Affordable Safe & Accessible Home Ideas and Programs

Learn about affordable solutions to make our homes safe and accessible and the innovative DC Department of Aging and Community Living's Safe at Home Program provides safety adaptations in and around the homes of qualifying Seniors and adults with disabilities. 

Safe at Home DC Program Flyer

Tori Goldhammer, MS, OTR/L, ATP, ECHM, CAPS, CEAC, CFPS

• PH: (202)  642-6309
• tori@lahconsultations.com
• www.lahconsultations.com

Questions Asked

• Is a similar program available in Arlington, VA?
• Does program apply to apartment dwellers (vs. home owners)
• Is the program typically under the Dept of Aging in other states?? Also do you need your Primary to refer the OT person for evaluation
• can shower transfer benches, etc., work in the newer deep soaking tubs?
• Any recs on best bed brands for lift/lowery, tilt features? We're renting a hospital bed now, but if we buy one, I'd love any suggestions.
• Do the chairs on the stairlifts pivot at the top?
• are there ramps for showers?
• What was that one step removable ramp called?
• Please state again the geographic area that this Safe at Home program includes
• Do you ever set up “smart” devices to help maintain independence?
• Can you talk about modifications in the kitchen?
• Will you share your email Tori?
• what is a gorilla mat?

Chat Transcript

12:05:07     From  Kathleen Steed   to   Hosts and panelists : I do not know who these teams are or even what sport is being played.

12:05:13     From  veda vazquez : oh snap!!!

12:05:19     From  Dorothy Stiles   to   Hosts and panelists : Fly Eagles Fly

12:17:10     From  Joan Green : I love this topic. Greetings everyone! There is so much that we can do to help people live a better life in their own home. I specialize in helping families learn to leverage the benefits of tech for everyone- especially older adults. I offer free 15 min phone consultations. I’m an SLP, assistive technology specialist and online tech coach. www.innovativespeech.com  Please contact me if you are interested in learning more about using tech to help boomers and older adults. I’m soon launching the next ElderTech Advisor Cohort. Joan@innovativespeech.com

12:17:52     From  Kathleen Steed   to   Hosts and panelists : What is the best way to go about finding what kind of person with the appropriate credentials (which are?) for a friend in northern Westchester County who husband is newly, significantly disabled and will be back home in a few weeks?

12:18:09     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Community : DACL’s Safe at Home program provides in-home preventative adaptations to reduce the risk of falls for District residents age 60 and older and adults with disabilities. 

This may include handrails, grab bars, bathtub cuts, shower seats, and stair lifts. https://dacl.dc.gov/safe-home

12:18:26     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Community : Program flyer https://dacl.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/dacl/page_content/attachments/Safe%20at%20Home%20Flyer.pdf

12:20:14     From  Madhu Mehta   to   Hosts and panelists : I am interested in knowing if I live in an appartment

12:20:46     From  Shanti Subramanian   to   Hosts and panelists : Is this service only for DC residents? Is there similar  one for MO CO residents?

12:21:06     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Community   to   Kathleen Steed and all panelists : I found this list of CAPS contractors https://www.universal-accessibility.com/New-York-CAPS-Remodelers-Certified-Aging-in-Place-Specialists.htm#.Y-Z80XbMJD8

12:21:15     From  Dorothy Stiles   to   Hosts and panelists : We live in Philadelphia.  Is this webinar only relevant to DC area residents?  It seems all the chat comments relate to that geographic area as well.

12:22:16     From  Madhu Mehta   to   Hosts and panelists : I had management team fora apt put in grab bar I have a tub in the Bathroom what else I can do to be safe in the future I am not disable

12:27:55     From  Jenifer Ross   to   Hosts and panelists : I’m a Westchester based Certified Aging In Place Specialist through the NAHB. 

I’m interested to know how you’re able to spec and install this many items and modifications for 6k, especially it it includes a chair lift. Do the residents need to contribute if it’s higher than the limit. Thank you! This is wonderful :)

12:36:21     From  Lynda Shrager : How do they wash up in the claw foot tub? Water still going downward to bottom

12:39:10     From  Melissa Bressler : Bath lifter option: https://www.drivemedical.com/us/en/products/bathroom-safety/bath-lifts/bellavita-auto-bath-lifter/p/445-1

12:40:16     From  Lynda Shrager : Can you share where we can  the actual research showing grab bars and railings reduce fall risk?

