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  Introduction

  The reading glasses, the increased visits to the dentist, the additional medications, the switch from racquetball to golf — these are all indicators that our bodies are changing with age. To adapt to this aging, one thing we need to consider is the type of care we wish to receive — and the setting in which we get that care. It should not just "happen" to us. Most people would choose to stay in their home as long as possible, even if it means having care giving services. But, in order to really make the most of your later years, it helps if you prepare the home for the future.

  This eBook provides a number of easily available options that will allow a person to increase the utility and enjoyment of their home while decreasing the risk of injury. We begin with some background information, then discuss generally the key areas to assess for modification, and then provide more detail as to these areas. We wrap up with some budgetary numbers for the modifications and how to find contractors to help do the work.

  The Most Dangerous Places

  The Top Ten Causes of Consumer Injury for 65+ are, as defined by the US Consumer Products and Safety Commission:

  1. Stairs, Ramps, Landing, Floors
  2. Beds, Mattresses, Pillows
  3. Chairs, Sofas, Sofa Beds
  4. Bathroom Structures and Fixtures
  5. Carpets, Rugs
  6. Tables
  7. Ladders, Stools
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  8. Desks, Cabinets, Shelves
  9. Non Glass Doors, Panels
  10. Window, Door Sills, Frames

  The list may surprise you - especially the part where bedding causes more accidents than slipping in the bathroom! Many of these areas are addressed in this book.

  Aging brings with it some new challenges for the Boomer generation. Understanding aging-in-place concepts is really important to this independent, adventurous, socially active generation. As we age, things do change, and it‘s important to make some decisions in advance, so your desire to live in your own home can be carried through.

  After reading this eBook you will have new ideas and information to age-improve your home (or the home of your parents) to have a healthier, safer, happier life.

  Defining Aging in Place

  When people first hear the term ―Aging In Place,‖ you can observe physical change as they begin to understand the idea. At the same time, it brings out other emotions, like fear, denial, anger, sadness or just plain surprise! The next thing they say is, ‖That‘s for other people, I‘m not getting older!‖ NO MATTER HOW OLD THEY ARE! Everyone says the same thing. People are funny that way.

  The term ―Aging in Place‖ refers to modifying one‘s home so that it is safer to live in – the inhabitants are less likely to suffer falls or other injuries. Everyone goes through the aging process, some sooner, some later. Vision deteriorates, causing difficulty in differentiating colors; shrinking muscle mass makes it more difficult to get in and out of beds or chairs, and to lift your feet when walking, which can cause one to trip on throw rugs and other small barriers on the floor; we suffer from less strength in our hands and arms, reach is limited; the list goes on. These changes increase our likelihood of accidents in our own homes.

  Fortunately, there are some easy steps that people can take to make their homes more safe, which we share below; and there are designers who have received a special certification in Aging In Place design, through a program called CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist). This program was developed by the National Association of Home Buyers in partnership with AARP. In the last chapter, you‘ll find some tips on finding an Aging in Place specialist to help you design and implement the modifications.
• About the Author
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  For the last 10 years, Jane Regan has been the CEO of HB Building and Design in Northern California, a successful design/build general contracting firm specializing in a universal design practices, Green Building and Design for Aging In Place.

  She is also CEO and founder of Bath Packs™ LLC, an innovative way for people to get great design and pricing for a complete bath remodel using an interactive web site. BathPacks are . designed to reduce the complex purchasing decisions of a bath remodel, allowing people to select a complete bath by purpose, budget, and style. One set price includes installation, completed in about 3 weeks.

  Ms. Regan is certified for Design for Aging In Place, Winner of the recent Make Mine A Million $ Business Award from AMEX Open + Count Me In (for women‘s economic independence), 2009 Women Owned Business of the Year, a member of ASID, NKBA, BBB A+, the Half Moon Bay Chamber of Commerce, National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB), Peninsula Builders Exchange, and The Commonwealth Club , as well as the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and sings with the San Francisco Lyric Chorus.

  Previously, she held positions as Senior Designer at Coastal Kitchen Design, Half Moon Bay, CA; at Netegrity as Sr. Director of Business Development; Principal Systems Engineer and Director of Internet Technology at Citrix Systems Inc.; and Sr. Technical Project Manager at Symantec Corp.

  This is her first eBook.

$4.95