Assessing The Needs Of Clients Is The Key To Aging In Place
Published January 26, 2023
Becoming an Aging In Place Specialist has become one of the most satisfying career moves I have made. Watching my clients age and have difficulties living in their home, while watching my own mother struggle to be safe in her apartment, sent chills up my spine.
During the Pandemic it became clear that seniors were not the only ones struggling to stay in their home safely. I obtained my CLIPP (Certified Living In Place Professional) certification so I could also work with individuals with disabilities.
Taking the time to get to know my clients and their needs is imperative, and performing a full Home Assessment is the key to all modification plans. It all starts when I walk onto the property from the curb and continues throughout the house and property. I like to have the individuals living in the home give me a tour so I can view how they navigate each room, stairs, and exiting the home to either their car or outdoor recreational spaces.
After discussions about their needs, a full written report with pictures detailing each space, and the suggested modification is given to the client. By performing this assessment, I can also see what future difficulties they will incur down the road. This helps determine the priorities of the modifications.
One of my current clients needed handrails and grab bars throughout the house. Because of the set-up of their master shower and a future hip replacement, I had to have a custom grab bar manufactured to make the entry and exit to this shower safer for them to get over the seven-inch step into the shower. As well, custom handrails were manufactured for all the exterior stairs in the front and rear of the house.
Another client is navigating the daily care for an elderly mother with Alzheimer, while working full time. We are converting their family room into a mother’s suite with a full bathroom and a no threshold entry shower. A chair lift is being added allowing the mother access to the kitchen, living room and dining room to be with the family.
Being able to view a space and see how it will work best for the family comes from years of being in the construction industry. This ability helps me create spaces that the homeowner did not know is possible. We just completed modifying a bathroom for a client with ALS. We took some space from the garage to add a roll in shower to the powder room. Now she has a full handicap accessible bathroom.
If you notice a family member is having difficult navigating around the home, this is the time to start the discussion about Aging In Place. When discussing this with them, just remind them how important it is to you that they remain in their home safely.
One of my favorite parts of what I do is educating groups on Aging In Place and Smart Technology. The presentation includes visuals to show the correct modifications to make their home safe. In some cases, the use of smart technology allows family members to have ease of mind knowing their loved ones are safe. If you have a group that would benefit from a presentation, feel free to give me a call to schedule a time.
Linda Chinman Pollock
201-638-4410