Retirement Living » Remodeling and Universal Design http://www.retirement-living.com Assisted Living, Nursing Homes, Homecare in VA, MD, DC, NJ, PA, DE Mon, 15 Jul 2013 14:58:37 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Applying Universal Design Concepts http://www.retirement-living.com/applying-universal-design-concepts/ http://www.retirement-living.com/applying-universal-design-concepts/#comments Mon, 23 Apr 2012 20:33:03 +0000 Lauren Searson http://www.retirement-living.com/?p=13805

By Michael Leite, P.E.

Universal design has been defined as building environments that are accessible by anyone regardless of their physical limitations or disabilities.  Much of the universal design concept has been codified in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.  In practice most situations involve the retrofitting of an existing space with all of its limitations rather than the construction of a new space in which the designer has an empty palette.

In the retrofit situation, the design must accommodate the specific needs and disabilities of the intended occupant rather than meeting the needs of the general population.  In this way the impact on the existing structure is minimized and the project is more affordable.

The first consideration is mobility.  This involves the selection of flooring that allows the resident to move about easily without tripping and falling.  It also includes the installation of grab bars in strategic locations that enable residents to get-up and down and maintain their balance.  In the case of major renovations, the installation of an elevator or stair-lift.

The second consideration is lighting.  Individuals with low vision require special task lighting in addition to quality general illumination.  A thorough analysis determines both the amount of light and the best color qualities of the light source.  Each individual is different with respect to the optimum light source, the necessary light levels and the effect of veiling luminance or glare.

The third consideration is the bathroom.  Having addressed the issue of mobility, we now turn to the selection of fixtures and controls.  The installation of a comfort height toilet with an integral bidet function can facilitate personal hygiene.    The shower and bath tub should have controls that are accessibly placed and control all of the functions.  Other fixtures, like the sink, should allow residents to move about freely.

The fourth consideration is the kitchen.  Appliances must be selected to facilitate their use by individuals with physical limitations.  This includes both the major appliances (stove, refrigerator and dishwasher) and the portable appliances (can opener, coffee maker and garbage can).  The design must consider the work-flow in the kitchen as well as personal safety.

The fifth consideration is the general living space.  Here the use of sensors, remote controls and alarms can ensure the comfort, ease of use and safety of the residents.  Similarly, the selection of furnishings and surface treatments must be based on the needs and comfort of the individual.

Companies like M. Quinn Designs, Inc. with its term Beautiful Accessibility?, design to accommodate the needs of clients.  The goal is to make the modifications blend into the design and not appear to be a noticeable add-on.  Also, the accessible design should be fully functional for both the client as well as for individuals without disabilities.

Reprinted with Permission of M. Quinn Designs, Inc.

]]> http://www.retirement-living.com/applying-universal-design-concepts/feed/ 0 Senior Care: Fall Prevention and Acute Rehabilition http://www.retirement-living.com/fall-prevention-and-acute-rehabilition/ http://www.retirement-living.com/fall-prevention-and-acute-rehabilition/#comments Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:36:11 +0000 Lauren Searson http://www.retirement-living.com/?p=1257 Man Discussing Senior Care OptionsOn February 3rd over 100 senior-serving professionals gathered for networking and a great lunch at the newest acute rehabilitation center in the DC Metro area, HealthSouth of Northern Virginia.

Featured speakers include Medical Director Dominique L. Vinh, MD, Associate Medical Director Dr. Zuggo-Liszka from HealthSouth of Northern Virginia. In addition Tony Scheaffer of the Northern Virginia Fall Prevention Coalition discussed the organizations exciting new developments and opportunities.

Videos of the ProAging Meeting

Please view the following videos that were graciously shot, edited and produced by Abby Sternberg.  To have Abby consult with you on your video needs visit http://www.mediamasters.tv/

Fall Prevention and Rehab Solutions ProAging Program at HealthSouth from Abby Sternberg on Vimeo.

