"REBUILDING TOGETHER - SAFE AT HOME MODIFICATION AND REPAIR" PROGRAM
Program available across the USA.
Program Description
“Rebuilding Together has long recognized that greater attention must be given our elderly population, so they may age-in-place and safely in their homes. We have also built lasting national partnerships with Area Agencies on Aging, AARP, American Occupational Therapy Association, National Association of Home Builders, National Council on Aging, and others.”
-rebuildingtogether.org
The “Rebuilding Together Home Modification and Home Repair” Program uses the help of skilled, volunteer tradespeople, along with local business and corporate partners and home contractors, builders, inspectors and remodelers.
The “Rebuilding Together Home Modification and Home Repair” Program along with the Administration on Aging and the American Occupational Therapy Association has a useful Aging in Place Safe at Home Checklist to identify elderly home safety such as fall hazards and accessibility and mobility issues.
The Aging in Place Safe at Home Checklist asks seniors, family members and caregivers to notice things in the home such as:
-ENTRANCES AND EXITS - condition of walk and drive surface, light level for driveway, walk, porch, door threshold height, ability to use knob, lock, key, mailbox, peephole, and package shelf, do door and window locks work easily
-INTERIOR DOORS, STAIRS, HALLS - height of door threshold, knob and hinge types, clear width door opening, determine direction that door swings, presence of floor level changes, hall width adequate for walker/wheelchair, stair flight straight or curved, stair rails right and left side
-BATHROOM - sink basin, tub faucets, shower control and drain plugs all manageablemirror height, ability reach shelf, ability to step in and out of the bath and shower, toilet height, ability to reach paper; flush, come from sit to stand posture, space available for caregiver to assist
-KITCHEN - light level, task lighting, sink and counter heights, wall and floor storage shelf heights, nearby surface to rest hot foods on when removed, stove condition and control location, adequate counter space to safely prepare meals
-LIVING, DINING, BEDROOM- Chair, sofa, bed heights allow for sitting or standing, rugs have non-slip pad or rug tape, Chair available with arm rests, Able to turn on light, radio, TV, place a phone call from bed, chair, and sofa
-LAUNDRY - Able to hand-wash and hang clothes to dry, safely access washer/dryer
-BASEMENT - basement stairs stable and well lit
-TELEPHONE AND DOOR -Phone jack location near bed, sofa, chair, able to get phone, dial, hear caller, identify visitors, hear doorbell, reach and empty mailbox, answering machine
STORAGE SPACE- able to reach closet rods and hooks, open bureau drawers, light inside closet
-WINDOWS - Opening mechanism at 42 inches from floor, lock accessible, easy to operate
-ELECTRIC OUTLETS AND CONTROLS - Sufficient outlets, Light switch at the entrance to each room, Outlet height, wall locations, Low vision/sound warnings available, Extension cord hazard, uncovered outlets or switches
-HEAT, LIGHT, VENTILATION, SMOKE, CARBON MONOXIDE, WATER TEMP CONTROL-smoke/CO alarms and a fire extinguisher, Thermostat displays easily accessible and readable, rooms where poor light level exists , Able to open windows; slide patio doors drapes or curtains, last service date for heating/cooling system Observe temperature setting of the water heater
Download the full Rebuilding Together “Aging in Place Safe at Home Checklist”
National Rebuilding Day formerly known as Christmas in April brings together volunteers for one day who make home modifications across the United States. Recipients are low income families and seniors with disabilities. Home improvement examples are the installation of handrails and other minor installations and home repairs.Reputable and respected partners of the program include:
-The National Association of the Remodeling Industry
-National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
-The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)
-SkillsUSA partnering with business and industry to ensure that America has a well-prepared skilled workforce
-Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association
-The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) -professional roofing contractors worldwide
Home repair assistance, home modifications and improvements made by the “Rebuilding Together Home Modification and Home Repair” Program not only assist homeowners but the community as well. Community centers, playgrounds, and community gardens are the focus of some of the “Rebuilding Together” Program’s projects.
source: rebuildingtogether.org
WATCH VIDEO ON HOW THE "REBUILDING TOGETHER SAFE AT HOME MODIFICATION AND REPAIR" PROGRAM WORKS |
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