A three-generation extended family, of varying needs and abilities, is gathering to share a happy moment as they investigate new technology and continue to age in place in their current home
All of us are aging
The fact that each of us is getting older means that what may have worked for us in the past may not be as helpful or functional now or in the years to come. We all require a safe, comfortable, convenient, and accessible dwelling space, whether we would label our home as such currently or feel that it needs some work to achieve these objectives.
Regardless of our current age or ability or the type of dwelling that we may have, the chances are strong that some improvement now or in the foreseeable future will enable us to use our homes safer and more enjoyably. However, the extent and expense of such improvements has a wide range.
Not all of us know how to approach such changes, however.
Beginning with an assessment
We may have a general idea of what works in our home or what isn’t as satisfactory for us. It could be doorways, flooring, wall surfaces, lighting, kitchen or bath areas, or just general comfort and accessibility. Then again, maybe we feel that our homes could serve us better but don’t know exactly what is amiss. That’s where the assessment comes into play.
We can do an assessment ourselves (and run the risk of being too easy or too hard on ourselves and our homes), or we can have this done by someone such as a CAPS professional who is well-suited for such a task.
The important thing about an assessment is consistency. Whatever is observed and noted – similar to grading test papers – must be approached with the same standards.
Budgets can be far-ranging
After we determine what we want to do, or to help us make that decision, pricing is going to play a huge role. To that end, there often are several ways to approach a particular solution when it comes to an expenditure.
Labor is one of the largest expenses on a project, but it can be variable as well. Is it priced by the hour or by the project? There are many people in the marketplace from which to choose so there likely are many different pricing models as as well. Does the work need to be done all at once, or can it be staged and paid for in increments?
Often there are multiple ways to approach a solutions, along with various treatments, brands, and quality. That affects the total investment in the project.
Being knowledgeable about the work that may be required, the different ways to approach it, and the products to be used can definitely affect what the total expenditure needs to be.