Housing is an alarming concern in many communities. Affordable housing shortages receive the most attention. Yet, the availability of accessible housing is equally important. Now is the time to account for the needs of people with mobility limitations in the housing market.
Adults age 50 and older report they would like to remain in their home for a long time (Source: AARP). The simple fact is that is not realistic long-term. While across the life span, we experience short periods of injury or disability, increasing age is associated with long-term disability and mobility limitations. The impact of these disabilities and mobility limitations can be reduced by building homes that are appropriately sized and spaced in key areas (e.g., bathroom). Yet, these types of units are largely unavailable in the current stock of homes.
As a result, many individuals and families are facing a need for home modification to achieve their goal of staying in their home for a long time. The unfortunate news is that many individuals are blind to the deficiencies in their home until a personal crisis occurs or they cannot invite a cherished friend or relative to their home. It is likely that the costs of the home modification are beyond their reach and they are forced to find alternative housing arrangements in a market with few accessible options.
Voices for Home Modification Project
Because of this reality, the Voices for Home Modification of the Dakotas project was launched. This two-state project includes representatives from North Dakota and South Dakota. This group includes individuals, architects, interior designers, gerontologists, occupational therapists, non-profit agencies, emergency service providers, government agencies, and more. Their mission is to increase knowledge and awareness about the role home design plays in quality of life for people with mobility limitations. With a vision that every home is constructed to enhance quality of life for all people. They donated their time to develop the educational and outreach resources included on this page.
This group began collaborating during the summer of 2021. This web series is the result of their efforts. It includes educational materials, testimonials, and consumer/professional resources. The group is engaged in an awareness campaign across both states to increase consumer and professional knowledge about home modification. Other activities associated with this project are research to better understand the availability of home modification in North Dakota and South Dakota.
During 2023, the VHMD project was promoted to a wide array of audiences, including the South Dakota Housing Annual Conference, North Dakota Committee on Aging, Rural Health Task Force, American Institute for Architects South Dakota Convention, West River Social Work Conference, Northern Plains Conference on Aging, and various presentations to consumer audiences. Over 450 people were reached during 2023 through these activities. Outreach activities planned for 2024 include home shows, farm shows, powwows and presentations.
Testimonials
Many individuals and families are living in homes that do not align with their mobility needs (e.g., accessible bathroom). 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. We invite you to read these testimonials to learn how real people in North Dakota and South Dakota are affected by 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. The guide includes a series of questions grouped into four categories, including exterior, accessible routes, essential features, and using the home. By answering these questions, you will have a better understanding of some of the home modifications you might need to make to age in place.
Funding Guide
Not sure where to start when securing funding for your home modification project? 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. It also has information for businesses interested in getting listed in home modification databases.
How to become involved?
You have many options to become involved in this project. Below is a list of ways to help.
- You can add your business or agency to resource databases.
- You can join the team involved in this project.
- You can share your personal home modification story using the #Voices4HomeMods hashtag on social media.
- You can advocate for home modification in your community.
- You can help with education and outreach efforts (community presentations, table events, etc.).
- You can establish local coalitions in your region or community to work on home modification.
- You can share toolkit resources with others (social media, email, in-person, etc.).
Learn More
Interested in learning more about Voices for Home Modification project? Contact Leacey E. Brown, SDSU Extension Gerontology Field Specialist, at 605-394-1722 or leacey.brown@sdstate.edu for more information.
Project supported by:
