Monthly Archives: April 2017

Care partners support individuals living with early-stage Alzheimer’s

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Care partners support individuals living with early-stage Alzheimer’s

Care partners play a significant role in the early stage of Alzheimer’s to provide support and companionship to those living with the disease. If you’re caring for someone living in the beginning stage of Alzheimer’s or another dementia, your support may help the person share their diagnosis, plan for the future and stay engaged.

In the early stage of Alzheimer’s, most people function independently. He or she may still drive, take part in social activities, volunteer and even work. Your role as care partner is an important one: to provide support and companionship, and help plan for the future.

 

Your role as care partner

A diagnosis of early stage Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t just affect those with the disease; it affects everyone who loves and cares about them.

“Early stage” refers to people, irrespective of age, who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or related disorder, and are in the beginning stage of the disease. The early stage of Alzheimer’s can last for years.
> Learn more about the stages of Alzheimer’s.

As a care partner (a term many choose to use rather than “caregiver,” since a person in the early stage of dementia may not need much assistance), you may find yourself in a new and unfamiliar role. You may be unsure of where to go for information, anxious about what to expect as the disease progresses and concerned about your ability to support the person living with dementia.

These questions and feelings are normal.

With an early diagnosis, you and the person with dementia now have the opportunity to make decisions about the future together, including legal, financial, and long-term care planning. The person living with dementia can take advantage of available treatments, participation in clinical trials and you both can benefit from local resources and support services. Being able to take advantage of all these benefits can reduce anxiety about the unknown and lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.

Secondary care partners

The role of a care partner is not limited to spouses, partners or close family members. Care partners may include “families of choice” such as friends, neighbors or long-distance relatives. If you are providing support as a secondary or remote care partner, it may be difficult to determine the exact level of assistance needed without direct observation. Whenever possible, try to connect with others in the support network to share insights or make plans to meet the person with dementia in their own environment.

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Finding a new balance

One of the greatest challenges care partners face is not knowing how much assistance to give or when to give it because the person with early-stage dementia is primarily independent with dressing, bathing, walking and may still drive, volunteer or work. The most difficult tasks may involve managing a daily schedule or household budget.

As a care partner, your support with these everyday tasks can help the person with dementia develop new coping strategies that will help to maximize his or her independence. Every relationship is different, but finding balance between interdependence and independence may increase confidence for both of you.

To help you determine when and how to provide the most appropriate support to a person living in the early stage of dementia consider these tips used by other care partners:

  • Safety First: Is there an immediate safety risk for the person with dementia to perform this task alone? If there is no immediate risk of injury or harm, provide encouragement and continue to provide supervision as necessary.
  • Avoid Stress: Prioritize tasks or actions that do not cause unnecessary stress for the person with dementia. For example, if you know that grocery shopping will be frustrating for the person with dementia, ask for their participation to outline a weekly menu and organize a grocery list.
  • Make a positive assumption: Assume that the person with dementia is capable of completing the task. If you sense frustration, try to identify the cause of the frustration before intervening. Focus on his or her current needs, rather than dwelling on the future.
  • Create a Help Signal: Identify a cue or phrase that you can use to confirm if the person with dementia is comfortable receiving support. For example, you may agree to use a phrase like, “is there anything I can do to help?” or a nod to signal that it’s ok to chime in if the person with dementia is having difficulty remembering a word or name.
  • Talk it Over: The best way to determine how and when to provide support is to ask directly. Ask the person with dementia what they need or the frustrations they may be experiencing. Talk about it, then make a plan.
  • Work Better Together: Find activities to do together and keep the conversation going about expectations for how you will provide support. Check in regularly by asking the person with dementia if you are providing a level of assistance that is comfortable or adequate.

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Maximizing independence

Free e-Learning Course

 

This program, Living with Alzheimer’s: For Caregivers: Early Stage, provides practical answers to questions that arise in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.

Sign up

While every person experiences the early stage of dementia differently, it is common that a person in the early-stage may need cues and reminders to help with memory. As a care partner, it may be necessary for you to take the initiative to determine how you may be able to help. For example, he or she may need help with:

  • Keeping appointments
  • Remembering words or names
  • Recalling familiar places or people
  • Managing money
  • Keeping track of medications
  • Planning or organizing
  • Transportation

Focus on the person’s strengths and how they can remain as independent as possible, and establish a strong channel of communication. Consider ways to work together as a team. For example, if they are still comfortable balancing a checkbook, you may offer to provide a final review.

