AARP’s Home Fit Workshops Show Options To Age In Place

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AARP Mississippi will conduct a series of Home Fit workshops throughout the state in 2013. The workshops will focus on ways to make homes more livable as owners get older and/or as the owners needs change. Many people would like to stay in their own homes or communities for as long as possible. The workshop will guide participates in taking a fresh look at their current homes to see if it matches their needs now, if it will continue to meet their needs as they grow older, and to explore visitability.

One way to make a home livable for everyone is to incorporate design principles and features – often called universal design. Universal design is about creating a home that is adaptable, flexible, safe, and easy-to-use for all residents and visitors, regardless of age, size, or ability. Things to consider when determining if your home will meet your future needs include:

• At least one step-free entrance into the home
• A bedroom, full bath, and kitchen on the main level
• Wide doorways and hallways
• Lever door and faucet handles
• Multi-height kitchen countertops that can be used while standing or seated
• Kitchen and bathroom cabinets and shelves that are easy to reach
• A bathtub or shower with a non-slip bottom or floor
• Blocking in the bathroom walls so grab bars can be added as needed
• Well-lit hallways and stairways
• Secure handrails on both side of stairways

You may find some Home Safety Tips by visiting AARP Home»Home & Family »Your Home »Home Safety Checklists.

To find out the locations and dates of the 2013 Home Fit workshops, like us on Facebook, or call 1-866-554-5382.

If you are interested in scheduling a Home Fit Workshop in your area or becoming a trained Home Fit Volunteer Workshop Presenter, call 1-866-554-5382 or email msaarp@aarp.org.