ProAging Presents Tony Schaffer:NO VA Fall Prevention Coalition from Abby Sternberg on Vimeo.

Attendee List from the ProAging Meeting  Group sharing ideas about recovery and in home care

Below is a list of attendees to help you continue networking and making connections.

Networking Event for those in Senior ServicesWe are very excited to be partnering with the Northern Virginia Fall Prevention Coalition on their membership directory which will also be included in the next edition of Guide to Retirement Living SourceBook!I have attached a membership form and information on advertising — don’t miss this opportunity!Please contact Marlene Zaborsky with questions or comments at 703-992-1102 or marlene@proaging.com

Next Meetings and GenSilent Screenings

Make sure you mark your calendars for the upcoming ProAging meetings which will cover two important issues

RSVP Required to these events, please email rsvp@proaging.com or call Marlene at 703-992-1102.

ProAging @ Vinson Hall – Social Work Month Celebration – Hospital Case Management

Date: Wednesday March 23, 2011

Time: Noon – 2

Location: Vinson Hall

6251 Old Dominion Dr

McLean, VA 22101

Description: Don’t miss one of the best networking and education events of the year! Opportunity to celebrate the great work that social workers do in helping elders and families.

This year we bring back one of our most popular and compelling programs to Vinson Hall!Hear first-hand accounts about what goes on in the regions Hospital Case Management Departments. This presentation will equip professionals with information to better guide your clients through the transition to and from the hospital. In addition, it will help you better understand the environment to communicate your offerings to case management offices.

ProAging @ The Fairfax – The Village Concept in the DC Area

Date: Friday May 13, 2011

Time: Noon – 2

Location: The Fairfax

9140 Belvoir Woods Pkwy

Fort Belvoir, VA 22060

Description: Join other senior-serving professionals for one of the best networking events of the year. The Fairfax has a great venue and excellent food service.

This event is produced in partnership with the Washington Area Villages (WAV).Dont miss the opportunity to learn about the “Village Concept” and learn about the communities in DC, VA and MD that are on the forefront of this important movement.As a professional serving seniors and families this event will enable you to discuss this option with those you are serving and give you important information on where villages are in operation and development in our region.

GenSilent Screenings and Discussion — Gay Elders Go Back in the Closet

Gen Silent is the new documentary film from award-winning director and filmmaker Stu Maddux that puts a face on what experts call an epidemic: gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender seniors so afraid of discrimination in long-term/health care or bullying by other seniors that many go back into the closet.

Please join us for a screening of the 1 hour documentary followed by a discussion.

Date: Thursday February 24, 2011

Time: 3 pm – 5 pm

Location: Methodist Home of DC

4901 Connecticut Avenue NW

Washington , DC 20008

Date: Tuesday March 08, 2011

Time: 2 p.m.

Location: The Fountains at Washington House

5100 Fillmore Ave.

Alexandria, VA 22311

RSVP Required to these events, please email rsvp@proaging.com or call Marlene at 703-992-1102.

]]> http://www.retirement-living.com/fall-prevention-and-acute-rehabilition/feed/ 0 Living Senior: Sample of poor design for wheelchair ramps http://www.retirement-living.com/examples-of-poor-design-for-wheelchair-ramps/ http://www.retirement-living.com/examples-of-poor-design-for-wheelchair-ramps/#comments Wed, 15 Sep 2010 14:09:35 +0000 Lauren Searson http://www.retirement-living.com/?p=1232 wheelchair ramp that is not safe

This is one of many examples of a wheelchair ramp that was not designed with assistance of a professional who is well versed in Universal Design.

This photo is compliments of Strategies for Independent Living, it illustrates a common problem of designing an accessible entrance without a skilled professional assisting.  Universal Design is a very specialize practice and its important to work with someone who is experienced.

For more resources, click here to search our directory of contractor that understand aging in place, universal design and remodeling for accessiblity.