Understanding emotions

Providing support to a person living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia is an ongoing and sometimes emotional process. As care partner, you may be feeling overwhelmed by emotions that range from fear to hope. Emotions may be triggered by thoughts about how this diagnosis will impact your life, but also the anticipation of future challenges. Learning to recognize your emotions may help you move forward and help the person with dementia live the best life possible.

Emotions you may experience as a care partner

“I wasted a lot of valuable time denying that this could be possible, when I could have been getting support to help me cope with the diagnosis.”

– Sarah H.
Care partner

  • Denial.
    The diagnosis may seem unbelievable or difficult to accept. Short-term denial can be a healthy coping mechanism that provides time to adjust, but staying in denial too long can prevent you and the person with the disease from making important decisions about the future. It also can delay his or her ability to live a quality life. If you are experiencing denial about the diagnosis, your ability to help the person with dementia will be hampered until you can come to terms with the diagnosis yourself.
  • Fear.
    Fears about the progression of the disease and the challenges in providing future care can be overwhelming and can prevent you from focusing on the present.
  • Stress/Anxiety.
    Uncertainty about what to expect as the disease progresses and how to support the person with the diagnosis can lead to increased stress.
  • Anger/Frustration.
    Anger towards the diagnosis is a common response to feeling a loss of control over the future. You may be feeling resentment about how your role as a care partner will impact your life.
  • Grief/Depression.
    Sadness or a sense of loss over your relationship may also lead to feelings of hopelessness. Learn more about symptoms of depression here.

Emotions the person with dementia may experience

Emotions such as fear and denial are common for both care partners and individuals living in the early stage of the disease. Being able to talk about these emotions together may help you both work past the difficult feelings and spend more time enjoying the present. 

You can help the person with dementia to work through feelings of denial and fear about the disease by:

  • Encouraging the person to share his or her feelings  in a journal
  • Spending time doing activities that are meaningful for both of you
  • Attending an Alzheimer’s Association early-stage support group designed for both the person with dementia and care partner
  • Talking to each other about your expectations, questions and concerns

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Helping the person with dementia live well

People with Alzheimer’s want to live well for as long as possible. The ability to remain healthy, active, engaged and independent are consistent desires identified by newly diagnosed individuals. Care partners play an important role in helping the person with dementia achieve these goals.

Consider the tips below to help the person in early stage stay healthy for as long as possible:

  • Encourage physical activities. Based on results of some studies, exercise or regular physical activity may play a role in living better with the disease.  Choose activities you both enjoy.
  • Prepare meals that maintain a balanced diet and are low in fat and high in vegetables.
  • Create a daily routine which promotes quality sleep and engagement with others.
  • Identify situations which may be too stressful for the person with dementia.
  • Work together to find what helps the person relax.

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Taking care of yourself

Being involved in activities that enhance your sense of well-being may help reduce your stress level. Spend time with friends and family, eat well, engage in physical activity and see the doctor regularly.

Here are tips on how to maintain your own health:

Think about ways you can get support now. For example, include an afternoon to yourself in your monthly schedule. Ask others to visit or go to lunch with the person living with dementia while you’re away.

  • Build a support network. Creating a support system before you think you need it will minimize your stress as the disease progresses. Look at current support systems you have already in place and consider the people you turn to most often in times of need.
  • Connect with other care partners to acquire encouragement and comfort from others who understand what you’re going through. Learn more about in-person and online support groups.
  • Ask for and accept help. Care partners often wait too long before asking for help from others.
  • Rest when needed and allow time for yourself and your own interests.
  • Try not to take things personally; symptoms of the disease can cause an individual to forget events or commitments. Remember this is not a reflection of his or her character.
  • Stay healthy through diet, exercise and regular visits to the doctor.
  • Stay engaged by continuing to be involved in activities that are important to you and enhance your sense of wellbeing.
  • Allow yourself the opportunity to laugh when funny situations arise.

LEARN MORE:
Care Partner Support Groups Changing Roles in RelationshipsOnline Community

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Getting empowered with information and resources

The more you educate yourself about the disease the more confident and prepared you may feel about the future and your ability to solve problems as the disease progresses. Knowing what to expect and putting plans in place can be empowering for you and the person with dementia.

