You’ve worked hard your whole career and are enjoying retirement. Golfing any day of the week, unlimited days to travel, and you’ve been enjoying caring for your grandchildren a couple of days each week. You hope your good health continues to allow you to fulfill these dreams for years to come, but we know life is unpredictable.
Many people have the goal of aging in their home. However, in rural farmhouses, that may be easier said than done. Abe Degnan is a past president of the Wisconsin Home Builders Association and one of a handful of Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS) in Wisconsin. The CAPS program teaches the technical, business management, and customer service skills essential for home modifications for aging-in-place.
The baby boomer generation has many choices to face as they consider where to live. Overwhelmingly, seniors prefer to stay in their own homes. There are adjustments rural Wisconsinites can make to their current living space to make it friendly for future mobility challenges they may face.
3 reasons to seek help from a provider
1. Homeowners want an improved kitchen or bathroom. Kitchens and bathrooms are often considered the most important rooms in a home because they’re frequently used, have a big impact on a home’s value, and are central to daily life. These two rooms can be a big undertaking to adapt.
2. There has been an injury that limits mobility. This might mean the individual can no longer walk up stairs or get a walker through the doorway.
3. The homeowners have “seen writing on the wall” – meaning, they know they’re having a hard time getting around already, whether they’re using a cane or having difficulty stepping into the bathtub, and predict future mobility concerns to come.
Common problems to look for in older homes
1. The federal government banned lead in homes in 1978. If the home was built before then, any renovation, repair, or paint project may need extra attention due to dangerous lead dust.
2. What was acceptable in homes in the 1940s, or even the 1970s, is likely not acceptable today. For example, homes without a main floor bedroom or bathroom are not feasible for aging seniors. You’ll need to determine if it’s possible to reallocate space in the home to meet modern standards. If not, you may need to decide whether to remodel or start over with a new home.
3. Old stone foundations could be problematic. They’re not waterproof and could lead to water seepage over time. Excessive moisture can cause the stone to deteriorate or result in mold growth.
4. Uneven floors can not only be a hazard for unstable seniors but could also be a sign of structural issues in the home.
Plan in advance
By taking a proactive approach to aging in place, you have the luxury of thinking about your choices and how much you want to spend on making your home accessible. Having the details worked out can relieve stress in an already stressful situation.
A family’s emotional or historical connection to a home is often weighed against the cost of their decisions. It’s a discussion that families should have sooner rather than later. Don’t wait until a situation is urgent, a health scare happens, or an accident requires immediate action. When it comes to deciding when to call a contractor, it’s recommended to call a year in advance. The planning process, remodel, and lead times for materials add up.
At Rural Mutual Insurance, we want to provide the knowledge and insight to help you make the best decisions to protect your family and way of life. That’s why we go beyond the policy to educate with additional content around safety and best practices. Reach out to a local agent to get started.