]]> http://www.retirement-living.com/examples-of-poor-design-for-wheelchair-ramps/feed/ 0 Make Homes Safer for Active Adult and Senior Living http://www.retirement-living.com/make-homes-safer-for-active-adult-and-senior-living/ http://www.retirement-living.com/make-homes-safer-for-active-adult-and-senior-living/#comments Mon, 18 May 2009 13:24:59 +0000 Lauren Searson http://www.retirement-living.com/?p=1141 There is no question that for many Americans, home is where the heart is. Contrary to popular stereotypes, most older adults close to retirement age do not choose to pack up and move to warmer climates in their retirement years. According to a recent AARP study, nearly ninety percent of adults 50 and older want to remain in their current home and community. And who can blame them? It’s the place they’ve shared their lives together and often raised a family.

“We know people love their homes, and want to stay in their homes for as long as possible. That is why it is so important to make simple changes to be safe and comfortable in your home,” says Elinor Ginzler, Director of Livable Communities at AARP. “There are easy and inexpensive ways to update your home to accommodate everyone and you don’t have to be an expert to do it. The earlier you start identifying and planning for improvements, the better your chance of enjoying your home for years to come.”

h3. Reasons Why Seniors Choose to Stay in their Homes

There are a variety of reasons why those 50 and older want to stay in their homes:

* Attachment to their home and neighborhood
* Close ties to friends, family and neighbors
* Proximity to favorite amenities, such as a grocery store they love, a cleaner they’ve always gone to or a favorite walking trail

Seniors can face physical challenges that can make it difficult, and sometimes impossible to stay in their homes without some degree of change to their environment. In fact, studies indicate that half of all falls happen at home and research suggests that one-third of home accidents can be prevented by easy home updates and preventative maintenance.

h3. Features to Avoid When Planning for Retirement at Home

* Low lighting
* Stairs with no handrails
* Loose area rugs
* Entrances with many steps
* Hard-to-grasp faucet handles and door knobs
* High cabinets

However, just as we do, homes themselves age too. It’s important for homeowners to make updates to ensure that their home remains a safe and comfortable environment. You wouldn’t skip out on your annual physical, so you shouldn’t neglect to assess your home.

h3. Steps to Make a Home Safer for Seniors

Aging parents, as well as their adult children, can take advantage of the fall season to prepare home for the winter season and holiday guests. Older adults and those who want them to feel safe and comfortable, can take easy, inexpensive steps to make home the ‘sweetest’ it has ever been.

The following 10 steps can make home a safer and more comfortable place:

# Install handrails on both sides of all steps (inside and outside)
# Secure all carpets and area rugs with double-sided tape
# Install easy-to-grasp shaped handles for all drawers and cabinet doors
# Use brighter bulbs in all settings
# Install nightlights in all areas of night activity
# Add reflective, non-slip tape on all non-carpeted stairs
# Install lever handles for all doors
# Place a bench near entrances for setting down purchases and resting
# Install closet lights, as well as adjustable rods and shelves
# Install rocker light switches and consider illuminated ones in select areas

Local hardware stores carry many of the products to make simple updates to homes for the aging. For more extensive renovations, homeowners should consider hiring a contractor who is licensed, certified and bonded to do work in that particular location.

h3. Things to Consider When Purchasing a New Home for Retirement

For those who are considering purchasing a new home for their retirement, assessing its livability is critical before making a purchase.

* Is there a step-free entrance into the central living area of the home?
* Are the doorways wide enough to move in a big-screen TV, or in some cases, a wheelchair or walker?
* Is there a bathroom and bedroom on the main floor?
* For a loved one with mobility problems, can the bathtub, toilet and shower be easily accessed?

These are just a few questions older adults should consider asking as they prepare to buy, ensuring that their retirement home will support them comfortably as they age.

AARP offers a wealth of information to guide homeowners in retrofitting and updating their home. To learn more about home design and how to evaluate your home, visit www.aarp.org/homedesign.