  • Accepting the diagnosis.
    As a care partner, you may accept the diagnosis before the individual living with the disease. While the individual living with dementia is the only person who can change how he or she feels about the diagnosis, you can share information and provide support to help with the process of acceptance.
    LEARN MORE:
    Accepting the Diagnosis Sharing the Diagnosis
  • Understanding Alzheimer’s.
    The symptoms of Alzheimer’s usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks. While the progression of Alzheimer’s disease can differ from person to person, it’s normal for a newly diagnosed person to want to compare his or her symptoms with others.
    LEARN MORE:
    What Is Alzheimer’s? 10 Signs Stages Treatments Research
  • Information on treatments and trials.
    Treatments are available to help with symptoms of the disease. Combining treatment for symptoms with supportive services can help the person live a quality life for as long as possible. While these treatments address the symptoms of the disease, currently, there is no way to prevent, cure or stop the progression.
    Many clinical trials are underway to find effective ways to treat and ultimately cure Alzheimer;s. At least 50,000 volunteers are currently needed. Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch®, a free, easy-to-use clinical studies matching service.
    LEARN MORE:
    Current Treatments Participating in clinical trials
  • Planning for the future.
    People in the early stage of the disease want to have a say in the decisions that will affect their life, including legal, financial and long term care planning. While these conversations can be difficult, including the person in the early stage of the disease in this process can be empowering for everyone involved. As their care partner, knowing the wishes of the individual can help you feel confident about the future decisions you will need to make on their behalf. The sooner plans for the future are established, the better prepared you and the person with dementia will be.
    LEARN MORE:
    Planning Ahead Safety Financial and Legal Resources Dementia and Driving
  • Living alone.
    With support and resources, many people in the early stage of Alzheimer’s live independently. If you are a family member or care partner for someone who lives on his or her own, stay involved. Call or visit often, and make sure the person gets the assistance needed, such as help with housekeeping, meals, transportation, bill paying and other daily chores. Put home safety measures in place, and be aware of any changes that would indicate the need for additional supervision or care.
    LEARN MORE:
    Living Alone Coping with Memory Loss Long-Distance Caregiving Home Safety

We Can Help

As a care partner, you’ll need a support system in place. You may feel anxiety over how your relationship may change or feel distanced from friends and family. Know that you aren’t alone, and that help is available.

High school student raises awareness through short film

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High school student raises awareness through short film

“When watching the film, I hope others learn that Alzheimer’s disease can affect anyone. The best thing you can do is be present and spend as much time as you can with your loved one. It’s so important to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s because the number of people getting diagnosed is astounding. It’s our duty to help end Alzheimer’s. This is our chance to help make a difference.”

High school student raises awareness through short film?

My name is Bailey Lawrence! I live in Lake Bluff, Illinois and I’m a senior at Lake Forest High School. I’m a teacher assistant for the Wellness and New Media classes at my high school, a tutor, a member of the International Thespian Society, a  LEAD (Linking Efforts Against Drugs) Youth Board member and even I gave a TED Talk last year on project based learning and changing the education system. I’m also really involved in theatre, but my passion and drive is filmmaking. I make an impact through the films I make.

My short film, “The Wall”, was first created for the Seven Day Challenge category in MMEA film festival. The Seven Day Challenge is where students have seven days to write, shoot, and edit a film. They must also incorporate a specific line of dialogue and a given prop must be shown in at least five shots. This year the line was, “It’s not my fault,” and the prop was a stapler.  All the New Media classes at LFHS began brainstorming on Monday, March 6 once we were given the line and prop. Other kids in a separate New Media class came up with an idea to do something similar to a video I had made last fall. This video, called “Teagan’s School”, was actually for a college application.

 

“Teagan’s School” told the true story about me as a little girl trying to “cure” my grandma’s Alzheimer’s through teaching. I didn’t fully understand her disease at that age, so I thought that if I played “school” with her – make her write essays, stories, do math and read – I could help her stop forgetting things. At the end of the film, I grow up and my grandma passes away, but that passion for teaching and helping others still reigns true in the video and in my real life. In the video, I use a wall to hang up all of the pictures we drew together. The wall symbolized the relationship between the granddaughter and grandmother, which is story that is relatable, beautiful and important to tell.

