They're Helping Keep Senior Citizens at Home

Many people are, or will be soon, making age-related decisions for themselves or an aging family member. Outside of health concerns, housing is often the most challenging consideration.  John Hoppa, Jason Roberts, and Lee Rider are three Gwinnett County residents who recently started a HandyPro franchise that specializes in home modifications for seniors, and serves Suwanee. Roberts and Rider are also residential real-estate appraisers.

Accessibility and safety issues can quickly become a concern for those who are ill or disabled. Many seniors may feel that home modifications are too expensive. But often, minor modifications will allow them to stay in their home. Compared with the rising costs of assisted living arrangements, in-home modifications may actually be the lower-cost alternative.

According to US Census Bureau, the number of residents in the United States 65 and older is growing:

As of April 1, 2010:
• There were 40.3 million people over 65 years of age.
• Those over 65 represented 13 percent of the total population.
• Between 2000 and 2010 the population 65 years and over grew at a faster rate than the total population.

Additionally, the baby boomers, those born between 1946 and 1964, comprised 26 percent of the US population in 2006.

While a little more than 10 years old now, results of a study published by the AARP revealed that 9 out of 10 people over the age of 65 would prefer to remain in their own home as opposed to some other alternative for living arrangements. A common term now is “aging in place,” and according to ageinplace.com this term means “a senior living in the residence of their choice as they age, while being able to have any services (or other support) they might need over time as their needs change, for as long as they are able.”

To help with the challenges of the aging population in the U.S. is an up-and-coming service industry that specializes in living area modifications made custom for the needs of seniors. Common modifications include automatic door openers, ramps, safety bars, bathroom transfer systems, stair lifts, and specialized tubs/showers.

Hoppa, Roberts, and Rider join a HandyPro team that has been doing senior modifications for over 10 years and places an emphasis on safety and accessibility. Hoppa spends time networking with insurance companies, therapists, hospital discharge agents, and financial planners to look for people that may choose home modification as an option to meet a particular need.   

“The home care and medical professionals are the people that really understand the needs of the person,” Hoppa said. “It makes more sense for the client to work through their options with the home care provider or medical professional first because there is a relationship already there.” If the person elects to make home modifications, then Hoppa and his team can work with them for a specific solution to their needs.

The typical process first requires an on-site interview and discussion to assess the need. Hoppa and his team take measurements and photos to send back to architects for a plan and a quote.  This allows prospective customers to further understand their options.  “The key is to have a plan that addresses the senior’s priorities before committing to any modifications” Hoppa said.