Nov. 20 HRRC presentation offers strategies for aging in place at home

As homeowners age, they start to think more seriously about how they might retrofit their homes to allow them to “age in place”—to remain in their current living environment despite potential future changes in mobility. Improving accessibility in older homes, however, is not always easy.

Matt Jenkins, president of Jenkins Painting Company, will share his firsthand experiences remodeling his family home to make it friendlier to those with mobility challenges. His presentation, Remodeling for Accessibility, will be held on Thursday, Nov. 20, 7–8:30 p.m., at the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Community Building, 3450 Lee Road, in Shaker Heights.

Jenkins hopes to help people look at their living spaces and identify practical measures and simple modifications that will enable them remain at home as they age.

He explained, “I grew up in an old house with three generations, and my 92-year-old mother lives with us now. We have worked on many renovation projects, including several assisted-living and CMHA UFAS projects. We recently purchased a bank-owned house in Cleveland Heights, and redesigned it for accessibility, including [adding] stair lifts, and accessible first-floor bath and bedroom. We are currently finishing it up and plan to move in November. I also have helped instruct people in placement of handrails and bathroom aids. I am opinionated because I have lived with mild to seriously handicapped seniors my entire life, and I have seen what does and doesn’t work.”

This free presentation is part of Home Repair Resource Center’s (HRRC) HouseMender University series. Reservations are requested; to reserve a spot, e-mail rstager@hrrc-ch.org or call 216-381-6100, ext. 16.

Rebecca Stager

Becky Stager has been HRRC's home repair education coordinator since 1989. Visit www.hrrc-ch.org or call 216-381-6100 for more information on programs and services.

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Volume 7, Issue 12, Posted 12:54 PM, 11.17.2014