Video Resources

Welcome to The Center's Video Resource!

This video resource covers a variety of topics concerning home modifications for the elderly. Listed below are categories designated to classify those topics. The categories indicate the content of the references listed in the annotated bibliography.

GENERAL INFORMATION (GI) - Sources identified in this category discuss the relationship between the functional capabilities of the elderly and their need for home modifications. Home modification may also be conceptually presented and analyzed in relation to other supportive housing options. ASSESSMENT (A) - This category includes two different types of assessments. Population or community assessments focus on ways to measure the extent of need for modifications. Individual assessments include procedures and instruments that agency staff can use to assess the competency of individuals, problems that the environment presents, and the need for modifications. FINANCING (F) - Citations in this category describe public and private financing mechanisms to develop programs and pay for modifications. PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION (PD) - Citations in this category discuss how to establish and operate a home modification program. They cover issues such as sponsorship, staffing, outreach, identifying the target population, and creating a delivery system. RESOURCE IDENTIFICATION (RI) - Citations in this category identify products for home modification. EDUCATION/TRAINING (ED) - This category contains educational materials and program resource information to raise public awareness and professional knowledge about home modifications. It includes audiovisual aids, along with manuals and guides.

American Association of Retired Persons. Why Move? Improve!! Lifelong Comfort in Your Home. Washington, D.C.: American Association of Retired Persons, 1996.

This video presents the concept of home modifications as a way of adapting home environments to changing physical needs. Several individuals shown in the video had their homes modified to provide not only better accessibility but also options for future flexibility as they age. Ten easy examples of home modifications are presented, including installing grab bars, ramps, adjustable countertops, and adding a first floor bedroom or bathroom. Individuals shown in the video included young couples who built their own home with future needs for accessability in mind; individuals who had recent surgeries which presented physical difficulties; and older adults who had difficulty climbing stairs in their homes. The individuals shown in the video had both environmental and physical assessments by trained professionals to determine the type and extent of home modifications that they required. These ideas are presented in a clear, straight forward manner, and include a telephone number for fur ther information and assistance from AARP.

Available from: AARP c/o Leon Harper, Consumer Affairs, 601 E. Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20049, (202) 434-6030 (PRICE: $4.50 S&H only).

FOCUS: A, GI, ED, RI

Atlanta Research and Education Foundation. A Vision of Independence. Decatur, Georgia: Atlanta Research and Education Foundation, 1991.

This video provides information on various products and devices to enhance the lives of individuals with vision impairments. The video explains the most common causes of vision impairment and provides suggestions on how to adapt the home to overcome such impairments.

Available from: Atlanta Research and Education Foundation, 1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur, Georgia 30033, (404) 321-5828 (Price: $78.00).

FOCUS: GI, RI, A

American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (AOTA). Changing Needs, Changing Homes: Adapting Your Home to Fit You. ATOF/AOTA/RRF Home Mod Project, 1996.

This video provides a good overview of the home modification process and shows how home modifications can assist individuals to remain in their homes and live independently in the community. Individuals shown in the video were provided with assistance and assessment of their homes by professionals such as remodelers, physical therapists and occupational therapists. Examples include individuals who added features such as ramps, grab bars, and bathroom adaptations for wheelchair accessability. Both older adults and individuals with disabilities are presented in the video, along with helpful modification suggestions for viewers.

Available from: Home Mod Project, Dr. Anne Long Morris, AOTA Geriatric Manager, Practice Dept., 10th Floor, Bethesda, Maryland (301) 652-2682. Available November 1996.

FOCUS: GI, A, ED, RI

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Maintaining Seniors' Independence Through Home Adaptations. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, 1990.

This video outlines strategies to improve the physical layout of the home as a means of maintaining independence and enhancing safety. Included in the video are suggestions for the arrangement of furniture and household design to reduce accidents; controlling water temperature; improving light fixtures; lowering counters; and changing electrical outlets. The video states that "home adaptation is preventative action."

Available from: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, 700 Montreal Road, Ottawa, Ontario, KlA 0P7, Canada (613) 748-2000 (Price: $10.65) Call (416) 282-2950 to order.

