Problem

Concerned adult children who live out-of-town wonder if their mother with dementia and caregiving father are at risk for falls and are safe at home.

Solution

After an initial Zoom consultation with the adult children, a consultation to the parents’ home was made and written recommendations were given to address both immediate concerns for safe functioning and longer-term needs. The report provided recommendations for easily addressed remedial issues, solutions requiring a contractor, and detailed product links for easy follow-up by the family. A final Zoom conference was held with out-of-town children and the caregiving parent to answer questions and discuss priorities.

Problem

An active middle-age couple wants to stay in their long-time family home and “age-in-place” rather than move to a continuing care community. Their goal is to make their home accessible for themselves and for guests. They asked for solutions that will make the best use of their property, budget and long-term health considerations.

Solution

Homeowners were presented with four options:  

1. Short term/immediate modification needs for safety and accessibility.

2. Design ideas for partial renovation to a first floor powder room and access into the house for wheelchair “visitability”; 

3. Sketches for a first-floor addition and full renovation; and

4. Extensive remodel and building design options that included some “wishlist” items.

Homeowners were given a thorough list of product resources, information regarding home tax credits through the Montgomery County Design for Life initiative and recommendations for experienced local contractors.

Problem

A homeowner with a significant disability after a stroke questions the cost-benefit of a full renovation vs. moving into a new home or continuing care community that would suit his long-term, changing needs.

Solution

Specific recommendations were given for one-handed orientation; sensory loss; lighting, flooring; doorway access and falls prevention. Design options provided included plans for future live-in caregivers. Resources were provided for SMART home options, architects and contractors.