]]> http://www.retirement-living.com/make-homes-safer-for-active-adult-and-senior-living/feed/ 0 Find an Aging in Place Specialist in Home Health Aide http://www.retirement-living.com/find-an-aging-in-place-specialist/ http://www.retirement-living.com/find-an-aging-in-place-specialist/#comments Fri, 15 May 2009 16:39:42 +0000 Lauren Searson http://www.retirement-living.com/?p=1140 Countless studies have shown that homeowners overwhelmingly prefer to age in a familiar place, but when daily life can become too much to manage, substantial home alternations may be necessary.

Certified Aging-In-Place specialists (CAPS) can help reconcile the need for a familiar environment with the need to prioritize safety and accessibility. Such specialists have been trained in the specific needs of the older adult population and unique ways to modify homes. They are also experts in designing common remodeling projects and on how to combat common barriers to accessibility.

One thing to keep in mind when considering a CAPS specialist is that they offer a service in drawing from their professional knowledge to help turn your ideas into an organized and thorough plan. However, no matter where you start in the process, a professional remodeler will have to be hired to make the actual modifications to your home. Some typical modifications that will increase access and maneuverability include brighter lights, bath and shower grab bars, countertop heights, multifunctional first floor master suites, and elevators.

CAPS was developed by The Remodelers Council of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in conjunction with the NAHB Research Center, NAHB 50+ Housing Council and the AARP in order to address the growing number of consumers requiring these modifications.

CAPS professionals are mostly remodelers, but a number of general contractors, designers, architects and health care consultants who have been instructed in techniques for building aesthetically-pleasing, barrier-free living environments are also involved in planning.

To get started, figure out how much money you have to spend on the project and compare it to the cost of moving to a community. Also, seek referrals from others who may have had similar work done.

Before you commit to a remodeler, verify with your local state office of consumer protection and Better Business Bureau that he/she has the appropriate license(s) in your state. Ask for a written estimate of the work your remodeler will perform based on your own specifications. Be firm, but prepared to pay the total amount in full. Finally, select a professional with plenty of experience with your type of project. Remember, the lowest price does not always ensure a successful modeling project and home improvement is an investment that will pay dividends for years to come.

]]> http://www.retirement-living.com/find-an-aging-in-place-specialist/feed/ 0 How to Assess Your Home as Healthcare Ready http://www.retirement-living.com/how-to-assess-your-home/ http://www.retirement-living.com/how-to-assess-your-home/#comments Tue, 05 May 2009 12:00:00 +0000 Lauren Searson http://www.retirement-living.com/?p=1139 As a person ages, everyday activities often become challenging. This results in a lower quality of life on many levels, from the physical to the psychological. The results of a unique home intervention study showed that individualizing home evaluations and involving the patient in decision-making can have a dramatic positive effect on functional abilities. The following interview with Laura N. Gitlin, Ph.D, a research sociologist and professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy and director of the Center for Applied Research on Aging and Health at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia is presented by Philips Lifeline. She has published extensively in gerontology and occupational therapy on family caregiving, dementia care, physical function, and co-authored numerous books.

1. How does a home safety assessment play into the overall health care planning for an older person and how does it help prevent falls?

An effective home safety assessment plays a critical role in identifying ways to use the environment to support continued participation in an activity and minimize the risk for falls.

As people become older and experience functional difficulties due to chronic illness or health problems, they commonly adapt by changing their behavior rather than their environment. Typically, a person will stop or decrease their participation in an activity that is becoming difficult to perform. But this can have a negative and cascading effect. Decreasing participation in a valued activity may result in less physical activity, isolation, and feeling depressed. It is also associated with the risk for falling. On the flip side, adapting strategies such as modifying the environment or energy conserving techniques such as pacing oneself or sitting instead of standing, can enable a person to continue in an activity that he/she values.

2. What modifications to the home safety assessment would you recommend to healthcare professionals who conduct these assessments as part of their treatment plan?