FOCUS: GI, A, RI, ED

Center for Assistive Technology. Test Driving a Building. Buffalo, New York: Center for Assistive Technology, 1993.

This video demonstrates a full-scale modeling system that allows professionals to evaluate room designs and assistive devices before purchasing them or actual construction occurs by simulating the design of specially adapted rooms and facilities. The model allows therapists, clients and architects to evaluate possible room designs for accessibility purposes.

Available from: Center for Assistive Technology/UB Products, 515 Kimball Tower, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214-3079, (716) 829-3141 (PRICE: $5.00)

FOCUS: A, ED, GI

Center for Assistive Technology. The Hyperhome Resource. Buffalo, New York: Center for Assistive Technology, 1993.

This video demonstrates a database program developed at the Adaptive Environments Lab in the Center for Assistive Technology at the University at Buffalo. The program assists professionals with providing home modification services to older persons with disabilities

Available from: Center for Assistive Technology/UB Products, 515 Kimball Tower, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214-3079, (716) 829-3141 (PRICE: $15.00).

FOCUS: GI, A, ED

Center for Assistive Technology. The World of Assistive Technology. Buffalo, New York: Center for Assistive Technology, 1992.

This video shows and explains a wide variety of assistive devices for persons with various kinds of disabilities. The video is divided into segments showing applications of assistive technology for sensory, cognitive, and physical disabilities.

Available from: Center for Assistive Technology/UB Products, 515 Kimball Tower, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214-3079, (716) 829-3141 (PRICE: $40.00).

FOCUS: GI, A, RI, ED

The Center for Universal Design. "Accessible Home Modifications Slide Show and Script."

This slide show on home modifications is intended to provide information about accessible home modifications and products. Many of the modifications shown emphasize the use of universal design features that benefit individuals of all ages. The slide show consists of a 3-ring binder with a script and 80 slides in sleeves.

Available from: The Center for Universal Design, NCSU, Box 8613, Raleigh, NC 2769-8613, (800) 647-6777 (PRICE: $75.00). Soon to be available in video format (PRICE: $25.00).

FOCUS: GI, A, RI, ED

Center of Inclusive Design and Environmental Access. Designing Accessible Environments. Buffalo, New York: University of Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning, 1995.

This computer software teaches the basics of accessible design by means of a series of exercises and problems. Accessibility issues are identified by evaluating alternative designs. The program includes public space design, residential design, site planning and building products.

Available from: Center for Assistive Technology/UB Products, 515 Kimball Tower, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214-3079, 1995. (716) 829-3141. (PRICE: $50.00).

FOCUS: GI, A, ED, RI

Concrete Change. Building Better Neighborhoods. Atlanta, Georgia: Concrete Change, 1994.

This video discusses the work of Concrete Change, an organization that educates individuals and community groups about the importance of incorporating universal design techniques into building projects. Universal design is defined as design that is accessible to every individual regardless of age or physical disability. The video devotes extensive time to illustrating the development and construction of non-step entrance ways. The existence of such entrances is meant to provide individuals with accessibility and comfort.

Available from: Concrete Change, 1371 Metropolitan Ave. SE, Atlanta, GA 30316, (404) 378-7455 (Price: $24.00).

FOCUS: GI, Rl, ED

Hometime. Building and Remodeling for Accessibility. Chaska, Minnesota: Hometime, 1993.

This video provides information on the construction of ramps to enhance accessibility to the home for elders and people with disabilities. Feasibility, mobility, and economic issues are discussed as well as step-by-step instructions on how to build an accessible ramp. Also included in the video are suggested renovations to kitchens and baths, the disadvantages associated with standard doorways, and ways to make the home into a safe and comfortable environment.

Available from: Hometime, 4275 Norex Drive, Chaska, Minnesota 55318, (612) 448-3812 (Price: $11.95 plus $3.50 S&H).

FOCUS: GI, RI, A, ED University, 1991.

Injury Prevention Center. Home Safe Home. Baltimore, Maryland: Johns Hopkins

This video provides information about adaptations that can be easily performed to make the home safe and comfortable for older adults. The video stresses that injury is not a normal aspect of growing older. Suggestions are made to enhance the home's environment to promote independence and mobility. Information concerning proper household lighting and water temperatures and adaptations to kitchens and bathrooms is provided. Information is also provided on how to adapt the physical environment for those older adults suffering from dementia-related disorders.