12:41:01     From  Tony Miller : We provide education and information for Home Owners looking to age in place and make these types of modifications to their homes.  We are able to provide them Home Equity options geared to them and developed specifically for our 55+ home owners looking to stay in their home.   Happy to provide information, direction and guidance to anyone who may need financing solutions for home modifications.  No cost or obligations.  We're here to provide education and options.

12:42:17     From  Rozzlyn Pierce : Is there a program like this for VA residents? This is a really great program

12:42:56     From  veda vazquez : good question Rozzlyn

12:43:01     From  Dorcas Baker : Also, is there a program in Maryland

12:43:09     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Community : Here are our Positive Aging Community Champions that can help with some of these options in the mid-Atlantic https://www.retirementlivingsourcebook.com/search_results?sid=30&tid=12

12:43:18     From  Kathleen Steed   to   Hosts and panelists : Tony Miller — Who is “We”?  Your contact information?

12:44:04     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Community   to   Tony Miller and all panelists : tony please share your contact info one of the attendees was interested and the locations you serve

12:44:15     From  Jenifer Ross   to   Hosts and panelists : Thanks for all of the numbers! Are these prices the installed prices for the lifts? Labor is so expensive in my county.

12:45:29     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Community : We have had several other discussions on this topic you might find interesting and you can access them here https://www.retirementlivingsourcebook.com/videos?q=safe

12:48:46     From  Melissa Bressler : @Dorcas Baker: REBUILDING TOGETHER is another non-profit assisting in home accessibility and safety in over 20 states. Each affiliate is different so it's best to contact the one that is most local to you.  https://rebuildingtogether.org/find-your-local-affiliate

12:50:01     From  Rozzlyn Pierce : Thank you, I see "Live in Place" services our area but I do not see anything like a grant of $6k like this program.

12:50:28     From  veda vazquez : thank you

12:51:08     From  Madhu Mehta   to   Hosts and panelists : Thank you Tori this was very informative

12:51:23     From  Tony Miller : Tony Miller, Regional Branch Manager Reverse, 301-252-2121, TonyMiller@openmortgage.com.  Please reach out anytime.

12:53:56     From  Pauline Watson : Thank you Toni for this wonderful information. Thank you Steve for always bringing topics /information that is so helpful for helping us seniors to age in our homes

12:57:46     From  Lynda Shrager : Lynda Shrager, OTR, MSW, CAPS: Author-Age in Place, A Guide to Modifying, Organizing and Decluttering Mom and Dad's Home. I provide in home and virtual home safety assessments. 518 368-0322 www.otherwisehealthy.com Happy to help anytime!

12:58:08     From  ABIOLA BAJERE : Thank you Steven and Ms. Goldhammer

12:58:57     From  Tony Miller : Great information.  Thanks for sharing Steve and Tori

12:59:17     From  Melissa Bressler : You're welcome. Tori is correct, there is not one product that will suit all tubs and persons. It was provided as an example only. Melissa Bressler, OTR/L, CBIS, CAPS, SHHS, ECHM / Melissa@handypro.com/301-960-1060

12:59:35     From  Natalie Doyle   to   Hosts and panelists : Sorry I was late. Thanks so much for this talk.

13:00:43     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Community : https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/query/universal-design/nqrwns

13:00:55     From  veda vazquez : hozz looks awesome

13:02:47     From  Jenifer Ross   to   Hosts and panelists : Thank you! Gotta jump. Great info!

13:03:30     From  Kathleen Steed   to   Hosts and panelists : What is “Universal Design”?

13:04:36     From  Ann Katz   to   Hosts and panelists : Best shower mats or other products to prevent slipping in a shower?

13:08:08     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Community : https://gorillagrip.com/products/bath-mat-hex

13:08:15     From  veda vazquez : thanks

13:08:22     From  Ann Katz   to   Hosts and panelists : Thank you

13:08:39     From  Kathleen Steed   to   Hosts and panelists : Wonderfully helpful session!

13:08:50     From  Fairfax Building: : THANKS!!

13:09:57     From  Paula David   to   Hosts and panelists : great info...thank you

13:10:10     From  Rozzlyn Pierce : I will be sharing this with our agency. this is amazing! thank you both

13:10:34     From  veda vazquez : THIS HAS BEEN ONE OF THE BEST WEBINAR. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!