I would say observe a person within the home environment in order to consider the person’s actual performance, preferred ways of carrying out everyday tasks and personal safety goals. We know now that for an assessment to be successful we have to include a person’s own goals and functional difficulties and make our recommendations without infringing on that person’s personal choices and goal for autonomy.

3. When the patient is going directly home from the hospital, what is the best way for a hospital discharge planner to communicate the importance of home safety assessment to family members?

We recommend that families be provided a home safety checklist and be given a referral to an occupational therapist.

4. At what stage in the aging process do you recommend a home safety assessment be done?

Anyone who is having difficulty at home such as getting into/out of the tub, getting in/out of bed, climbing stairs, going outside, or buttoning a shirt — as small as it might seem — should consider the role of the environment in supporting their efforts to carry out the activity safely and efficiently. If these functional difficulties are brought to the attention of a doctor, he/she could refer the person to receive occupational or physical therapy in the home. Our research, as well as others, suggests that this can prevent a lot of problems down the road.

5. What is the role of medical alert service in a home safety assessment?

The medical alert system is important because it can save a life. In addition there is a great psychological benefit because it provides a valuable security measure, particularly for the person who lives alone or in an isolated area. If a person knows that they have the ability to contact someone, much of their concern and fear of falling can be alleviated.

Fear of falling is very important to address. It represents a real geriatric syndrome with pernicious psychological and physical consequences that affects people’s ability to engage in activities. Having a fear of falling can lead to physical decline, depression and social isolation. A medical alert service can help overcome fear of falling for many people.

From Connections: A Newsletter for the Healthcare Professional, provided by Philips Lifeline.

]]> http://www.retirement-living.com/how-to-assess-your-home/feed/ 0 Taking on the Challenge of Caregiving http://www.retirement-living.com/taking-on-the-challenge-of-caregiving/ http://www.retirement-living.com/taking-on-the-challenge-of-caregiving/#comments Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 +0000 Lauren Searson http://www.retirement-living.com/?p=1080 One of the biggest challenges for caregivers that support a family member or a loved one while managing their own lives is finding balance. It can be difficult finding time for themselves between working full-time, ensuring their loved one is safe while they’re working, and then making time to care for that person outside of work.

However difficult that may be, caregivers can find solace in knowing that their loved ones are being taken care of, and there are ways for them to relax and enjoy themselves despite a hectic schedule. For Katie Magill, who is her mother’s primary caregiver, friendships have helped ease the stress of her demanding schedule.

Katie is a marketing manager with the Navy Federal Credit Union where she focuses mostly on copy writing and annual reports, but she also enjoys creative writing. Her mother, Margaret Cockrell, has been living with her since she moved home and her father passed away. Katie decided to buy a duplex for Margaret and herself at Heritage Hunt, a 55+ retirement community in Gainesville, Va.

I had a friend who moved there and I would go see her and found it very pleasant,” she said. “I liked the way the neighborhood looked. It’s very well cared for.”

Since she commutes to her job in Vienna and works full-time, finding someone to care for her mother while she was away was essential. Her mother became more dependent in the last four years because she can no longer walk. Fortunately, she qualified for Medicaid which has allowed her to have in-home caregivers courtesy of Lifeline Home Care, Inc., located in Centreville, Va.

“The main thing that helps is that my mother had no assets so she qualified for Medicaid,” Katie said. “They give you time so you can have a break away from things. I get almost every Saturday off and a week or two here or there.”

Katie described her mother as a career woman who worked part-time and full-time as a nurse until she retired. Though it can be difficult to get her mother around sometimes, she takes her out on the weekends for drives and she installed a lift in the garage to help her get in and out of the house. She added that Heritage Hunt is “a better physical environment in that the home was accommodating to someone with disabilities.”

Her friends and the people around her have helped Katie manage her time and remain focused. “It’s my support system,” she said. “Relationships between mothers and daughters are packed with emotion. I focus on making sure she’s cared for.”

And thanks to Lifeline, Katie can feel secure that her mother is in good hands.

