‘Independent Living’ – Accessibility products and installers – https://www.homedepot.com/b/Health-And-Wellness-Independent-Living/N-5yc1vZ2fkon56potential_suppliers@homedepot.com  

Contractor Connection – Locate contractors of all specialties – https://www.contractorconnection.com/home-remodeling-renovation/expert/serviceshttps://www.contractorconnection.com/about/contact-us/

PART “F’

ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

General Aging-in-Place:

Enterprise Aging-in-Place Toolkit & Charrette Toolkit with added language for communities pursuing aging in place strategies – http://www.enterprisecommunity.com/solutions-and-innovation/enterprise-green-communities/re-sources/charrette-toolkit

Enterprise Aging-in-Place Existing Building and Site Evaluation Checklist – http://www.enterprisecommunity.com/resources/ResourceDetails?ID=0101080

Aging in Place – A Toolkit for Local Governments by AARP – http://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/plan/planning/aging-in-place-a-toolkit-for-local-governments-aarp.pdf

National Aging-in-Place Council – http://www.ageinplace.org

National Institute on Aging – https://www.nia.nih.gov/

Design for Aging & Aging-in-Place Toolkit by American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) – https://www.asid.org/content/design-aging#.Vsetd00m6Uk

Design for Aging Knowledge Community – American Institute of Architects (AIA) – http://network.aia.org/designforaging/home

National Association of Home Builders Aging In Place Remodeling Information Site – https://www.nahb.org/en/consumers/homeownership/aging-in-place-vs-universal-design/aging-in-place-remodeling.aspx

APA: Planning Aging-Supportive Communities – https://www.planning.org/publications/book/9026902/

Finding a Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist from the National Association of Home Builders – https://www.nahb.org/en/find/directory-designee.aspx#sort=%40flastname44362%20ascending&f:@fdesignationsheldabbreviation44362subl_coveofacets_0=[CAPS]

Specific Topics:

Handbook for Designing Roadways for the Aging Population by the Federal Highway Administration – http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/older_users/handbook/

Flooring Slip Resistance: Products that meet ANSI/NFSI B101.1-2009 – https://nfsi.org/certifications/certified-products/

General Building Resources:

International Code Council – http://www.iccsafe.org/

National Fire Protection Agency – http://www.nfpa.org/

Accessibility / Universal Design:

2012 Enterprise Green Communities Single & Multifamily Universal Design Specifications – http://www.enterprisecommunity.com/resources/ResourceDetails?ID=0084050

Americans with Disabilities Act – https://www.ada.gov/

Fair Housing Authority – http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp

Universal Design – http://www.universaldesign.com/

Health During Aging:

Alzheimer’s Association – http://www.alz.org/

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America – http://www.alzfdn.org/

Arthritis Foundation – www.arthritis.org

Silver Sneakers – https://www.silversneakers.com/