For those of us who want to stay in our homes as long as possible and “Age in Place,” it might be a good idea to check into rehabilitation and/or home modification companies and start to understand the who, what, when, where and whys of it.

As we age, we may need to change certain aspects of the home that we have loved and lived in so long.  Some rooms can actually become dangerous (bathrooms and kitchens) unless they are modified to meet our needs as we age.  Safety bars and seats in and around tubs and showers,  better lighting in stairways and halls, lower countertops in the kitchen, or a ramp,instead of stairs, leading up to the house.

Whether you are doing this for yourself in anticipation of what you will need or you are doing it for a parent who already has that need, there are some things you need to check into and be careful about:

1.  What kind of modifications do you need?  Major structural (wheelchairs need wider doorways and ramps, modified bathtubs and lower countertops) or minor ones (better lighting to see, better railings on stairs and near the bathtub)?  What kind of repairs are needed to the home to ensure that it will be winterized and weatherproofed for years to come?

2.  Find a few reputable rehabbers or re-modelers to get estimates.  The National Association of Home Builders, with the AARP, has their Certified Aging in Place Specialist Program which will give you a list of approved contractors in your area.  You can also check with the Better Business Bureau or your local consumer protection office.

3.  Compare the estimates to see what you can afford.  There are ways to help finance these modifications and rehabs as well.  Some cities and states have federally funded programs for seniors who need financial assistance in rehab such as a new roof or windows for safety or winterization issues.  Other private funds can be found in Reverse Mortgages.

4.  If this project is not for you, but for your parent, be sure to schedule times to check on the progress or schedule the entire project for a time that you can be at your parents’ house.  It will help put them (and you) at ease to know that you can monitor the progress of the re-modelers!