Resources
This page provides links to fall prevention, home modification, and universal design publications, providers, and training for professionals.
Fall Prevention
Fall Prevention Center of Excellence
The Fall Prevention Center of Excellence at the University of Southern California Leonard Davis School of Gerontology is nationally recognized as a leading source of fall prevention information for older adults, families, caregivers, professionals, service providers, researchers, and policymakers.
www.stopfalls.org
Fall Prevention Fact Sheets
Fact sheets on a variety of fall prevention topics, including vision, medications, home modification, assistive devices, and preventing falls around pets. Developed by the Fall Prevention Center of Excellence, they available in 6 different languages and printer friendly versions.
http://stopfalls.org/resources/center-developed-resources
National Council on Aging
Information on evidence-based fall prevention programs for older adults as well as other fall prevention resources.
https://www.ncoa.org/healthy-aging/falls-prevention/
Home Modification
Homemods.org
This website is a university-based, non-profit information clearinghouse on home modification. It is dedicated to promoting aging in place and independent living for persons of all ages and abilities. It also offers training and education for professionals who wish to respond to the increasing demand for home modification services.
www.homemods.org
HomeSAFE (Home Safety Adaptations for the Elderly)
Funded by The Eisner Foundation, the Fall Prevention Center of Excellence’s Home SAFE project included the development of resources for professionals and older adults and their families on the topics of fall prevention, home modification, fire prevention, and healthy home strategies. http://stopfalls.org/resources/homesafe/
Home Modification: How to Get It Done
Home modification recommendations and tips for hiring a contractor.
Remodeling and Universal Design/Livable Design
The Hartford Center for Mature Market Excellence – Remodeling Today for a Better Tomorrow
This website offers remodeling ideas, videos of livable design features in the kitchen and bathroom, and an interactive home design quiz.
http://www.thehartford.com/remodel
Livable Design
Livable Design was established in 2009, by its parent company, Eskaton, a senior residence and service provider throughout Northern California. Eskaton established Livable Design to provide an innovative model of home design that is a better way to live and a better way to build for all ages.
http://www.livabledesign.com/
Find a Provider
Depending on the extent of the modifications you need, there are several ways to modify and repair your home. You can:
- Do it yourself, or get a friend or relative to help
- Hire a building professional (handyworker, remodeler, or contractor) and/or health care professional such as an occupational therapist to advise you on changes
- Contact a home modification and repair program or business that can advise you on funding, assessing your home, and products to consider
Below are sources to help in identifying a home modification provider in your area. The Fall Prevention Center of Excellence does not endorse nor qualify any of the following home modification providers. This resource page is for informational purposes and individuals must use their own caution and judgment when contacting home modification providers.
When seeking a provider, consider taking these steps:
- Get recommendations from friends who have had similar projects completed.
- Hire a licensed and bonded professional.
- Be specific about work to be done in advance.
- Ask for a written agreement with a small down payment. Make the final payment only after the project is completed.
- Check the local Better Business Bureau for a professional’s reliability and performance record.
The National Directory of Home Modification and Repair Resources
This Directory was first created in 1990 through a nationwide survey of state and local agencies, organizations, and professionals. Since that time, hundreds of entries have been added upon request. www.homemods.org
Rebuilding Together
Rebuilding Together’s network of more than 200 affiliates across the country provides free rehabilitation, home modifications, and critical repairs to make the homes of low-income Americans safer and more accessible.
http://www.togetherwetransform.org/find-your-local-affiliate
info@rebuildingtogether.org
(800) 473-4229
Find a Fall Prevention Coalition in Your Area
Fall prevention coalitions can be a helpful source of information on home modification providers, as well as local fall prevention programs and specialists.
Eldercare Locator
A free one-stop referral resource for aging-related services in each community.
www.eldercare.gov
(800) 677-1116
Training for Professionals
The USC Executive Certificate in Home Modification Program
Composed of five interactive, online courses, the program offers students access to the latest on home modification research, products, funding strategies, policies, and community planning. It is designed for professionals including remodelers/contractors, planners, personnel of organizations representing the elderly and people with disabilities, occupational and physical therapists and others interested in starting their own home modification business. The courses connect professionals from around the country who learn from each other as well as experts in the field.
http://homemods.org/online-courses/legal/certificate.shtml
© 2021 Fall Prevention Center of Excellence
Generously Supported by the Care Institute Group