According to an AARP survey completed in 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 they can. The new survey found taht seven in ten of those who are able to make changes to their homes have made at least one modification that will allow them to remain in their own home for 10 years or more.
Of those surveyed, 85% of those stated that they have already made simple changes to their homes, such as placing non skid strips in bathtubs, safety handles in the showers and ensuring that steps have handrails as well. The reasons that some baby boomers have not made modifications were due to the inability to make the changes themselves (37%) and not being able to afford the modifications (37%).
The top 10 home improvements cited as done or desired to be done were:
1. Levered doorknobs
2. Grab bars in bathrooms
3. Levered faucets in kitchen sales
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 homes it is important to pick the best contractor and if you have to finance the improvements, it is important to choose the financing that is right for you as well. If you would like to have your home evaluated for improvements, I could assist you in local contractors that can complete this type of work for you. If you are looking to purchase housing that already has these types of necessities in life, please contact me at: 865-454-3307 or www.sondrasheckler.com or email me at sondra_sheckler@hotmail.com
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