 

I pitched the idea for “The Wall” to my class and to our director (Annalise Craig) and script supervisor (Clara Finley.) The three of us then began to write the script by drawing on real events from my life and the time I spent with my grandma. I wanted to dive deeper into the relationship that I had with her and show how her disease impacted my whole family. We chose the topic of Alzheimer’s disease because that’s the disease my grandma was diagnosed with. For storyline and dramatic purposes, it just fit really well because of the parallel between Ellie (the main character) and her grandma. Ellie is struggling to let go and go off to college, and the grandma is struggling to let go of her life and memories. Both of them find peace in each other. We also wanted to tell this specific story because so many people are affected by Alzheimer’s disease. It was eye opening to be on set and talk to other students whose grandfather or grandmother had Alzheimer’s disease.

 

The idea of the wall was mainly based on a wall that I created in my garage. Almost all the pictures and artifacts shown in the film were all real memorabilia from my grandma. It was so much fun to be able to go through my grandma’s belongings and then be able to show that in the video and help spread her story. The wall served as connection between grandmother and granddaughter. It also acted as a great visual way to show how the grandmother uses a wall to help her remember things. In the end, the thing she feared all along (letting go and not being remembered) she actually passes on to Ellie. Ellie takes a picture of her grandma’s wall and puts the picture on her own wall to help reinforce the passing of the legacy. 

When watching the film, I hope others learn that Alzheimer’s disease can affect anyone. The best thing you can do is be present and spend as much time as you can with your loved one. There are also a ton of resources available for families affected by Alzheimer’s, such as the Alzheimer’s Association (an organization my family reached out to regarding my grandmother when she was still alive.) It’s so important to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s disease because the number of people getting diagnosed is astounding. It’s our duty to help end Alzheimer’s. This is our chance to help make a difference. 

? Watch Bailey’s short film “The Wall”

Daughter understands father’s daily reality caring for mother living with Alzheimer’s

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Daughter understands father’s daily reality caring for mother living with Alzheimer’s

Miriam Green writes a weekly blog that features anecdotes about her mother’s experience living with Alzheimer’s disease along with related recipes. Her father is her mother’s caregiver, and Green visits when she’s able. She has come to realize the often-stark difference between caring 24/7 for someone living with Alzheimer’s and visiting once a week.

“Mom has been very belligerent this morning,” Daddy told me on the phone. I was on the last leg of my journey to their apartment, having boarded the shared taxi from Tel Aviv to Netanya. “She’s been shouting and yelling. She pushed me out of the bathroom and swore at me and called me a ‘dirty old man.’ Then she refused my help getting dressed. I wanted you to know.”

I was still about forty-five minutes away, so there was not much I could do, but I did say hi to Mom on the phone. I was hoping I could help change the situation if Mom was still in a bad mood when I arrived.

Forty minutes later, Daddy called me again. By this time I was in Netanya, walking the few blocks from the central bus station to their apartment.

“Mom was insisting she needed to go out,” he said. “We had a hard time convincing her to stay inside.”

“Oh.” I was puzzled. “Why didn’t you take her out if she was insistent?”

“I wasn’t dressed yet,” Daddy replied. “And you were on your way.”

It wasn’t worth being frustrated from afar, but I could hear the annoyed tone in my voice as I responded.

“If she wants to go walking, let her go walking,” I said. “And if you don’t want to go, you can send Sahlee (the caregiver.) Don’t use me as an excuse.”

“It’s too late now,” he said. “She’s watching her favorite Danny Kaye video, and you’ll take her out when you get here.”

Five minutes later, as I greeted her at their door, Mom was searching for her coat and bag and hat so that she could go out. She said goodbye to us as if she was heading out by herself. She was very surprised when I told her I’d go out with her.

Mom was in a good mood when we left the house, and in fact we had an agenda. I’d made a salon appointment for Mom to get her hair cut. We walked through town, stopped for a quick cup of coffee, then headed to the salon. Mom was effervescent, singing and smiling, and when she saw the beautician, she praised her many times for her excellent work. At no time was she angry or bombastic or moody. Even when we were back at her apartment and I cut her nails—which Mom begrudgingly let me do—she was happy and relatively calm.

She did say some strange, disjointed things. As we were walking home, Mom tried to tell me that people she didn’t know often recognized her in the streets. “Sometimes they see my funny face and they say hello,” she said.

“Why is your face funny?” I asked.

“It is. There’s nothing I can do about it,” she said. “But I don’t know them.”

