new routines (Rioux, 2005). However, these are all factors that can be remedied through the proper therapeutic use of self, communication, and education on the side of the clinician. Open and honest communication without pressure works well. It is important to remember and acknowledge the emotional attachments to the home. Knowing which of the four types of person (practical planner, rugged pioneer, where I belong, and rooted in place) with whom the clinician is working assists in communicating appropriately with the person and understanding his or her values. Utilizing those values to frame the modification can alleviate concerns and reverse possible refusals that come from fear of change. A discussion to delve into the reasons behind the refusal should also occur so that emotions and Monetary concerns It is not uncommon for charities and other organizations to require someone to own their home prior to home modification completion. Empowering clients with knowledge of the Fair Housing Act when speaking with landlords can help with some of these issues. Being knowledgeable of eligibility requirements for local resources helps with connecting clients to the appropriate
thoughts can be acknowledged. Compromise also helps with refusals; it allows the older adult to remain in power and have a voice in changing the home. Another useful technique is to frame suggestions as a story about someone else. Sharing the story of someone who had a certain modification completed might change someone’s mind. Along the same lines, discussing how certain changes would help other people who would come to visit also increases the chance of approval. Few people openly embrace change and acknowledge their aging, but they tend to be more willing to accommodate and help others. Storytelling is a very powerful tool in this process. could be a valuable advertising opportunity for the clinician. With Habitat for Humanity, the client or family will be responsible for a portion of the cost, in keeping with Habitat’s mission to provide full ownership of the home. Rebuilding Together will complete home modification work free of charge to older adults of limited means. They typically do have a volunteer occupational therapist on the projects. If your client has a specific condition, such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the respective association often has funds to assist with home modification projects. It is also possible to ask local charities, organizations, and neighborhood groups for assistance in some of these areas. Federal sources Most assistance will come at the private or county level;
assistance. Financing
Many people choose to self-pay or take out private loans to complete their home modification work. A clinician should always consider both present and future needs so as to prevent future work and costs, on top of maintaining function for a longer period of time. Some home modifications and repairs can be tax deductible. Homeowner insurance companies sometimes offer discounts to people who have proactively completed necessary home modifications. County sources The county may provide some assistance to people who wish to complete home modifications. Some counties provide loans that are repayable over the rest of their lifetime, then out of their estate upon passing. Other counties and sometimes cities have nonprofit organizations that will provide grants or work, though these can sometimes have a waiting period of several years. The county’s area agency on aging should have information in this area for inquiring minds. Other county based resources include Habitat for Humanity and Rebuilding Together. Some Habitat for Humanity groups now offer home modification services; if they do not include a rehabilitation specialist such as a physical therapist on the team, it however, the federal government does provide some resources. The Home and Community Based Medicaid Waiver program exists to help people on Medicaid make modifications to their existing homes. Rules differ between state programs. The USDA Rural Housing Home Repair Loan and Grant Program provides loans and grants to very low-income homeowners to modify, repair, and modernize their homes. There are strict requirements as to who is eligible for this program. Finally, the local Veterans’ Affairs (VA) may pay for home modifications on behalf of their beneficiaries. They have specific rules about who may complete the work and how big spaces must be. One example is the requirement that all bathrooms, regardless of the actual needs and abilities of the person, be 5 ′ by 5 ′ large. This may require the loss of a bedroom, but in order for the VA to pay for the modification, it must be that big. AVAILABLE ADVANCED CERTIFICATIONS AND CONTINUING EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
This course is meant to be an introduction to the world of aging in place and home modifications. This field is evolving constantly; interventions are truly only limited by our imaginations. Accordingly, there are many resources and opportunities available for further education, certifications, and Home modification certifications There are certifications that are recognized in the building and design industries. These designations require completion of The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) offers a 3-day certification course to become a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS; NAHB, 2017b). Each day presents one of the three required classes to become CAPS certified. CAPS is widely recognized in the home building industry as a specialization. It is available for occupational/physical therapists, contractors, builders, architects, and interior designers; classes are interprofessional in attendance. Often, builders or contractors teach these courses. certification courses and provide credentials. Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) There is a heavy emphasis on the creation of a business model and marketing; in fact, one entire day is devoted just to the running of a home modifications business. The other two days will discuss marketing and communication strategies, an
support from experts in the field inside and outside physical therapy. Clinicians interested in home modifications, and especially those with the intent of making a business from this practice area, should consider pursuing the options listed below.
overview of interprofessional teamwork, and design standards and ideas for an accessible home. It is possible to have the business class waived if an appropriate substitute has been taken and approved by the NAHB. Clinicians become CAPS certified after passing the exam at the end of each day and paying a fee. To remain CAPS certified, continuing education is required every three years according to their requirements listed on their website. Certified Living in Place Specialist (CLIPP) The Certified Living in Place Professional Program is a 2-day training from the Living in Place Institute that focuses on training medical, construction, architectural, design, and home inspection professionals on how to assess homes for accessibility and make appropriate recommendations to increase the accessibility (Living in Place Institute, 2017). They focus on the living-in-place market. It differs from CAPS in that it focuses on the ability of all people, regardless of age or condition, to be
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Book Code: PTNY3622B
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