On October 30, 2002, the National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification organized and hosted the 4th Annual Morton Kesten Summit. The Summit focused on the implementation of home modifications as a means for furthering independence for all Californians, with an emphasis on the elderly and individuals with disabilities. Co-sponsored by the California Department of Aging Senior Housing Information and Support Center, this year's Summit took place at the University of Southern California Andrus Gerontology Center in Los Angeles, California. The theme for the Summit was "A California Blueprint for Action on Home Modification.

Approximately 130 people representing state and local government agencies, local home modification programs, disability groups, associations, professionals, consumers, and researchers attented the one-day, invitation-only conference. Participants listened to panel presentations on four key areas: Service Delivery, Funding, Regulations and Standards, and Consumer Awareness/Acceptance and then developed draft recommendations for a California Blueprint for Action on Home Modifications in breakout groups.

Next steps for the California Blueprint for Action include a California Home Mod list serve, a finalized Blueprint for Action on Home Modifications with specific recommendations, and a follow-up Summit at the state's capitol in Sacramento in the spring, 2003.

If you would like a copy of any background papers or more information about the Summit, call (213) 740-1364 or email homemods@usc.edu

Falls Prevention Through Home Modifications

With the graying of the population and the dominant trend of seniors living at home, the role of home modifications in allowing seniors to age in place grows in significance. As seniors continue to reside in their homes, the issue of falls prevention also rises to the forefront. The incidence of falls among seniors has serious medical, social, and psychological consequences. Physical injuries like fractures may be compounded in severity by other pre-existing illnesses. Falls may deleteriously affect mobility and influence the amount of social interaction with others, thus leading to withdrawal from normal activities. In addition, falls may negatively impact psychological well-being by lowering confidence levels, feelings of independence, and generating fear of future falls.

The good news is, modifications to the home environment may prevent possible falls scenarios. Extensive lists of possible home modifications are available that may range from ramp installation, to stair remodeling, to bathroom grab bars, or better lighting. Even simple adjustments to the home like eliminating dangerous throw rugs can contribute to falls prevention. Very small preventative measures like keeping the floor free of clutter may save an individual from experiencing the suffering generated by falls. Individuals, regardless of age, do have the ability to positively affect their environment through awareness and implementation of home modifications.

For guidelines on home modifications, please refer to the resources located on our website at www.homemods.org or call (213) 740-1364 for information.

Introducing the National Alliance for Home Modification and Senior Independence

The National Alliance for Home Modification and Senior Independence made its debut in California at the recent AARP 2002 Life@50+: A Celebration of You event held at the San Diego Convention Center, September 12-14. Co-sponsored by Countrywide Bank, a division of Treasury Bank, N.A., and the University of Southern California's Andrus Gerontology Center, the Alliance is a national initiative to promote home safety modifications among America's growing numbers of seniors and aging baby boomers.

Proper modification to the home environment increases the likelihood that older persons will remain comfortable, independent and injury-free in their homes, and active in their communities, as long as they desire. Moreover, home modification is paramount to giving frail older persons and persons with disabilities the opportunity to live in a supportive environment.

"The Countrywide name has been synonymous with the American dream of owning a home for over 30 years" notes Countrywide Bank president, Jim Furash. "This program addresses the cycle of home ownership that a majority of individuals and families may experience over a lifetime. We have every hope that the allied efforts of Country wide Bank and the Andrus Gerontology Center will help America's seniors to maintain their independence within their own home," he explained.

• Research by the National Centers for Disease Control (CDC) suggests that one-third of home accidents can be prevented by modification and repair. Home modification may include:
  
• Lever door handles that operate easily with a push
  
• Handrails on both sides of a staircase and outside steps
  
• Ramps for accessible entry and exit
  
• Walk-in shower
  
• Grab bars in the shower, by the toilet, and by the bathtub
  
• Hand-held, flexible showerhead
  
• Lever-handed faucets that are easy to turn on and off
  
• Sliding shelves and lazy Susan in a corner cabinet
  
• C or D ring handles on cabinet doors and drawers for easy gripping

"The Andrus Gerontology Center has long sought a private sector partner with core business interests rooted in the boomer and senior market segments," said Jon Pynoos, Ph.D., the director of the National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification and Professor of Gerontology at USC's Andrus Center. "We are pleased to be working with Countrywide Bank, an affiliate of Countrywide Home Loans, on this exciting endeavor to bring information to the general public." The Andrus Center is the nation's preeminent gerontology center. The center is committed to promoting healthful and safe aging, and an older population that is active and involved in the life of the community and the nation.

The National Alliance for Home Modification and Senior Independence will be active in outreach initiatives such as: the development and distribution of Home Modification literature; on-site Home Modification exhibits at local and national events; and the development of print and broadcast public service announcements.