Episode 27: Insight for Aging Services Pros: Supporting the Aging-in-Place Journey for Older Adults

According to a 2021 AARP survey, 77% of adults aged 50 and older wish to remain in their homes for the long term. However, despite this desire to age in place, a 2018 survey by HomeAdvisor reported that only 40% of homeowners aged 55 and older had made home modifications to make their homes safer and more accessible.

For Aging Services professionals, understanding the common challenges of aging in place and ways to combat them, including having access to resources to help older adults in the process, can make a significant difference in the quality of life each individual will have as they remain at home throughout the years.

In today’s ComForConnections episode, we delve into effective strategies and best practices for Aging Services professionals to help older adults age in place. Listen in as Janet Engel, OT, Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) and Owner of Home Designs for Life, provides actionable insights on home modifications necessary for safety and accessibility, as well as valuable considerations for aging services professionals to support their clients in living as safely and independently as possible.

Click to Listen to the Episode:

About Janet Engel:
Janet is a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT) who has been passionately serving clients for over a decade. In 2020, she achieved certification as a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) through the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).  In addition to her CAPS credential, Janet holds an Executive Certificate in Home Modification (ECHM) from the prestigious University of California Leonard School of Gerontology. 

Beyond her clinical work, Janet serves as an approved instructor for the NAHB, where she has the opportunity to share her expertise with others in the field. She teaches the CAPS Certification Program and Universal Design Essentials, guiding future professionals in developing the skills and knowledge necessary to facilitate home modifications and implement universal design principles. 

Janet serves on the Advisory Board for the Smart Hygiene Company. Janet has also collaborated with Sherwin Williams in the creation of a Custom Color Card featuring color schemes that are friendly for the aging eye, as well as lead continuing education webinars for Sherwin Williams and the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). In addition, she has served on panels related to Aging In Place and Senior Living Design at High Point Market, the largest home furnishings trade show in the world.

Episode Notes:

• Understanding the term aging-in-place and its significance for older adults
• Common challenges for older adults as they age in place
• Best practice considerations for aging services professionals to help their clients prepare
• Additional steps aging services professionals should follow to help clients who are already aging in place live as safely and independently as possible at home
• A client story illustrating the impact of home modifications in supporting their aging-in-place goal
• Helpful resources for aging services professionals to assist their clients with aging in place

Episode Resources:

• Aging in Place Home Care – AtYourSide
• Your Personalized Aging in Place Checklist – AtYourSide
• Aging in Place: A 5-Step Roadmap for Living at Home Safely – AtYourSide
• Home Safety & Fall Prevention:
  • Fall prevention for older Adults -CDC
  • Information for Caregivers - CDC
  • About the STEADI Campaign - CDC
  • STEADI Home Safety Tour Video
• Financial Resources:
  • Reverse Mortgages: There are 4 different types 
    • Home equity conversion mortgage
    • Cash account
    • Home keeper
    • Canadian home income plan
  • Home Equity Line of Credit
  • Personal Loan
• Directory for Certified Aging in Place Professionals
  • Aging In Place Directory.com
  • NAHB CAPS Directory
  • Homemods.org
• Funding Sources: Various funding sources are available to help clients pay for home modifications and repairs. These include federal, state, and local government programs, as well as private organizations. Most assistance programs have income requirements, and some may have age restrictions. Clients who qualify for aid often work with case managers from government or social service agencies. Aging in place (AIP) professionals can benefit from networking with these case managers to identify and pursue available funding options. Below are several potential funding sources for home modifications and repairs.
  • Area Agencies on Aging
  • BenefitsCheckup.org
  • Centers for Independent Living (CILS)
  • Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Programs
  • Community Service Organizations
  • Department of Energy
  • Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Federal Income Tax Deductions
  • Grants From Nonprofit Organizations
  • Long‐Term Care Insurance
  • Medicare/Medicaid
  • Private State Grants for AIP
  • Private Insurance
  • Rural Housing Administration