Frequently Asked Questions

A home assessment is a professional evaluation of your home to determine how safe, accessible, and functional it is for living comfortably as you age or consider differently abled needs. During the assessment, we will evaluate such things as:

• fall risks
• lighting and visibility
• safety and supports
• mobility access
• furniture placement
• entryways and exits
• daily living function

After the assessment, you will receive a personalized report with prioritized recommendations.

Home assessments are helpful for:

• adults planning ahead for aging
• seniors who want to remain in their homes safely
• families supporting aging parents
• people recovering from injury, surgery, or illness
• people with mobility, balance or memory challenges
• caregivers wanting to reduce risk at home

Many clients choose an assessment before challenges arise so they can plan proactively.

The assessment starts with a conversation about your goals and concerns. We discuss daily routine, mobility, health concerns, and priorities.

Next, we do a walk through of the home. We look at all living spaces indoors as well as outdoors. We identify safety risks, barriers to access, and opportunities to increase function and ease of living.

We make recommendations for improvements which are included in a personalized, prioritized written report.

No. The home assessment is independent and unbiased. We do not receive commissions from contractors or suppliers, so recommendations are based solely on what will improve safety, accessibility, function, and ease of living in your home. You are free to choose any contractor or service provider.

An independent Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist provides long term value:

• Avoidance of unneeded products, installations, and remodels: Non-independent Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists may offer “free” assessments that end with recommendations for costly construction they perform or installation of products that they sell. An independent assessment puts you first and focuses on your needs.
• Avoidance of costly DIY mistakes: Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists understand universal design principles and accessibility standards. They provide tailored advice on the types of products and changes that can best meet your needs.
• Long-term savings: Proper planning and design can minimize future expenses. By starting with a home assessment report, you can budget for recommended changes, determine which you will hire someone to help with, receive and compare multiple bids, and schedule the work at a time that is most convenient for you.
• Enhanced home value: Aging-in-place and accessibility renovations can make your home more appealing to buyers. Housing stock in many areas is not “aging-ready,” meaning it is unable to support aging in place in its current state. However, there is demand for this type of housing as people increasingly choose to age in place. Making smart changes to your home may broaden its appeal and value to buyers in the future.
• Customized solutions: Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists offer tailored recommendations to meet individual needs. Generic online checklists or assessment tools do not consider your needs or the specific state of your home. A Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist considers your unique lifestyle, goals, and home when making recommendations.

Recommendations can range from simple fixes to more extensive renovations. Examples of simple improvements include items such as:

• furniture rearrangement
• removal of trip hazards
• better lighting
• handheld shower fixtures
• lever door handles

Examples of moderate changes include:

• grab bars
• stair rail improvements
• non-slip flooring
• transition strips
• offset door hinges

Examples of more extensive recommendations include:

• construction to widen spaces
• chair lifts
• entry ramps
• bathroom and kitchen redesign

Many safety improvements are low cost and quick to implement.

Prices start at $295 for a home assessment and report. Home size is the main factor in determining price. Contact us for a custom quote based on your home and needs.

The home assessment takes 1-3 hours. Report preparation takes 3-7 business days. If you need a report sooner, we can often provide expedited delivery.

Yes, we strongly recommend the homeowner (or family member/ caregiver) be present. This allows us to:

• understand daily routines
• discuss concerns
• answer questions
• tailor recommendations to your lifestyle

If needed, we can also include adult children or caregivers via video call.

Yes, many adult children arrange assessments for parents living independently. We can:

• conduct the assessment locally
• provide a detailed report
• schedule a review call with family members
• help coordinate next steps

For parents living outside our geography, we can provide the assessment virtually with support of adult children onsite.

Scheduling is simple. Fill in our online contact form. We’ll contact you to schedule a free phone consultation at a time that works for you and answer any questions about our services. If you decide to move forward with a home assessment, we will schedule that as well.