HCMN413 Griggs International Academy HomeFit assessment Process Paper

HCMN 413 – Services and Housing for the Long-Term Care Consumer Dr. Mc Sweeney-Feld Home Fit Assignment – 200 Points Maintaining autonomy is extremely important to all of us. It is critical for older adults and individuals with disabilities, as it is part of “ageing in place” and being able to live independently in the community for life. Studies show that remaining in your community benefits an adult’s health, mental states and overall well-being. This

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Assignment requires you to visit the home of an adult over age 50 or the home of an individual with disabilities over age 18 (not their dorm room, must be a home environment) to assess whether their home environment is conducive to living independently for the remainder of their life. The Assignment requires you to review the built environment of the home, their use of energy within the home, the individual’s transportation services, their nutrition services, and their individual safety concerns as measured by their preparedness for emergencies and disasters. Part I: Please choose the home of an adult over the age of 50 to assess, and set up a date and time for the assessment. (This can be a parent, a neighbor, friend or other relative; the home site can be a free-standing house, condo or apartment). Bring a tape measure with you to the visit to measure doorway and hallway widths. The interview should take 1 hour to 1.5 hours. 1. Review the entire contents of the Home Fit Guide, especially the Home Fit Questions and Room-by-Room Home Fit list. Home Fit: please ask the following questions and record the answers a. Does the person have mobility issues, and do they use an assistive device (cane, wheel chair, rollator, or walker)? If so, what type and are they able to move freely around the home with the device? b. Is there at least one step-free entrance into the home? c. Are there stairs inside and/or outside the home that the person needs to use? Are there hand rails on both sides of the stairway? d. Are there doorways that are at least 36 inches wide between the door jams? e. Are the hallways well lighted and are there light switches at the end of the hall? f. Are there area rugs in the home? If so, do they have nonslip strips or liners under them? g. What types of handles are on the doors: knobs or levers? h. In the kitchen, is there a lever-style faucet, or are there knobs? What types of pulls are on the kitchen cabinets: knobs or D-shaped handles? Are the cabinets easy to reach? i. In the bathroom, is there a step-free entrance into the shower and non-slip strips on the floor? Is there an adjustable or hand-held shower head? Is there a shower chair and grab bars? Does the toilet have an elevated seat for comfort? j. Is there a telephone in multiple rooms? Are all electrical cords secured to prevent tripping? 2. Energy use in the home: please ask the following questions and record your answers a. At what temperature do you set your thermostat for your home? Do you have zoned heating and cooling, and if so, how do you use it? b. Have you changed any light bulbs to energy-saving ones in your home? c. Do you have energy-star or energy-efficient appliances in the kitchen? How frequently do you use the dishwasher or washing machine? d. If you have a house, do you use weatherproofing seals for your windows and/or doors to keep in heat during inclement weather e. Have you requested any financial assistance with your energy services from your energy company? 3. Nutrition supports: please ask the following questions and record your answers a. Are you able to shop for your own food purchases? Are there grocery stores within a convenient distance from your home? b. Do you use any delivery services to obtain your weekly food and supplies? c. Do you eat three full meals a day? Do you keep a set budget for your food purchases? d. Do you eat fruit and vegetables as a regular part of your meals? e. Do you utilize any nutrition support programs (SNAP benefits, Meals on Wheels, food pantry assistance, etc.). If so, how helpful have you found them to be? 4. Transportation supports: please ask the following questions and record your answers. Make sure that you have calculated the Walkability index for this person’s residence prior to the visit (www.walkscore.com) a. Do you drive your own car? If not, do you rely on other family and friends for your transportation needs? b. Have you made transportation plans for yourself if you are no longer able to drive? c. Do you utilize public transportation, taxis or services such as Uber for your transportation needs? If so, how helpful have you found them to be? d. Do you use government-funded shared ride services such as MTA Access or County Ride services? If so, how helpful have you found them to be? 5. Personal Safety: please ask the