]]> http://www.retirement-living.com/taking-on-the-challenge-of-caregiving/feed/ 0 Senior Living: An Accessible and Safer Home http://www.retirement-living.com/an-accessible-and-safer-home/ http://www.retirement-living.com/an-accessible-and-safer-home/#comments Thu, 27 Dec 2007 00:00:00 +0000 Lauren Searson http://www.retirement-living.com/?p=1066 Inabelle Levin has always loved going to the opera and attending concerts and plays.

But among her various interests, nothing compares to her passion for teaching. And through her personal determination and research along with the help of Greg Sieb, an aging-in-place specialist, she can now remain at home working as an academic tutor.

For several months, Inabelle’s family and friends were urging her to move into an assisted living home. Due to the difficulty she has with mobility, they were concerned that living in her home would be too challenging and potentially dangerous.

“I didn’t want to move,” said Inabelle, “If a professional advisor said I needed to, I would have considered it.”

She then sought the help of Stephanie Thomopoulos, a geriatric care manager, who in turn suggested getting a stair lift and recommended specialists who could help Inabelle remain at home. Additional recommendations came from other individuals who had stair lifts installed in their homes.

After speaking with three different specialists, she said it was an obvious choice.

“Whereas it seemed the others were trying to make a sale, Greg from Granting You Access was interested in being a service and had a lot of great ideas,” she said, “He reviewed with me how I would approach my new lift and we made some modifications for a safe procedure.”

As her guide, he chose the model stair lift that he knew would be best for Inabelle.

“The other vendors gave me a variety to choose from,” she said, “But he made it very clear why this specific model would be a superior choice to any other stair lift for my needs.”

With the help of her aging-in-place specialist, Inabelle also has grab bars in conjunction with the lift as well as a shower chair and adjusted walker. They also worked together to move her furniture into an appropriate arrangement.

And for Inabelle, these changes have made all of the difference.

“It is such a blessing to be able to get up and down the stairs easily and safely without pain,” she said, “Greg is very creative in his problem-solving in terms of how you can live more effectively and safely in your home.”

Giving credit to her specialist, Inabelle said she was granted the access to her home that she was promised.

“Installing the stair lift has enabled me to live independently and have the freedom to do what I want when I want to,” she said.

And of course, Inabelle has the freedom to remain an academic tutor in what has become an accessible and safer home.

]]> http://www.retirement-living.com/an-accessible-and-safer-home/feed/ 0 Community Retirement: The Neighborhood You Dream About http://www.retirement-living.com/the-neighborhood-you-dream-about/ http://www.retirement-living.com/the-neighborhood-you-dream-about/#comments Thu, 13 Dec 2007 00:00:00 +0000 Lauren Searson http://www.retirement-living.com/?p=192 The Village Movement is prompting communities to think about creative solutions for aging in place.

Imagine you are living in a community where you know your neighbors. Imagine that your patio needs weeding, and you prefer not to do it. In this neighborhood, a simple phone call can have someone over to take care of your weeding. Perhaps you need some home repairs, or you are returning home from the hospital after surgery and need some assistance. In this neighborhood, you can get assistance from trusted volunteers and providers with one phone call. This type of neighborhood is becoming a reality, and the Washington, D.C. region is the launching pad for several.

How it all started
Nearly 90 percent of Baby Boomers say they want to stay in their homes and close to family and friends as long as possible, according to a survey by AARP. The challenge these individuals face, however, is that if they do nothing to prepare for future needs, they may not be able to continue living in their homes as long as they would like.

Residents of Beacon Hill, a downtown Boston neighborhood, responded to the challenge of staying in their community by joining their neighbors to take control over where and how they will live in the years to come. They formed a non-profit, Beacon Hill Village, which serves those aged 50+ in central Boston, to take advantage of social, cultural and wellness activities without leaving their homes. The various services provided are designed to respond to the members’ specific needs and wants which include concierge services, comprehensive home care, home repair, house cleaning, grocery shopping, transportation and other services.

