Course Focuses on Home Modifications for Lifelong Living

"Home Modifications Across the Lifespan: Creating and Modifying Home Environments for Lifelong Living" will be offered on Friday, March 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Howard Community College Gateway Building, located at 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive in Columbia.
The course will focus on the need for home modifications across ages and ability levels, including approaches for assessing, planning and implementing universally designed home modifications, financing options and future directions.
Home modifications can add comfort, safety and convenience while increasing participation in daily activities, reducing the risk of falls and injuries and promoting health and wellness. This is a growing need: According to an AARP survey, more than eight in 10 respondents age 45 and older, and more than nine in 10 of those 65 and older, say they want to stay in their homes.
Even if they should need help caring for themselves, 82% would prefer not to move from their current homes and 85% have already made simple changes to their homes.
The course is co-sponsored by the Homes for Life Coalition of Howard County and Howard Community College Division of Continuing Education and Workforce Development. Instructors are Jon Sanford, who has been recognized for his expertise in issues related to home modification, environmental safety and universal design for more than 20 years; and Lisa Ann Fagan, a nationally-known occupational therapist and rehabilitation consultant.
If you're a homeowner planning on remaining in your home as you grow older or are concerned about a family member who is aging or has a disability, you'll also find this course helpful as you prepare for your future.
If you're a contractor, remodeler, architect, home inspector, interior designer, Realtor, reverse mortgage specialist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, social worker or discharge planner, you'll find this course valuable for your professional development.
The course costs $65 if registering by Feb. 29, $75 thereafter. The fee includes lunch plus morning and afternoon refreshments. Continuing education credits may be available.
Homes for Life Coalition of Howard County is a volunteer-driven organization which advocates for homes to be visitable, barrier-free and utilize universal design features by educating individuals and communities about concepts and options, leading advocacy efforts to affect public policy, and increasing the building industry's knowledge of universal design and barrier-free design.
For information or registration, contact Diane Caplan, coordinator, Homes for Life Coalition of Howard County, at 410-917-5767 or homesforlifeco@yahoo.com.