following questions and record your answers a. Do you view your home as a safe place to live? Why do you feel this way? b. Do you have an emergency plan for yourself if your community experienced an emergency or disaster? c. Have you made plans with your family and friends as to where you would go if you had to evacuate your home? Have you arranged a central meeting place for you and your family in case of an emergency? d. How many days of food and water do you have on hand in your home in case of an emergency? Do you have canned food goods and water as part of those emergency supplies? e. Do you have a list of medications that you take, and medications in reserve for your use? f. Do you have a list of emergency telephone numbers (Police, Fire, etc.) and emergency contacts readily available for your use? g. Do you have working flashlights, batteries and other items in case your home lost its power? h. Do you have smoke alarms and/or CO2 alarms in your home? Do you change the batteries in those alarms at least once a year? Review the interview question answers, and choose at least two items in three areas on your checklist that need improvement (you can choose more if you want). Please research what it would cost to make these modifications or improvements, or changes in social supports that could help this individual remain in their home, and report on what you found out. Example: the individual may need to change the location of their bedroom or install a chair lift if they have mobility issues. Another example: the individual may be unaware of nutrition support services, shopping services or shared ride transportation services offered by County Area Agencies on Aging or local Meals on Wheels organizations, and could benefit from knowing this information. Part III: Report your results of this Assessment in a 2 page typed paper which includes; (2) 2-3 pictures of the home, including pictures of any problems in the home; (3) the adult’s responses to the 5 sets of questions; (4)any reflections you may have about Home Fit assessments – what did you learn about living in the community in your own home as an individual gets older, what did you find interesting about the Home Fit Assignment, was there any information in the Home Fit Guide that was interesting, etc. Smart solutions for making your home comfortable, safe and a great fit What if all homes could be suitable for anyone, regardless of a person’s age or physical ability? What if a person who wants to live independently, regardless of his or her age or physical ability, could do just that? ACCESSIBLE MICROWAVE NIGHT-LIGHT ELEVATED OVEN FLEXIBLE FAUCET The AARP HomeFit Guide was created to help people stay in the home they love by turning where they live into a “lifelong home,” suitable for themselves and anyone in their household. The guide offers solutions that range from simple do-it-yourself fixes to improvements that require skilled expertise. LEVER-STYLE HANDLE CARPETED STEPS TASK LIGHTING ADJUSTABLE SHOWERHEAD CONTENTS How to use the AARP HomeFit Guide As both an educational resource and a personalized tool kit, the AARP HomeFit Guide provides lessons, suggestions and practical solutions. The guide is a great resource to keep on your bookshelf or share with friends and family. Let’s get started! The Lifelong Home 2 The Room-by-Room HomeFit Tour 4 Home Fitness for Specific Needs 12 Use This, Not That 14 Your HomeFit “To Do” Lists 16 Getting the Right Fit 18 Smart Ways to Spend Less 20 Resources 22 Your Notes 23 Worksheets 24 The Lifelong Home One way to make a home more livable is to incorporate design principles and products that are adaptable, safe and easy to use. Such smartly designed features are attractive, stylish and come at all price points. The AARP HomeFit Guide will show you how that’s possible. Is Your Home “HomeFit”? First, let’s take a look at where you live. Read the following questions and mark the ones you answer “Yes.” (Skip those that don’t apply or you’re unsure about.) Please don’t feel discouraged if you end up responding “No” a lot. The HomeFit Guide will explain how simple changes can help you turn those answers to “Yes”! Is there at least one step-free entrance into your home? Are your kitchen cabinets and shelves easy for you to reach? Is there a bedroom, full bathroom and kitchen on the main level? Does your kitchen have a lever-, touch- or sensor-style faucet? Are your hallways well lighted? (Can you see what’s in front of you and on the floor beneath you?) Are the interior doorways at least 36” wide? Are your exterior walkways and entrances well lighted? Does your kitchen have a work surface you can use while seated? Are your exterior walkways free of tripping hazards? Is there a fire extinguisher within reach of the oven or stove? If you use a step stool, does it have nonslip surfaces and a handle you can grip? Are there secure handrails on both sides of your stairs? 