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Home Improvements for Seniors
According to an AARP survey (May, 2000), the
overwhelming majority of mid-life and older Americans want to remain
living independently in their own homes and communities for as long
as possible. The new survey found that seven in ten of those who
are able to make changes to their homes have made at least one modification
to make it easier for them to get around. Two thirds of those who
made home modifications believe those improvements will allow them
to live in their homes longer than they would have been able otherwise,
most for another ten years or more. The survey is the fifth in a
series of AARP senior housing studies. Based on telephone interviews
of 2,000 persons aged 45 and over, it examines the opinions and
behavior of mid-life and older Americans regarding their current
and future housing situations.
Eighty five percent of those polled said they
have already made simple changes to their homes, such as placing
non-skid strips in bathtubs or safety bars in showers and handrails
on both side of the stairwells. The reasons most often cited by
respondents for not making home improvements were the inability
to make the changes themselves (37%) and not being able to afford
the modifications (37%). HUD's HECM program (Reverse Mortgage) can
turn the built-up wealth in your home to cash without having to
move or repay a loan each month. Financing needed home repairs or
improvements is one of the many good uses for funds received from
a HECM.
The top 10 home improvements reported were:
1. Levered doorknobs.
2. Grab bars in bathrooms.
3. Levered faucets in kitchen sinks.
4. Handrails on both sides of stairwells and
on front and rear steps.
5. Grab bars in showers; removal of any door
threshold.
6. Movable shower heads for those who must
sit.
7. Portable shower seats.
8. A bathroom with a bath/shower as well as
a bedroom on the first floor.
9. Widened doors to accommodate wheelchairs.
10. Ramps for those using walkers and wheelchairs.
Seniors spend billions of dollars each year
on home improvements. If you are planning on making repairs or improvements
to your home it is important to know how to pick the best contractor,
and choose the financing that's right for you. AARP has developed
extensive resources on home modifications, to obtain this information
visit AARP.
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