AGING IN PLACE AND HOME SAFETY FUNCTIONALITY IMPROVEMENTS

Working with a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) allows the client to focus on desired changes with the confidence that a CAPS has the experience and knowledge to offer ideas, strategies, and solutions to fit your budget. There are many factors to consider when making changes to a home to live more safely and comfortably to accommodate different needs as we age. We offer several Aging in Place services to clients, guided by the Certified Aging in Place designation through the National Home Builders Association.

Virginia Certified Aging In Place Specialist Safety Needs Assessment

This service includes a thorough examination of each room in the home and the front and back entries. The review will include a meeting to discuss home safety concerns and modifications the homeowner wants to make now and in the future. The assessment includes recommended changes, areas to improve, and assistance with obtaining estimates. The assessment will cover all mobility and fall hazards and suggested changes to improve safety, functionality, and livability. Simplify for Life will work with you to find a contractor within your budget and can make recommendations. Many safety changes can be low-cost updates that a client may be able to do themselves or by hiring a handy person. Some common changes are improved lighting, changing door handles to a lever style, leveling floor thresholds, widening doorways, and decluttering to remove tripping hazards.

Virginia Certified Aging In Place Specialist Home Organizing Service with an Aging in Place Lens

Sometimes clutter can contribute to mobility challenges, become a physical barrier to an area in the home, and unknowingly become a fall hazard that impacts emotional and physical well-being. A home organizing plan can address positive changes to ensure the safety and functionality of the home, by creating organizing systems that provide relief and an emotional lift. Decluttering is the focus of organizing with an Aging in Place lens to ensure that everything has its place and that no clutter is near any walkway that could inadvertently be a fall hazard. The organizing focus is not only the functionality of a room but also accessibility to regularly used items and addressing any sensory challenges a client has.

Room Modifications to Accommodate Aging and/or a Health Condition

Making appropriate changes to storage and accessibility of items can have a dramatic impact to the quality of life. We can review and recommend to clients products available to adapt existing cabinets or other storage to make life easier.

  • “Hiring Karen was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! She was truly invaluable in helping me with my move and getting me organized in my new home. She approaches every task with positive energy and strong organizational skills.”
    - Client, Arlington, VA
  • “Karen understands what it means to feel overwhelmed and to not have enough space or time. The best part of working with Karen was she kept me on task, used our time together wisely and efficiently, sped up the process of the whole project and made my long-term goal of being organized come true. She also taught me skills to maintain the environment we created.”
    - Neda, Alexandria, VA
  • "I have been working for a few years now with Karen Gardiner.  Actually, she's worked with every member of our family! She is talented, prompt, very knowledgeable and extremely nice to work with!  I use her services both at home and work. I look forward to each and every appointment because I know how happy I will be with her work. My stress level has decreased ever since I met her! We will continue to use Karen and I am pleased to recommend her.” 

    - Liz Sinclair, Alexandria, VA
  • “I have a disability and Karen went out of her way to organize my closets and kitchen cabinets and she purchased the materials needed to make items more accessible yet out of the way. Karen is both a terrific person and a terrific organizer. I recommend her to anyone who needs help with any size project.”
    - Stephanie Irene, Alexandria, VA

Are you ready to make changes to your home with a Virginia Certified Aging In Place Specialist? Fill out our contact form to discuss your needs.