2 Are your staircases well lighted? Are all electrical and phone cords safely located (so they aren’t a tripping hazard)? Are the switches that control stairway light fixtures located at both the top and bottom of the stairs? Is your home’s address number clearly visible from the street? Is your entrance door easy for you to unlock, lock, open and close? Do your exterior doors have secure locks that can’t accidentally lock you in or out of the home? Does your entrance door have a peephole, viewing panel or security technology so you can see who is outside? Does your entrance door have a secure slide latch or chain so you can open the door enough to speak with someone outside while not fully unlocking and opening the door? Are the exterior door thresholds easy to see? Do you have a shower with a step-free entry? Are the bathroom cabinets and shelves easy for you to reach? Is your hot water heater set at or below 120°F? Does your bathroom have a lever-, touch- or sensor-style faucet? Are there nonslip strips or nonslip mats in the bathtub and/or shower? Is there “blocking” (e.g., a wood stud or other solid surface) behind the bathroom walls so grab bars can be securely installed in the bathtub, shower and toilet areas? Are there smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on each floor of the home? Can a smoke and carbon monoxide detector be heard in every bedroom? Is a telephone easily accessible on every level of your home? Do you have flashlights in multiple rooms (in case of a power failure)? Do all of your area rugs have nonslip grips to prevent tripping or slipping? Is the carpeting on your stairs secure and in good condition? 3 The Room-by-Room HomeFit Tour Now it’s time to learn about the design elements and safety features that help make a home livable for everyone. In a “HomeFit” home … The address number is visible from the street so emergency responders can locate the home Exterior pathways are free of holes, loose bricks, uneven pavement, leaves, moss, mold or other slipping hazards In a “HomeFit” home … Entrances (inside and out) are free of clutter There is a no-trip doorway threshold There are handrails on both sides of all steps and stairways 4 START HERE Entrances and Exits In a “HomeFit” home … Doorways are at least 36” wide, or made that wide by installing swing-away or swing-clear hinges to make use of the entire doorway opening (see page 15 for a picture of the hinges) In a “HomeFit” home … There is exterior lighting at all entrances Outdoor light fixtures have sensors to automatically turn lights on at dusk and off at dawn and/or when motion is detected The entrance door has a peephole, viewing panel or security technology for seeing who is outside The entrance door has a secure slide latch or chain inside so you can speak to someone outside without fully unlocking and opening the door Doors have lever-style handles, which are easier to use than doorknobs In a “HomeFit” home … There’s a bench or table near the entrance door for placing packages while locking or unlocking the door A Special Message to Renters Many of the HomeFit Guide’s suggestions are doable even if you don’t own the house or apartment where you live. For changes that will require some remodeling or installation work, you may need to seek permission from the property owner. NOW GET COOKING IN The Kitchen In a “HomeFit” home … In a “HomeFit” home … The cabinetry is easy to access There’s pull-out cabinetry or shelves beneath counters and Lazy Susans in corner cabinets There’s suitable task lighting for the sink, stove and other work areas The kitchen has a lever-, touch- or sensor-style faucet rather than one with turn-style knobs or handles The sink faucet is pressure-balanced, temperature-regulated and kept at or below 120°F In a “HomeFit” home … The cabinets and drawers have easy-tograsp D-shaped pulls and handles rather than knobs The floor is not polished with a slippery wax 6 In a “HomeFit” home … The stove or cooktop controls are near the front of the device so the cook doesn’t need to reach over the flame or hot pots. (For the safety of small children who may visit the home, look for controls that can be temporarily locked or removed.) The controls for the stovetop are easy to see (by being colored, backlit, etc.) The kitchen has a surface where a person can work while seated. (This can be achieved by using a table, installing a pull-out work surface or, sometimes, by removing lower cabinet doors and shelves.) In a “HomeFit” home … A lightweight, easy-to-use ABC-rated fire extinguisher is in an easy-to-reach place 7 THEN GO TO THE Steps and Stairways In a “HomeFit” home … Safe and secure handrails are on both sides of stairs and are placed at a userappropriate height and properly secured to the walls Stairway lights can be turned on and off at both the top and the bottom of the stairs In a “HomeFit” home … In a “HomeFit” home … Exterior and interior stair treads are in good condition with no weak or missing steps, loose bricks, raised nail heads, open backs, etc. Uncarpeted steps feature a nonslip surface such as adhesive strips 8 Automatic night-lights are plugged into outlets near steps and staircases All stairs are clear of clutter Carpeted steps feature a tightly placed, woven low-pile carpet with thin padding. (If the carpet is patterned, the pattern isn’t so busy that it makes the steps difficult to see.) RELAX AND RECLINE IN THE Living Room and Bedroom In a “HomeFit” home … Furniture is arranged to allow for clear, wide passageways In a “HomeFit” home … Electrical and phone cords are placed out of the way and along the wall to prevent anyone tripping Light switches are rocker-style and installed between 36” and 44” from the floor, electrical outlets are placed 18” to 24” from the floor In a “HomeFit” home … The bed is placed in a way that allows easy access to the bathroom Large area rugs are secured to the floor with double-sided tape or nonslip mats (and there are no scatter or throw rugs) Natural light is used to the fullest by opening curtains, blinds and shades during daylight hours Closets have interior lights and adjustable rods and shelves 9 EXCUSE YOURSELF TO VISIT The Bathroom In a “HomeFit” home … The home’s water heater has been set at or below 120°F to avoid scalding The toilet is a higher, comfort-height model. (Or maybe there’s a toilet seat riser.) Electrical appliances are unplugged when not in use and are never used near a filled sink or tub The sink, bathtub and shower faucets feature easy-to-use lever handles rather than knobs or turn handles In a “HomeFit” home … The bathtub and/or shower floor has a nonskid mat or nonslip strips In a “HomeFit” home … The bathroom walls have been reinforced with blocking (e.g., a wood stud or other solid surface) so attractive grab bars can be installed in the bathtub, shower and adjacent to the toilet Any rugs on the bathroom floor are rubber-backed or secured with doublesided rug tape or rubber carpet mesh 10 The shower has a no-step entry The shower features a hand-held or adjustable showerhead The shower contains permanent or removable seating in order to bathe while seated Exposed pipes beneath the sink are insulated to protect against touching a hot pipe AND STAY SAFE Elsewhere and Throughout the Home In a “HomeFit” home … Light bulbs are properly rated for the fixtures they are in and are of the highest allowed wattage In a “HomeFit” home … In a “HomeFit” home … The home contains some touch control lamps and devices that automatically turn lights on and off at set times The laundry area features an easier-touse front-loading washer, and the washer and dryer sit on raised platforms Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed on every floor and can be heard in all bedrooms Traditional toggle light switches have been replaced with easier-to-use rocker panel switches A telephone is available in or near multiple rooms (including the bedroom and bathroom) Flashlights are kept in multiple rooms (in case of a power failure) Automatic plug-in night-lights are placed in hallways, bathrooms and near steps There is at least one step-free entrance into the home 11 Home Fitness for Specific Needs Simple home modifications can make a home more user-friendly and livable for everyone. Here are just a few examples. To See More Clearly Install new lights (such as motion-sensor flood lights) or increase lighting on exterior pathways, porches and doorways Increase lighting on all stairs, either by plugging night-lights into wall outlets or installing overhead fixtures or wall sconces In the kitchen, place lighting over the sink, stove and other work areas and be sure you have a stove with controls that are easy to see Keep a magnifying glass in the places you may need one (kitchen, bathroom, living room, bedroom) for reading small print Install light switches that glow in the dark Place automatic, light-sensor night-lights in hallways and rooms Add lighting to closets Install a thermostat that’s easy to read Use full-spectrum bulbs that simulate daylight Use halogen bulbs to reduce glare Open window shades, blinds and curtains for natural light during the day Help is Available An occupational therapist (OT) or Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) can visit your home, assess your needs and recommend helpful home modifications. See page 18. 