The Voices for Home Modifications Coalition was formed by North Dakota State University Extension and South Dakota State University Extension. The goal is to increase the knowledge and awareness about the role home design plays in quality of life.
Leacey E. Brown, MS, (pictured) is a Gerontology Field Specialist with South Dakota State University Extension. Leacey helps co-leads this project with Jane Strommen, North Dakota State University Extension Gerontology Specialist, and Susan Ray-Degges, North Dakota State University Professor & Interior Design Program Coordinator.
Brown shared some insight about Coalition goals and current activity.
With over 20 members from across the Dakotas, the Coalition has representation from architects, interior designers, emergency services, long-term services and support, certified aging in place specialist, and other stakeholders interested in home modifications for older adults and people with disabilities. These individuals have contributed in a variety of ways, including recruiting people to provide testimonials, developing videos, wiring testimonials, tracking data in existing databases, developing social media materials, attending meetings, writing letters of support for the grant and more. Upcoming activities include recruiting participants to complete the survey, encouraging providers and funders to be listed on existing databases and helping with home shows and other table events (e.g. farm shows).
We are really pleased with the personal stories we have gathered which discuss the impact of home design on quality of life.
Vicki and Alma Stewart are wheelchair users. They have built their home to make it more suitable and accessible for them, including the location of appliances, countertop height, oversized doors and levers for drawer opening.
Vicki lived in inaccessible apartments most of her life. Once she got an accessible apartment, she realized the difference it made for her quality of life. When she finally decided she wanted to buy a home, she could not find one that met her needs. As a result, her real estate agent suggested that she build her own home.
Vicki shared, “The windows throughout our home are lower than most, which gives us a full view of the outdoors while sitting in my wheelchair, which I really enjoy.” These changes came as a result of the eye-opening realization of what was possible and persistence in making it happen. Simple, yet life-changing. Watch their video to hear more about their story.
Brenda’s life changed significantly when she slipped on an ice cube; a ruptured disc and a surgery complication led to other health-related issues, including diabetes and a connective tissue disorder. Mobility issues required the need for modifications to her home. On a limited income, cost was a factor, but Brenda was able to secure assistance through state-based resources and adapt her bathroom and shower area, which was imperative for her to remain at home where she is happiest and feels the most at peace. Listen to Brenda’s story.
Access additional stories on the SDSU Extension website.
Looking ahead…..We have established some indicators to track our success. Dakota at Home, Helpline Center, and ND ADRL have agreed to provide data about the number of home modification calls they receive and the number of providers/funders listed in the database. We are looking forward to the home modification toolkit to be completed. It is important to understand this is not a toolkit in the traditional sense of the word. Different items we are creating for this project live in different locations. For example, the testimonials are housed on the SDSU Extension website. The provider lists will be housed in databases run by Helpline Center, Dakota at Home and ND ADRL. We will have research data that help to illuminate some of the opportunities and challenges for home modifications.
Many recognize the value of home modifications, but are not certain how to begin the process of renovating a home for accessibility. Our funding guide was developed to help individuals understand how to pay for home modifications in North Dakota and South Dakota, as well as describe some of the challenges as individuals search for businesses or organizations to renovate a home. Access the funding guide, which also includes information for consumers and providers/funders to get their organization added to existing databases.
We will be working throughout the next few months to raise awareness of the need for home modifications to help individuals live a quality life. We are working to help spread the message and share tools and resources. We are looking for individuals willing to share their story of how home modification or design impacted their ability to remain in their home as well as organizations interested in joining the effort to raise awareness.
To get involved or to learn more, contact Leacey E. Brown, at 605-394-1722 or leacey.brown@sdstate.edu.