Remaining in the home is a high priority for many older people. Many older people are facing a disability that requires accessibility in the home. Unfortunately, most housing in South Dakota is not designed for people with disabilities. Most homes are missing one or more basic accessibility features (wide halls and doors, bathroom that is sized and spaced for a wheelchair user, bedroom on entry level, and a no-step entrance). Even when these features are present, home modifications may be necessary to make the home usable to people with disabilities.
Aging in Place
All Aging in Place Content
Housing Across the Life Span: Consumer knowledge, preferences, and barriers
The goal of this study was to understand perceptions of aging in place and identify next steps to remove barriers to successful aging in place.
Caregiving for Rural Families
SDSU Extension developed a course called Caregiving for Rural Families. This self-paced course is designed to help rural people learn about long-term services support, how to help someone with routine tasks like bathing or brushing teeth, and how caregivers need to prepare for emergency situations.
Older Adults
SDSU Extension provides education and resources for older adults and their families.
How to Find and Pay for Home Modifications
This resource was developed to help you understand how to pay for home modifications in North Dakota and South Dakota, as well as describe some of the challenges you may encounter as you search for businesses or organizations to renovate your home for you.
Voices for Home Modification of the Dakotas
The Voices for Home Modification coalition seeks to increase knowledge about the role home design plays in quality of life for people with mobility limitations. Learn more about their mission and how you can get involved today!
Adaptable Home Overview
The Adaptable Home Series is a tool to help consumers who are looking to find a home that can be modified to meet the needs of people with disabilities and older adults without the need for costly structural renovations.
Home Modification Planning Guide
The home modification planning guide is a tool for anyone who plans to age in place. The guide is designed to help you think about how you might actually use the home after developing disabilities.
Testimonials for Home Modification
The Voices for Home Modification of the Dakota project team invited various people in North Dakota and South Dakota to share their testimonials about mobility limitations and housing.
New Me, New Home.
After a series of life-changing strokes, Julie List made the bold decision to move into an accessible home. Learn how her journey transformed her into a voice for accessible home design.
Emergency Medical Service Providers for Home Modification
Emergency medical service providers work in the home each day to help individuals with medical emergencies and falls. Learn the crucial role that accessible home design can play in making their work more efficient.