12 To More Easily Reach and Move All About Use adjustable and low rods and shelves in closets and cabinets. Consider pull-out or pull-down shelves, or drawers designed to close automatically Have the dishwasher elevated to reduce the amount of bending you must do Buy touch control lamps or “clapper” devices for lights and electronics Install a walk-in or no-threshold shower, a bath seat or bench and an adjustable, hand-held showerhead Choose a side-by-side or drawer-style refrigerator Use a front-loading washer, and place the washer, dryer, shelves and work surfaces at reachable heights Sit rather than stand while working at the kitchen countertop. (If necessary, have cabinet shelves or drawers removed to allow room for your knees.) Keep a cell phone on you, or install a telephone in multiple rooms (including the bathroom) so you’re never too far from being able to call for help To Lend Your Hands a Helping Hand Replace round doorknobs with easier-to-use lever-style door handles Put a chair or table near the entrance door for placing packages while you lock or unlock the door Replace traditional togglestyle light switches with larger, easier-to-use rocker-style light switches Repair or replace any hard-toopen windows 13 Use This, Not That Create a shopping list and bring the list (or this entire guide) to the store. 14 Use D-shaped handles, not round cabinet knobs Use rocker-style wall switches, not toggle wall switches Because D-shaped handles are easier to grip Because a rocker-style “push” switch is easier for everyone to use than an up-and-down “flip” switch Use lever handles, not round doorknobs or thumb-push handles Because lever handles are easier to manage, even when your hands are full Use a no-step or compressible rubber threshold, not a raised or hard threshold Use lever-, touch- or sensorstyle faucets, not round turn handles or knobs Because a no-step or zero-step entry into the home lessens tripping hazards and allows easier access for wheelchairs and strollers Because round handles or knobs can be difficult to grip Use grab bars that are securely installed to a solid wall surface, not towel bars or suction cup grab bars Because bars identified and sold as grab bars are sturdy and can be decorative, while suction cup grab bars often fall off walls, and towel bars aren’t intended to support a lot of weight Use railings on both sides of staircases, not a single railing or (yikes!) no railing Use a door that has a peephole or viewing panel, not a solid door Because railings can prevent falls and provide support that everyone can use when climbing up or going down stairs Because you want to be able to see who is at the door before you open it Use address numbers that are easy to see, not hidden or dark numbers Because you want emergency responders to be able to find your home Use a wide door (or a door with swing-away or swing-clear hinges) to provide a 36” wide entrance, not a narrow door Because wide doors are useful if you have mobility constraints — and they’re great when moving furniture! Use a microwave oven placed at the countertop level, not overhead Because overhead microwave ovens can be difficult to reach Use an adjustable showerhead, not a stationary showerhead Because an adjustable showerhead can be used when seated or standing More Smart Selections While you’re shopping, pick up some: Automatic night-lights for hallways and bathrooms Screw-in duskto-dawn sensors for outdoor light fixtures Nonslip bath mats for the tub or shower as well as for the bathroom floor 15 Your HomeFit “To Do” Lists Some HomeFit improvements are so simple they can take seconds to complete — and you really can do them yourself. Other projects require both skill and time. The Do-It-Yourself List You’ll likely be able to handle all or some of the following tasks. If in doubt about your abilities, seek the help of a family member, friend or skilled professional. Install night-lights in the bathroom and in the hallways that are used after dark Apply nonslip adhesive strips to uncarpeted stair treads Remove all scatter rugs or use double-sided tape to secure them to the floor Install a rubber-suction bathmat or anti-slip floor strips or decals in the tub and shower Place a lightweight, easy-to-use ABC-rated fire extinguisher in an easily accessible location in the kitchen Arrange furniture to allow for easy passage Check the carpeting on stairs to be sure it’s firmly attached Set the hot water heater to 120°F or below to reduce energy costs and prevent scalding 16 Install address numbers that can be easily seen from the street Install lever-style door handles, which are easier to use than doorknobs Keep a phone near your bed and in the rooms you spend a lot of time. (If you use a corded phone, take care to avoid tripping over the cord.) Install a hand-held, adjustableheight showerhead for easier bathing Check the wattage ratings on your lamps and light fixtures, and install the brightest bulbs allowed Place electrical and phone cords along a wall where they won’t be a tripping hazard Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on all levels of the house, especially in or near the bedrooms Replace knobs on cabinets and drawers with easier-to-grip D-shaped handles Add a work surface you can sit at by placing a table where needed, or by removing some cabinet