Frequently Asked Questions

Explore answers to common inquiries about enhancing home safety, navigating aging-in-place challenges, and optimizing living environments for comfort and independence.

General Information

What is Aging-in-Place, and why is it important?

Aging-in-place refers to the ability to live in one’s own home safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age or ability level. It is important because it allows individuals to maintain their quality of life, preserve independence, and avoid the emotional and financial costs of moving to a care facility. Please visit our Aging-in-place page for more detailed information.

How do I know if I need a home safety assessment?

If you or a loved one has experienced a recent fall, is using new mobility aids, or is finding daily activities challenging due to changes in health or mobility, a home safety assessment can help identify risks and provide solutions to enhance safety and independence.

Can I benefit from a home safety assessment even if I’m currently healthy?

Absolutely! Many individuals choose to plan for the future by making proactive home modifications, even while they are still healthy. This approach ensures that their home will be safe, accessible, and adaptable as they age or if their mobility needs change. By preparing in advance, you can avoid the stress and costs of making urgent changes later on and can continue living independently in the comfort of your home for years to come. Planning for the future with aging-in-place modifications is a smart investment in your long-term safety and quality of life.

What kind of services do you provide?

Adapt for Aging Home Safety Consultants provides home safety consultations and recommendations. It is important to note that these services are not occupational therapy. Although Carlyn Stech is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, the services are provided on a private pay basis and are not billable to insurance.

What is the difference between your services and occupational therapy (OT), and how does your experience as a COTA/L benefit me?

While our services are not occupational therapy and are private pay, Carlyn Stech’s experience as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L) brings a deep understanding of functional mobility, safety, and accessibility to our home safety assessments. Carlyn’s extensive OT background allows her to recognize unique risks and opportunities for improving independence, drawing from years of experience working with seniors and individuals with disabilities. Although these services are not billed to insurance, the expertise provided ensures a high-quality, personalized approach to making your home safer and more accessible.

What areas do you serve?

We serve central and north San Diego County, including Poway and surrounding areas.

How do we schedule a consultation?

To schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation or a home safety assessment, please visit our Contact Us page or email us at carlyn@adaptforaging.com. Be prepared to discuss your concerns and specific needs.

Home Safety Assessments

What is a home safety assessment and who can benefit from one?

A home safety assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of your living environment aimed at identifying potential hazards and barriers to independence. We examine key areas of your home, focusing on safety, accessibility, and functionality. You will receive a detailed written report that includes tailored recommendations for adaptations and modifications to enhance safety and promote independence. This assessment benefits seniors, individuals with disabilities, and anyone concerned about maintaining a safe and accessible living environment as they age in place.

What does a home safety assessment entail?

The assessment typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes and involves evaluating entryways, living spaces, bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms to identify potential hazards. After the assessment, we provide personalized recommendations for modifications to enhance safety, along with recommendations for equipment, complete with photos, descriptions, and links for easy purchasing.

How do you prioritize safety modifications?

We prioritize modifications based on the most significant risks identified during the assessment, focusing on fall prevention and improving accessibility. Our goal is to address the most pressing safety concerns first.

What should I prepare before home safety assessment?

It’s helpful to have a list of any current safety concerns, recent falls or accidents, and any specific mobility or accessibility challenges. Providing information on medical conditions and daily routines can also help us tailor our recommendations. Prior to the assessment, you'll be asked to complete a pre-consultation questionnaire to provide us with details about your functional needs, which ensures we address your unique situation during the visit.

What are some quick and cost-effective ways to make my home safer?

Simple modifications like adding non-slip mats in the bathroom, securing loose rugs, ensuring adequate lighting, and installing handrails can significantly reduce fall risks without major expenses.

 

Services and Recommendations

What are some common home modifications for aging-in-place?

Common modifications include installing grab bars in bathrooms, improving lighting, removing tripping hazards like throw rugs, widening doorways for wheelchair access, and adding ramps at entryways. Each recommendation is based on individual needs and home layout.

Do you complete the home modifications you recommend?

No, Adapt for Aging does not complete the modifications. We provide a detailed written report with recommendations for home safety and accessibility improvements. You can take this report to your chosen contractor, remodeler, or handyman to carry out the modifications. We are also happy to coordinate with professionals for an additional fee, ensuring the recommended changes are implemented effectively.

Do you provide durable medical equipment?

We don’t sell DME but offer a curated list of recommended items, such as grab bars, shower chairs, non-slip mats, and more, along with links for easy purchasing.

What if my needs or the needs of a loved one change in the future?

We encourage regular follow-up assessments to ensure that your home continues to meet your or your loved one’s changing needs. Our team can help identify new modifications as circumstances evolve, ensuring that your home remains safe and supportive as your needs change over time.

Our Team and Qualifications

What qualifications do your consultants have?

Our founder and lead assessor is certified as an Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) and a Fall Prevention Specialist (CFPS), with extensive experience assessing homes for seniors wishing to age in place. She is also a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L), bringing valuable knowledge and expertise to our assessments.

How do you stay up-to-date with the latest safety and accessibility standards?

Our consultants regularly attend professional development courses and stay current with the latest research and best practices in the fields of aging-in-place and home safety to ensure we provide the most effective and up-to-date recommendations.

Connect with Us

Ready to enhance your home’s safety and comfort? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step in supporting you or your loved ones' independence.

Disclaimer

The services provided by Adapt for Aging Home Safety Consultants are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although Carlyn Stech is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, these services do not constitute occupational therapy. Services are provided on a private pay basis and are not billable to insurance. For medical guidance specific to your health, please consult your healthcare provider. Some links on this website, including those for recommended products, may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission from purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. This helps our business grow and thrive.