The emotional benefits of home modifications

Something people often wonder is “are home modifications effective.” This is usually asked in the context of do they help stop people from falling. But I sat in on a presentation at the recent ASA/NCOA joint conference in Chicago and it reminded me of the wider benefits that home mods can have. The presentation was based on a study focused on the value of home mods in helping people who are aging with a disability to stay in community. But a lot of the findings addressed the emotional benefits of home modifications. In a nutshell, their research showed that modifications helped the homeowners feel more freedom and empowerment—they got out and did more on their own time schedules than those people who had not had needed modifications.

Particularly memorable was the power of bathing independence, which we see regularly in our business. Study participants who could sit in an accessible shower and “let the water wash over me” noted its restorative powers—they not only felt better about their hygiene, but since showering was easier, they actually had more energy to get out and do things. Our clients tell us the same thing all the time—rather than a struggle or an event fraught with worry, an accessible shower or walk-in tub makes bathing comfortable and enjoyable again. It just makes you feel good all over. The researchers noted that other modifications can have a similar effect.

The research was conducted by Andrea Gossett and Joy Hammel from the University of Illinois at Chicago.