Where it is going
In 2007, Beacon Hill Village sponsored a workshop which community leaders from 27 states attended. The Village to Village Network has been formed to offer leaders the opportunity to share resources and connect. There are now dozens of groups at various stages of development in the Washington metro region and they have formed a group, Washington Area Villages (WAV), that meets regularly.

Customized to the neighborhood
The design and implementation is customized to the needs and wants of the specific neighborhood. Most of these groups have done informal and formal research to determine what the members want, and are designing their program to address those needs. Consequently, no two programs will be exactly the same.

According to Vice President of the Palisades Village Group, Alicia Juarrero, the interest stems from the bottom-up effort of these communities. “One thing we believe in is that before doing anything else, organizers must query eligible neighborhood residents on exactly what services they want and need,” she said.

DC Area Villages and Aging in Place Models        

Virginia

Maryland
District of Columbia
National Networks and Resources
Articles and Resources
]]> http://www.retirement-living.com/the-neighborhood-you-dream-about/feed/ 0 Living Senior: The Partnership Between AARP and Rebuilding Together http://www.retirement-living.com/the-partnership-between-aarp-and-rebuilding-together/ http://www.retirement-living.com/the-partnership-between-aarp-and-rebuilding-together/#comments Thu, 13 Sep 2007 00:00:00 +0000 Lauren Searson http://www.retirement-living.com/?p=1046 home repair for seniors in alexandria vaToday, Edith of Alexandria, Va. is thankful for a group of community citizens who, in 1986, noticed a major problem and became the solution. With the city’s lack of a program offering free home repairs to low-income residents, these individuals created its Rebuilding Together affiliate (RTA), in which their main concern was the well-being of the elderly, disabled, and families with children.

Existing in all 50 states, Rebuilding Together is the nation’s largest volunteer home rehabilitation organization and is only strengthening with the help of an association also dedicated to benefiting others. In 2006, AARP joined hands with Rebuilding Together – a collaboration with the goal of ensuring that individuals like Edith could age in place comfortably and safely.

With their partner, AARP is able to affect a lasting change for families and their surrounding communities and address the concern of an aging America and its aging housing stock.

“This is a great organization,” said Edith, “I don’t know what I would’ve done without them.”

While growing up in Halifax County, Edith worked on a sharecropping farm. After marrying her husband in 1961, she had five children and also raised six step-children. In 1991, Edith faced the saddening death of her husband, but it would only be a few years until a new group of friends entered her life.

Rebuilding Together and now AARP have been making a number of trips to Edith’s home. Volunteers from either organization can be skilled volunteers who specialize in a particular area or unskilled laborers who can assist in other ways. Other positions include the house captain who is responsible for the management of the project, a safety coordinator and volunteer coordinator. According to Katharine Medina, director of the Alexandria affiliate, the team that worked on Edith’s home helped install attic insulation, replaced light fixtures throughout the home, secured a handrail for the stairs, while replacing the kitchen countertop and sink pipes.

“They put bars above the bathtub and along the side, which was great for me,” she said, “Getting in the tub would be a disaster if I didn’t have those.”

These are just a few examples of the changes Edith saw inside her home, but among the adjustments made outside they installed a new front door, fixed brick cracks near the chimney, and replaced several pieces of siding.

“My life has changed so much,” said Edith referring to the contributions of the two organizations.

For every dollar donated to RTA, the program leverages four times that amount in community donations and volunteer labor.

“I was trying to get the money together to get these things fixed,” said Edith, “But they came right in and did it for me.”

Edith and her neighbors that can now age in their homes will soon be joined by even more people touched by the services of RTA and AARP. The two organizations joined together to do some modifications to St. Martin’s Senior Center in Alexandria. In the second year of their partnership with Rebuilding Together, AARP has made a commitment for the year as they expect to have 54 home rebuilds in 13 states.

“I am proud to be a recipient of it,” said Edith, “I truly am.”

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