This was wonderfully ironic as Mom constantly greets strangers with warmth and unfounded familiarity whereas the people she doesn’t recognize who say hello to her are undoubtedly friends or acquaintances. And let’s not forget that the people who care about her the most and the ones with whom she is most familiar are often addressed with anger and curses.

Later on, I called to say I’d returned home safely only to hear Daddy’s frustrated voice on the phone again. “I can’t get her to sit still and watch anything,” he said. Mom’s caregiver Sahlee was on her break, so it was up to Daddy to help her.

“Why don’t you read a book together?” I asked. “Or sing some songs. Or look at photos.”

I realized that was the difference between living with someone with Alzheimer’s 24/7 and visiting once a week. The time I spend in Netanya is fully dedicated to Mom and all her needs. There is no need to focus on other tasks and chores as I do in my own home. I don’t have to worry about anything other than entertaining Mom and giving her my undivided attention. And I can also give advice freely. I have to accept, though, that it isn’t always welcome or wanted.

With no alternatives and pangs of sympathy for my dad’s frustration, I hung up the phone and started preparing dinner.

This isn’t exactly what I made for dinner, but in honor of my mother-in-law’s visit, I indulged and made her lemon meringue pie. What do we have a lemon tree for if not for this? With Passover just a week away, and the stores already carrying Kosher for Passover products, I decided to make this pie kosher for Passover, too. There’s not much difference in the Passover recipe and the year-round recipe. I’ve listed the ingredients for the regular crust and for the Passover crust. Enjoy!

Lemon Meringue Pie
Love is a great catalyst for trying new things. As a young bride, I wanted to please my mother-in-law by making one of her favorite desserts. I hope I succeeded.

Regular Crust:
2 cups ground petite beurre cookies
½ cup brown sugar
1/3 cup oil

(These can be ground in a mixer or in a closed plastic bag with a rolling pin.)

Pesach Crust:
1 cup ground almonds
1 cup fine matza meal
½ cup brown sugar
1/3 cup oil

Filling:
1 cup sugar
4 teaspoons potato starch
1 cup fresh lemon juice
4 egg yolks
2 whole eggs
Zest of 1 lemon

Meringue:
4 egg whites
½ cup sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla
½ teaspoon lemon juice

Directions:

  1. In a small bowl, combine ground almonds, matza meal and sugar for crust. Add oil and mix until the “dough” can be pat into pie pan. Cover sides of pan to edges. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes. Let cool.

  2. Separate eggs. Place yolks in a small bowl temporarily. Let whites sit in a glass bowl.

  3. Mix sugar and potato starch for filling in a saucepan. Add lemon juice, yolks, eggs and zest. Stir until sugar and potato starch are dissolved. Turn on medium flame and continue stirring until mixture begins to thicken (may take several minutes). Bring to boil then remove from heat. Pour over cooled pie crust. Place in refrigerator until meringue is ready.

  4. Beat whites until foamy. Slowly add sugar, vanilla and lemon juice. Continue beating on high for 2 or 3 minutes until stiff peaks form.

  5. Pour meringue over pie, making sure to spread to edges of crust. Form peaks for decoration with your spatula (or spoon).

  6. Set oven to broil. Move oven rack to highest slot. Place pie on oven rack and watch carefully as top of meringue browns. Remove immediately from oven when desired effect achieved.

  7. Keep pie in refrigerator until ready to serve.

    About the Author: Miriam Green writes a weekly blog at http://www.thelostkichen.org, featuring anecdotes about her mother’s Alzheimer’s and related recipes. Her poetry has appeared in several journals, including Poet Lore, the Prose Poem Project, Ilanot Review, The Barefoot Review and Poetica Magazine. Her poem, “Mercy of a Full Womb,” won the 2014 Jewish Literary Journal’s 1st anniversary competition. She holds an M.A. in Creative Writing from Bar Ilan University and a B.A. from Oberlin College. Miriam is a 20+-year resident of Israel and a mother of three.

    Learn More:

Fall Prevention

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Fall Prevention

Did you know that 1 in 3 Americans aged 65+ falls every year? Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. Falls are costly—in dollars and in quality of life. However, falling is not an inevitable part of aging. Through practical lifestyle adjustments, evidence-based programs, and community partnerships, the number of falls among seniors can be reduced substantially.

How NCOA Helps

NCOA’s National Falls Prevention Resource Center supports the implementation of evidence-based falls prevention programs and serves as a national clearinghouse of tools and best practices. Explore materials related to falls prevention in our Resources Library.

