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The AARP HomeFit GuideInformation and Tips to KeepYour Home in Top Form forComfort, Safety, and Livability
THE AARP HOME FIT GUIDEContentsHome Livability1Appropriate Housing2Assessing Your Home for Livability2Universal Design4Universal Design Features4Home Livability Evaluation Checklist6Home Safety7Home Safety and Falls7Home Safety Checklist7Getting Started on Making Your Home Safer and MoreComfortable13Emergency Home Exit Plan14Home MaintenanceYour Home Is Your Greatest Asset—Take Care of It!15Seasonal Tasks Around the House15Home Energy Conservation Tips18Free and Easy Ways to Cut Your Energy Bill18Energy Efficiency Projects That Save You Money19Getting Help{ii}1522Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS)22Finding an Occupational Therapist22Seven Steps to Hiring a Contractor23Resources25 2008 AARP
INTRODUCTIONIntroductionWe love our homes. It doesn’t matter if you own your homeor rent, live in a small studio apartment or a grand mansion, chances are your home means more to you than justthe place where you live, keep your clothes, or receive yourmail. Our homes provide us shelter and much, much more.Whatever their size, they are our castles—the site of cherishedmemories and life experiences, our place of refuge where wecan be ourselves, relax, raise a family, or plant a garden.MELANIE ROBERTSFor older Americans, their home can provide a sense of comfort, security, and independence. It figures prominently in theirquality of life and it can also influence theirphysical independence and ability to participatein community activities. And, for the approximately 80 percent of Americans age 50 and olderwho own their home, it can provide wealth whichthey can use for a variety of purposes such asserving as collateral for the upgrade and repairof the property, providing economic securityfor unforeseen expenses such as long-termcare, or financing to future generations throughinheritance.Eighty-nine percent of older Americans have toldAARP they want to remain in their home andcommunity for as long as possible. AARP is committed to helping them do that. Therefore, AARPis pleased to bring you a collection of homerelated information and tips that can help youkeep your home, in top form for comfort, safety and livability.We hope you find this information helpful. However, please knowthat the suggestions contained in this guide vary from simpletasks to more complicated projects that may require professionalhelp. If you are at all unsure of the level of skill needed or areuncomfortable about the amount of physical effort a projectcould take, then it is best to call in a professional. However,before you hire someone, follow our seven steps to hiring acontractor, located at the back of this booklet.{ }
THE AARP HOME FIT GUIDEHome LivabilityWhere do you want to spend your later years? Chances areyou want to stay in your current home for as long as possible. Is your home currently right for you and, if so, willit continue to match your needs and abilities as you age?Think about it.Appropriate HousingEveryone wants to live in a home that is appropriate and fitshis or her needs and abilities. Unfortunately, most people don’tdiscuss or think about the appropriateness of their home untila crisis occurs and it becomes obvious that they are living in aplace that no longer meets their needs and abilities.Most houses and apartments are designed for young, ablebodied adults and do not accommodate the needs of older residents or people with disabilities. Think of the steps in front ofmany houses. They are an inconvenience to a parent pushing astroller, but to those with disabilities or someone who is older,they can be a barrier to living safely and independently. A welldesigned home, or one that has been modified to accommodatethe needs of residents of all ages and abilities, can promote independence and the satisfaction of staying in control and in yourhome as you age.Assessing
AARP they want to remain in their home and community for as long as possible. AARP is com-mitted to helping them do that. Therefore, AARP is pleased to bring you a collection of home-related information and tips that can help you keep your home, in top form for comfort, safety and livability. We hope you find this information helpful.