Available from: Injury Prevention Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, (410) 887-2738 (Price: $20.00 plus $4.60 S&H. Phone orders accepted).

FOCUS: GI, RI, ED, A

Iowa State University. A Home For All Ages.Ames, Iowa: Iowa State University, 1990.

Iowa State University. A Home For All Ages, Ames, Iowa: Iowa State University, 1997. This video prepares volunteers to staff the "Home for All Ages" educational exhibit that has been developed by Extension Specialists at Iowa State University. The 40-foot long display includes a living room, kitchen, and bathroom. Design features and assistive devices that make a home more convenient and comfortable for people of all ages and all abilities are demonstrated in each room. Special features include an electronic faucet and toilet seat lifter in the bathroom, seated work area in the kitchen, and environmental control unit in the living room.

Available from: Iowa State University, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, 62 LeBaron Hall, Ames, IA 50011, (515) 294-8520; yearns@iastate.edu (Price: $15.00).

FOCUS: GI, RI, A, ED

National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). It's All in the Planning. Upper Marlboro, Maryland: NAHB Resource Center, 1992.

This video provides information on the construction of more accessible housing units for older adults and persons with disabilities. It focuses on ways to enhance wheelchair accessibility, lower fixtures within the home to provide greater comfort, and reduce the risk of accidental injury. The video examines the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom, and provides suggestions on ways to enhance functional ability in each room

Available from: NAHB Research Center, 400 Prince George's Blvd., Upper Marlboro, MD 20772-8731, (301) 249-4000 (Price: $25.00 plus $4.00 S&H).

FOCUS: GI, RI

National Council on Aging. Design for Living. Washington, D.C.: National Council on Aging, 1992.

This video demonstrates the adaptability and accessibility that can be achieved within the home of an older or disabled individual by examining a model housing unit in Chino, California that incorporated innovative technologies and design concepts which were meant to provide safe and comfortable living conditions for the older residents. Designers as well as the home's occupants discuss the advantages associated with devices in the home.

Available from: National Council on Aging, Publications Dept., Washington, DC 20061-5087, (800) 424-9046 (Price: $15.00 plus $2.00 S&H).

FOCUS: GI, A, RI, ED

New Jersey Institute of Technology. A House for All Children.  Newark, New Jersey: Center for Architecture and Building Science Research, New Jersey Institute of Technology, 2000.
 
This video focuses on six families that have modified homes for their children with disabilities.  The modifications to the homes include: entry ramps, larger bathrooms, wider hallways, remote controlled doors, rocker switches, level door handles, pocket doors, and censor operated sinks.  Families attest to the significant impact of home modifications in promoting independence and increasing self-esteem in their children.

Ryerson Communications. Accessibility Comes Home.  Roanoke, Virginia: Ryerson Communications, Inc., 2001. 
 
This video details the significant impact that Creative Housing Inc. has made on the lives of individuals with disabilities in the state of Ohio.  Creative Housing Inc. has allowed individuals to stay in their homes by developing and implementing home modification plans.  Unfortunately, individuals with disabilities may be institutionalized solely because of their inability to freely move around in their home environments.  This video questions the impulse to institutionalize individuals with disabilities when it is 75% cheaper and much more desirable for them to remain in their own homes using environmental
modifications.
 
Available From:  Ryerson Communications Inc., 5616 Village Way, Roanoke, Virginia  24014, (540) 725-1866 phone, (540) 725-1867 fax.  Email: vidkid52@home.com

South East Baltimore Housing Initiative. Staying Home. Baltimore, Maryland: South East Baltimore Housing Initiative, 1990.

This video provides information on ways to improve lighting, mobility, and accessibility for the home. The importance of sufficient and proper light fixtures, low lying carpeting, and marking of stairs to avoid falls is emphasized. Information is also provided concerning proper placement of telephones, electrical sockets, and light switches. The video stresses that while needs change over time, early investment is central to successfully coping with such changes.

Available from: South East Senior Housing Initiative, 10 South Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21231, (410) 327-6193 (PRICE: $25.00).

FOCUS: GI, RI, ED, A