To connect with a community-based fall prevention program in your state, contact an ACL Fall Prevention Grantee or Falls Prevention Coalition on our Map of Partners & Programs.

Falls Blog

Read our blog to stay up-to-date on the latest Falls Prevention tips, news and resources.

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Falls Prevention Awareness Day

Get ideas to celebrate Falls Prevention Awareness Day in your community on Sept. 22, 2017.

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Preventing Falls: Tips for Older Adults & Caregivers

Learn how you can reduce your risk of falling and protect your older loved ones from a serious fall.

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2015 Falls Free® National Falls Prevention Action Plan

Explore this blueprint with 40 strategies to reduce falls and fall-related injuries among older adults.

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Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Programs

Explore evidence-based programs than have been proven to help older adults reduce their risk of falling.

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Falls Free® Initiative

Join our Falls Free® Initiative, a national effort to address the growing public health issue of fall-related injuries and deaths.

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Selling a Home with Modifications for Older Adults

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Selling a Home with Modifications for Older Adults

Should They Stay or Should They Go: Home Modifications and Selling Your Home

Living with a disability, whether because of age or another lifestyle factor, makes life significantly more challenging. One place where all individuals should feel comfortable is at home. However, most homes are not designed with wheelchair, walker or other mobility assistance devices in mind.

If you or someone you love is dealing with limited mobility, or if you are caring for a senior in your life, you may need to make some modifications to allow them to live comfortably and independently at home. As you consider these modifications, you will also want to consider the impact they have on the resale value of your home, should you need to sell your home at a later date. Here’s what you need to know about home modifications and resale value.

Feel free to jump ahead to the sections that interest you most!

Common Home Modifications for Those That Need More Assistance How Do Home Modifications Affect Resale Value? Hottest Home Modifications for Disabled Individuals
What to Do About Modifications That Hurt Resale Value? DIY Fixes to Maximize Home Resale Value and Accessibility More Information About Home Modifications and Resale Value

Common Home Modifications for Those That Need More Assistance

Those who are older and those who have mobility or sensory disabilities sometimes need home modifications to help them navigate their homes independently. From assisting with navigating stairs to ensuring someone with visual concerns can safely move around a home, sometimes these modifications require an actual change to the house, its structure or its features.

Home Modifications for Seniors

These home modifications make life easier for senior citizens:

 

  • Installing grab bars in bathrooms
  • Installing walk-in or roll-in tubs/showers in bathrooms
  • Swapping out doorknobs with pull handles
  • Installing ramps for exterior access
  • Installing stair lifts for access to other stories
  • Eliminating stairs where possible
  • Additional handrails on stairs without stair lifts
  • Addition of first-floor laundry facilities
  • Adding a bath or shower to the first floor bedroom
  • Addition of portable shower seats
  • Levered faucets in sinks and showers
  • Adjusting windows so they are easy to open
  • Installing automatic openers on the garage
  • Adding peepholes or viewing panels to exterior doors
  • Strategic lighting to increase visibility
  • Installing non-slip tape on exterior steps and ledges
  • Installing an elevated dishwasher to limit bending

Home Modifications for Disabled Individuals

Disabled individuals of all ages may need home modifications to help them get around. Some of these may include:

  • Widening doorways for wheelchair or walker access – Aim for 36 inches wide
  • Lowering countertops to wheelchair height
  • Lowering light switch height
  • Roll-in showers
  • Grab bars in bathrooms
  • Wheelchair ramps for a home’s exterior
  • Lift for accessing other areas of the home
  • Lowering height of handles and locks
  • Limiting transitions between flooring types
  • Removing carpet in favor of hard flooring options
  • Elimination of chairs where possible

Here is additional information about home modifications:

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How Do Home Modifications Affect Resale Value

When it comes to home modifications, the only thing on the mind of most homeowners is making the home accessible for those they love. While that roll-in shower may have been beneficial and even critical to your loved one’s self-care, it may not be an asset to a potential buyer. There usually comes a point when moving is inevitable, and at that time you must consider the resale value of the home. Here’s how you can determine the effect on your home’s resale value of the various modifications you’re considering.

Factors that Impact Whether Modifications Are Beneficial to Resale Value, or Harmful

Will accessibility changes affect your home’s resale value? Here are some factors that will impact the answer to that question.