doors and shelving beneath a countertop Check outdoor walkways for loose bricks or pavers, and keep the paths clear of debris, including slippery wet leaves, moss or mold Trim overgrown shrubbery to provide a clear view from doors and windows Create an emergency exit plan for getting yourself and others out of the home The Don’t-Do-It Yourself List For certain improvements you may need to hire a skilled contractor or seek help from a handy friend or relative. Some examples: Replace traditional light switches with easier-to-use rocker-style light switches Install a handrail on both sides of any staircase Mount grab bars next to the toilet and bathtub and in the shower Install swing-away or swingclear hinges on all doors to add two inches of width for easier access Install a security peephole on exterior doors Install deadbolts and other protective hardware on exterior doors Install photosensitive porch or entryway lighting that will turn on at dusk and off at dawn Install outdoor floodlights with motion sensors Replace or remove any worn, torn or loose carpeting Install adjustable, pull-down shelving to facilitate safe access to upper cabinets Install a Lazy Susan in corner cabinets and pull-out cabinetry or shelving under counters Insulate the attic for better heating and cooling energy efficiency When Hiring a Home Improvement Contractor 1. Make a list of what you need done Write down exactly what you want the contractor to do. 2. Seek recommendations from family and friends Beware the stranger who shows up at your home unannounced and says something like, “I’m on a job in the area already so I can give you a good price.” This is rarely a smart choice and could be a scam. (Visit aarp.org/fraudwatch for more about protecting yourself from scammers.) 3. Check the recommendations The Better Business Bureau (visit bbb.org) can tell you if complaints have been filed been against a contractor or company. Also, although having a state license doesn’t guarantee reliability, it’s a minimum qualification a contractor should have. 4. Ask for estimates Meet with at least three contractors. Estimates should detail the materials to be used, the labor charges, the start and end dates and the total cost. Ask for proof that the contractor is licensed, bonded and covered by workers’ compensation and liability insurance. Check references from past clients. 5. Get everything in writing Don’t approve any plans you don’t understand. Never sign a contract with any blanks, and do keep a copy of everything you sign. Take your time to make a decision and, remember, genuinely good deals will still be there tomorrow. 6. Don’t pay the final bill until all the work is complete Be sure all required building authorities have inspected the work, and get a written statement that the contractor has paid all of the subcontractors and suppliers. 17 Getting the Right Fit It can be hard to know which furnishings and housing features provide the best comfort, safety and ease of use. For those reasons and others, it may be useful to bring in an Occupational Therapist or Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist. What’s a “CAPS”? The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), in collaboration with AARP and other experts, developed the Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation, which is achieved through training and testing during a multicourse educational program. A Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist understands the unique needs of the older adult population and is knowledgeable about aging-in-place home modifications, common remodeling projects and solutions to common barriers. CAPS designees are often remodelers, but designers, OTs, architects and others frequently achieve this designation as well. CAPS remodelers and design-build professionals are not medical or health care providers. They are generally paid by the hour or receive a flat fee per visit or project. To find a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist in your area call the NAHB at 800-368-5242 or visit its directory page “Find a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist” at nahb.org. 18 A Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist can: Recommend updates that will help a person live independently in his or her own home Work with an OT to develop a home modification or build plan based on the safety and functional needs of an individual or household Collaborate with a licensed contractor or interior designer about building and design strategies and techniques for creating attractive, barrier-free living spaces Provide information about building codes and standards, useful products and resources, and the costs and time required for common remodeling projects What’s an “OT”? Occupational therapists (OTs) are licensed health care professionals who understand the health and disability issues people face over