Our lives change, but our homes don’t!

Aging in place is the act of living in the home of your choice while you grow older, while being able to get any help or support that you need as your needs change. The goal is to keep you in control of your life and lifestyle, by focusing on your health, well-being and personal safety.

That sounds great, but the truth is most people can’t or won’t achieve that because they didn’t plan for what it takes to be successful. Essentially, prepare the various aspects of your life in such a way that it allows you to maintain the utmost control over your life.

That’s what we want for you.  And now you have a brand new, extensive, highly rated home assessment available to you called Silver Spaces (SilverSpaces.com)! You can assess one room or the entire interior and/or exterior and find out the recommended changes that can help keep you in your home as you age and save you thousands of dollars!

» Call 563-449-2855 today to learn more about aging in place

In order to make that happen, people aging in place have to get their homes ready to meet their needs, and create a plan to help them get any support they may need.

You’re probably like most older adults in that you don’t want to have to move from your home. You would rather live where you want and get some help when you need it.

That’s at the heart of aging in place, choosing where you live and getting what you need while you’re there.

As a Certified Aging in Place Specialist and an expert in helping seniors get their homes ready for any phase of their lives, Home Transition Solutions Group owner Dr. Jill Bjerke has helped hundreds of clients in the Davenport and greater Quad Cities area create the homes they need for aging in place.

If you are an older adult wanting to prepare your home for later in life or an adult child who wants to ensure their parent(s) have everything they need to be safe and comfortable at home, we can help.

Remodeling for aging in place

Home remodeling and modifications can play a big part of getting your home ready for aging in place. The reason it is often necessary to recreate the spaces in your home …

Most homes are not designed for seniors

The reality is that most homes in the U.S. are not designed to be easy to live in by just anyone. Most may be suited for a perfectly healthy 20-year old people, with a typical build and abilities. That leaves everyone else out, including the over 49 million people over the age of 65.

That means that the features older adults need to help them age in place are not present in most houses.

What you need in a home

Protecting your health, well-being, and personal safety as you grow older will required you to make changes in your home.

As an experienced professional, we can help you ensure the right features and design are chosen for what you will most likely need and for your lifestyle. We also can help you get the right contractor to do the work.

What people can have available for them in their homes later in life has changed dramatically over the years. To start, main floor living is now the standard. Meaning, having everything you need on the main floor of your home, such as a bathroom kitchen, bedroom and laundry facility.

Beyond that, some of the features that might be included in an aging in place remodeling project may be:

Bathrooms

The truth is that most accidents in the home happen in the bathroom. As such, it is important to focus on personal safety when this room is being designed:

• Zero-threshold or roll-in shower
• Seat for the shower
• Lever door handles
• Lever or touch control faucets
• Anti-scald devices
• Non-slip flooring
• Comfort height toilets
• Grab bars

Kitchens

Making meals is necessary for each of us each day and having a good place o prepare our food is important:

• Areas to sit at counters; multi-height counters
• Sinks and cook tops you can sit at
• Easy to reach and operate appliances
• Lever handle or touch sink controls
• Island seating
• Anti-scald device

Bedroom

Having a bedroom that is easy to get into and around in is necessary for a home that is safe and comfortable.

• Sufficient open space
• Walkways without clutter
• Phone next to bed
• Ample storage space
• Sufficient closet and/or storage space

Other areas

Additionally, there are features you will want in the common areas of your home, including wider hallways and doorways, controls and switches that are easy to reach, lever handled door knobs and safety rails (when necessary).

Home Transition Solutions Group is here to help you create the home that meets your lifestyle now, while helping you prepare for your future. We work with some of the best home remodeling and modification professionals in the Quad Cities area, including Davenport and Bettendorf, IA, as well as Rock Island, Moline, and East Moline, IL.

» Call 563-449-2855 to speak to a friendly professional

Your house is the start

We already mentioned that it takes more than just remodeling your home for aging in place. To really be successful, you’ll need to be able to get help from people or businesses in the community at some point.

That could be someone to take care of your lawn or maintenance of your home, in-home care, deliveries or other services. You have to plan for that to make sure all of the things you’ll need are going to be available for you.

That starts with talking to a knowledgeable professional who can give you the information and guidance you need, so you can make informed choices.

Some of the types of support you should check into, include:

• Housekeeping assistance
• In-home care (medical or non-medical)
• Financial planning
• Social or faith-based activities
• Home repair and maintenance
• Lawn care
• Legal
• Transportation
• Companion care
• Money management
• Monitoring or check-in service
• Accessibility and assistive products

We can help you learn what is available right here in our community. Just contact us to talk with someone who can help you begin your aging in place journey.