  • Your Location – If your home is located somewhere with a large number of disabled or senior individuals, such as near a good veteran’s hospital serving disabled veterans or in an area of the country where people want to retire, you may see more resale value from your modifications.
  • The Modification Type – Does the modification significantly change the function or flow of the house? If so, it may hurt resale value. If not, it may help.
  • Your Potential Future Buyer – Finally, the potential demographic of your future buyer may play a role. As Baby Boomers reach retirement, they are seeing an increased desire for accessible homes. Also, those between the ages of 35 and 55 have the greatest demand or desire for accessibility.

Places Where Accessibility Is Valued

Certain parts of the country place a higher value on accessibility, and as such tend to draw a large number of disabled or elderly individuals who capitalize on those accessible features. In these parts of the country, accessibility modifications are more likely to have a positive impact on the home’s value.

These areas include:

  • Denver, CO– Denver may not be the retirement place of choice for most retirees, but the city has a number of adaptability features throughout its public areas and public transportation.
  • Berkeley, CA – This city stands as a model for independent living.
  • Seattle, WA– Mild weather and a number of accessible features make Seattle a popular place among those who need disability assistance
  • Gainesville, FL – It’s no secret that seniors flock to Florida, and Gainesville has a low cost of living combined with a strict disability-friendly building code that can help make it popular among those needing accessibility.
  • AZ – Arizona is also a popular place to retire, and many 50-and-older communities cater to the specific needs of those who need additional disability assistance. The demand for accessible housing can be large in these areas.

The Impact of Specific Modifications – The Principle of Universal Design

So what impact do specific modifications have on resale value? Approximately 75% of people assume that home modifications hurt resale value of a home, but this is not always the case. The reality is that some modifications, especially if they are done tastefully and in line with the home’s architectural style, can have a positive impact.

It’s not possible to put a dollar value on specific modifications, because the impact varies depending on the style of home, its location and the target buyer demographic. However, one principle that can impact the overall impact is the principle of Universal Design.

Universal Design refers to a home design that is safe and usable for people of all ages and abilities, including those with disabilities. Universal Design is built into the home’s basic design, rather than added as an afterthought. This means that Universal Design elements work with the home’s architecture. Some features of a Universal Design home include:

 

  • Safe and accessible bathrooms
  • Lever door and faucet handles
  • Non-slip surfaces in the bathroom
  • No steps at entrances
  • Maximum rise of 1/2 inches at thresholds
  • Minimum of 5 feet by 5 feet at entrance doors on both sides
  • Proper lighting for entry doors
  • Ground floor bedroom, bath and laundry
  • Room for installation of a platform lift near stairs
  • Contrasting colors between floor and trim or different floors that require different navigation
  • Avoidance of glossy surfaces

These types of changes do not change the look or architectural design of the home much, and as such do not hurt its resale value. In fact, studies have shown that Universal Design modifications can actually help your home’s resale value. Additions that change the look or architecture of a home and make it stand out as “accessible,” such as a large wheelchair ramp outside a home, can have a negative impact.

For more information on Universal Design, home modifications and resale value, visit:

Your Potential Buyer

With baby boomers rapidly retiring or reaching retirement age, there is a niche housing market emerging that you can likely tap into if you’re selling a modified home. Advertise modifications and be prepared to discuss the details of how they were installed, as well as what needs to be done to modify them further. You may also wish to consider renting your modified home as a means of income, and a way to leverage the modifications you made.

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Hottest Home Modifications for Disabled Individuals

If you’re working to make a home more accessible for a disabled loved one, you may have to pick and choose the modifications you use based on budget or because of concerns about resale value. Here are some of the hottest home modifications to consider, which both help your loved one and potentially help your resale value.

Accessible Bathroom

An accessible bathroom is one with at least a five-foot diameter turning space, which allows someone in a wheelchair or with a walker navigate independently. Accessible bathrooms may have roll-in tubs or showers and adjustable seats, and they will have grab bars. To make the bathroom as resale friendly as possible, work with a pro to add these modifications in a way that works with the bathroom’s design and architecture.

First-Floor Bedroom and Laundry

People with mobility issues can’t go up and down the stairs every time they need to do laundry. Adding a first-floor laundry is essential, as is a first-floor bedroom. Sometimes you can add this by converting a den into a bedroom or a closet into a laundry area. Because this will require the addition of closet space for a bedroom or power and venting for a laundry room, this will require the help of a professional contractor. 