a lifetime and know how to match the abilities of an individual with needed supports. OTs are skilled at performing home assessments that identify a person’s daily routines and activities and the barriers that impact performing them. An OT then works with the individual, the family and others to identify solutions for achieving the desired goals. An OT has a strong understanding of how an individual functions in her or his space, which is essential for making recommendations that will enhance function and safety in the home environment. This person-centered focus helps ensure that any modifications made to a home will meet both current and future needs. Such assessments save money in the long run by helping to avoid mistakes in product selections and design solutions. All OTs have training in basic home assessments, and some have additional training or certifications including Specialty Certification in Environmental Modification (SCEM) through the American Occupational Therapy Association (aota.org), the Executive Certificate in Home Modification (ECHM) or the CAPS designation. Occupational therapists are generally paid a flat fee per visit and their services may be covered by health insurance. (Check with your insurance provider.) To learn more about occupational therapists, visit aota.org. To find an OT in your area, check with your physician, health insurance provider or local hospital or seek recommendations from family and friends, or even agefriendly builders. An Occupational Therapist can: Assess an individual’s abilities, challenges and needs. (This is often done by asking questions, such as: Do you have medical conditions that impact your daily life? What activities are painful or difficult for you to do?) Provide a home evaluation and recommend changes to increase safety and ease of use Identify furnishings, equipment and techniques that can help with regular or needed activities Suggest and demonstrate techniques that can make essential activities possible or easier Collaborate with a home improvement contractor to develop a modification or build plan that will meet the needs of an individual or household Work with clients after the modifications, equipment or specialized products have been installed in order to ensure safe usage 19 Smart Ways to Spend Less After a mortgage, utility bills for heating and cooling are among the priciest expenses of maintaining a residence. Here are 22 ways to lower those costs. Let the Sun Shine In (Sometimes) Open curtains, blinds or shades on south-facing windows in winter to let the sun warm your rooms. In summer, close the window coverings to keep rooms cool. If you live in a warm climate, install white shades or blinds on windows to reflect heat away from the house. To block solar heat and protect furnishings from UV damage, install awnings over windows if the roof eaves or other overhangs don’t shield windows from direct sunlight. Hot and Cold Install glass doors on a fireplace opening to prevent embers and ash from flying free and keep the warm air in the house from escaping up the chimney. Shut the fireplace damper when the fireplace is not in use to prevent heated air from going up the chimney. After burning a fire, be sure all embers are out before closing the damper. Turn ceiling fans on low, and set the blades to force warm air near the ceiling downward in the winter. Do the reverse in the summer by making the blades turn in the opposite direction. Use heat-generating appliances such as clothes dryers and ovens during the coolest time of day. This reduces the load on your air conditioner in the summer and helps heat the house in the winter. Install a programmable thermostat to change the set point for heating and cooling when you are away from home or are asleep. 20 Install weather stripping or caulk around doors and windows, and place foam gaskets behind outlet plate covers on exterior walls. If there’s a gap at the bottom of the door, install a door sweep or door shoe gasket. Remove window airconditioning units before cold weather to prevent heat from escaping through and around the unit. If the a/c unit can’t be removed, cover it to prevent drafts and air leaks. Insulate the attic to maximize energy efficiency and save on both heating and cooling costs. Unsealed or improperly insulated ducts running through unfinished spaces — such as attics, crawl spaces and garages — waste energy. Seal the joints with a non-hardening sealant and insulate the ducts. Use expanding foam, which comes in convenient aerosol cans, to seal gaps around pipes that connect from the outdoors. Power-Friendly Ideas Shut off lights in unoccupied rooms, and turn off kitchen and bathroom ventilating fans after they’ve done their job. Unplug chargers — such as phone, computer and small appliance chargers — when not in use. If the charger is plugged into the wall, it’s still on and consuming energy even if you aren’t charging. To identify ways your home is wasting energy, ask your utility company to do an energy audit. Cost for an audit varies, but some companies do offer free audits and/or provide free items, such as high-efficiency light bulbs and water-saving showerheads. Air dry dishes and cookware instead of using the dishwasher’s drying cycle. Install a motion detector or photocell unit on exterior lights so they’ll turn on only when needed and will automatically turn off during the day. Water Works To reduce your water consumption and heating costs, take showers instead of baths, install a water-saving showerhead and set the hot water heater at 120°F or below. Clean and Save For maximum heating and cooling output, regularly clean HVAC air vents and registers or baseboard heaters and radiators. Have heating and air-conditioning systems professionally checked once a year. (Two more tips: Push warmth into a room by placing a heat-resistant reflector between the radiator and the outside wall. Ensure all vents are providing heat and cool air by keeping all vents and outputs clear of curtains, furniture and carpeting.) Replace or clean furnace air filters every 30 to 90 days according to the furnace or filter manufacturer’s instructions. Dirty filters block airflow, which forces a furnace or HVAC system to run longer, raising your energy bill. Clean the lint filter in your clothes dryer after every load, and periodically clean the dryer’s vent system. Lint buildup in the filter can cause the dryer to run longer, which wastes energy. (Also, excess lint in the filter and vent can be a fire hazard.) Run washing machines and dishwashers only when you have full loads. When suitable, use the cold water setting on your clothes washer to reduce water-heating costs. Wrap your hot water heater with an insulation blanket or jacket. (Note: Blankets aren’t recommended for gas heaters and those with automatic vent dampers. Check with the manufacturer to see if your unit can be wrapped.) 21 Resources These websites feature information about many of the topics addressed in this guide. AARP Livable Communities The AARP HomeFit Guide was created by the AARP Livable Communities team, whose website houses an online version of this guide and accompanying worksheets at aarp.org/homefit. The site also contains information about how communities nationwide can become more livable for older adults and people of all ages. The page aarp.org/agefriendly includes resources for community leaders. (If you want to get in touch, email us at livable@aarp.org.) aarp.org/livable American Occupational Therapy Association National Association of Home Builders Although the AOTA is a professional association for occupational therapists, assistants and students, the website’s “Patients and Clients” section provides information for consumers. A trade association for the home construction industry, the NAHB administers the “Certified Aging-in-Place” program (see page 18). The website contains consumer-oriented homeownership and home remodeling information. aota.org 22 nahb.org Your Notes 23 Worksheets AARP HomeFit’s free worksheets can help you put into place the ideas discussed in the AARP HomeFit Guide. Select the worksheets you want — or use them all! Is My Home “HomeFit”? My Room-by-Room HomeFit List My Room-by-Room Shopping List My Room-by-Room Do-It-Myself List My Contractor Reference Check Notes My Room-by-Room Don’t Do-It-Myself List My Home Maintenance Schedule My Contractor Interview Notes My Emergency Contacts ZERO-STEP ENTRANCE SEATED WORK AREA TOUCH-CONTROL LAMP If you’re attending an AARP HomeFit Workshop in person, the worksheets are housed in the pocket at right. 24 VARIABLE HEIGHT COUNTER The AARP HomeFit Guide and worksheets are also available for order by calling 888-OUR-AARP or visiting aarp.org/livablecommunities/publications. In addition, you can read and download the AARP HomeFit Guide and the worksheets at aarp.org/homefit. GRAB BAR STAIR TREADS ENTRY LIGHTING ELEVATED FRONT-LOAD WASHER/DRYER PULL-OUT CABINETRY To attend an AARP HomeFit Workshop, contact the AARP office for your state by visiting aarp.org/states or calling 888-OUR-AARP The AARP HomeFit Guide is a publication of AARP Education & Outreach/Livable Communities aarp.org/livable To read the AARP HomeFit Guide online or order additional copies visit AARP.org/homefit 601 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20049 AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that helps people age 50 and over improve the quality of their lives. Copyright ©2015 AARP (D18959) Design: Found Design Collective Learn more about AARP Livable Communities at AARP.org/livable or by following us on Twitter @LivableCmnty Photography: Age-Friendly Innovators, ThinkStock Share your HomeFit tips, photos and stories by emailing us at livable@AARP.org
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