Widening Doorways

A home can’t be accessible with doorways that an individual can’t navigate. Widening the doorways has little impact on resale value if done well, and can make a home much more navigable. Again, this requires a professional to do well.

Changing the Flooring

Hard floors are easier to navigate than soft floors, and the great thing about this change is that it’s a resale-friendly change. Most homebuyers want to see hard floors, which are easier to clean and care for, than old, tattered carpeting. Laminate and hardwood are better choices than tile, which is much harder and more slippery. By making this change, you can increase the resale value and make the home a bit safer. Some laminate can be done as a DIY project, while others are best left to the pros.

For more information about the best modifications to choose, visit:

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What to Do About Modifications That Hurt Resale Value

Sometimes you have to make a modification that has the potential to impact your home’s future resale value. If your choice is between having a home that your loved one can’t live in or hurting your home’s resale value, the answer is clear: your loved one always comes first. However, you will need to consider what to do about those modifications should you decide to sell the home. 

Wheelchair Ramps

A wheelchair ramp is essential if your home’s entrance is not flush with the ground. An individual in a wheelchair can’t navigate steps. But a wheelchair ramp makes a home stand out in a negative way, so what can you do? Here are some ideas:

  • Work with a design professional to ensure the design works with your home’s architecture.
  • Add a ramp that does not remove the existing steps and can be removed for resale.
  • Invest in a ramp that is aesthetically pleasing.
  • Install a ramp on a back entrance to use when the home’s on the market, allowing for the removal of the front ramp.

Grab Bars and Rails

Grab bars are essential safety additions to a home, but sometimes they make the home look more functional than comfortable. Stark chrome grab bars in the bathroom can give it an institutional feel. Some solutions to this include:

  • Using grab bars that double as something else, like toilet paper holders that have a grab bar
  • Using grab bars that fit the decor
  • Removing the grab bars before listing the house

Walk-in Tub

Safety tubs are a great innovation for the senior or disabled innovation, as they allow for bathroom independence. However, for those who don’t yet understand the need for this type of modification, they can seem unsightly and cumbersome. So what’s the solution? Consider these ideas:

  • Instead of a walk-in tub, opt for a roll-in shower which is a common design choice regardless of disability.
  • Cover the walk-in tub with an attractive shower curtain.
  • Ensure the color of the tub works with the bathroom’s overall design.

Lifts

Lifts to get a wheelchair upstairs are simply part of the puzzle when dealing with home modifications, but again these can be a bit cumbersome, and therefore negatively affect resale value. To get past this, consider removing the lift while the home is on the market. There is no good way to camouflage this particular modification, so consider putting the main features of the home on the main floor and just doing away with the lift while the home is on the market.

For more information on your home’s resale value, visit:

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DIY Fixes to Maximize Home Resale Value and Accessibility

Sometimes budgets are tight, especially when you’re planning for the sale of a home. What can you do to get the most value out of your home’s sale if your budget is too tight to hire a pro? Are there modifications you can make that keep your home accessible without a pro? Are there ways you can reduce the impact of modifications on your own? Consider these DIY tasks that can make your home more valuable and more accessible.

  • Install Accessible Home Security – Home security is an asset to your home, and accessible home security helps keep your loved one safe. Installing a chain at a lower level or a home security system that your loved one can reach are all great options.
  • Reorganize for Accessibility – If your budget prevents a kitchen remodel, make the kitchen more accessible by reorganizing. Put everyday items in lower drawers and cabinets, and rarely-used items up high. Do the same in closets and other storage areas. Rearrange and reorganize furniture to maximize mobility through the home.
  • DIY Bathroom Modifications – A major bathroom remodel is costly, but you can tackle some jobs on your own. Add no-slip flooring to the shower or tub, consider investing in a shower seat and don’t forget to add grab bars near the toilet. Replace the existing vanity with a pedestal sink to provide maneuverability for wheelchairs or walkers.
  • Improve the Lighting – People with disabilities may need more lighting to ensure they can see well. You can improve the lighting in your home on your own. As an added bonus, a well-lit home shows better than a dim one, so this change has a positive impact on resale value!

For more information on projects you could tackle on your own, visit:

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More Information About Home Modifications and Resale Value

Are you looking for more information about how to modify your home for disabilities and the impact of home remodeling and modifications on your home’s resale value? Consider these resources:

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