Age in Place: A Guide to Modifying, Organizing and Decluttering Mom and Dad's Home

by Lynda G. Shrager

A practical step-by-step, room-by-room guide to simple modifications that can help seniors make their homes safer and easier to navigate, this reference offers readers clear and practical solutions. Author Lynda Shrager is a registered, national board certified occupational therapist, a master’s level social worker and a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) with more than thirty-seven years’ experience in the field of geriatrics and more than thirteen years working with seniors in their homes. It is this mix of qualification and experience that makes her an expert in adapting the environment to increase patient safety and independence. This book is designed to help seniors and their caregivers address these new challenges together to make life at home safer, more manageable and less stressful for all.

Features include:
• Room-by-room walk through to evaluate and modify safety of the home
• Photographs of modifications from patients’ homes
• Recommendations for the best home medical equipment
• Where to obtain services and additional helpful resources
• Check list for the reader to complete their own room by room walk through with a quick and easy guide to making each space safe and manageable
• “Hacks for Health and Home” at the end of each chapter with occupational therapy tips
• Vital Documents Guide for easy retrieval of important papers in case of an emergency

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Reference, Family

216 pages, Paperback

Published April 4, 2018

Reviews

[Bam cooks the books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Lynda Shrager states in her new book which is filled with helpful advice and useful information for planning ahead for the inevitable decisions that must be made as one ages, that "although the language of this book is directed toward caregivers, it is my hope and expectation that many seniors will pick up this book as well and proactively work toward improving their own situation without bothering 'the kids.'" She offers suggestions for the many challenges that face the elderly in their homes, including decluttering, rearranging furniture and pantries, making some easy structural changes to the house that may provide easier access, more stability and safety, keeping track of meds and bills, arranging for power of attorney and a living will, etc. A very helpful guide to keep on hand for when the need arises.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to read arc of this book for my honest opinion.

[Ell · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING. That is how I would describe Age in Place in one word! I am preparing to organize and update my elderly parent’s home to keep them safe and make life a little easier for them. You will not find a more helpful, comprehensive and practical guide! I HIGHLY recommend this book if you find yourself taking care of or worrying about aging parents who wish to retain their independence. Some of the tips are absolutely brilliant. Lynda Shrager takes a daunting and overwhelming task and makes it focused and manageable. The health care notebook guideline and focus sheets are much appreciated.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I now own a copy, as I spilt a cup of tea with milk over the Library's copy! I originally borrowed this book after finding it on the new book truck I was processing at work. My thought was that I could adapt my house in anticipation of my own aging process and that of my husband, rather than from the perspective of decluttering a parent's home. Additionally, I thought it might make my house more attractive to a wider range of potential buyers if I made it as accessible as possible.

And, for another thing, I am mortified by the idea that our children will have to go through all our stuff one day! As with most couples, I suspect, one of us is a hoarder, and the other tends to recycle or donate things in haste, and then, discover they now have a use for it!

Long story short, this is a great book for anyone wanting to modify their home, or that of a family member, with the idea of making it more accessible, and less cluttered.

[Kaethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obviously addressed to adult children, but lots of pragmatic tips for those wanting to age in place, too, or those wanting to help out their neighbors.

Library copy

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone helping their parents (or themselves one day!) navigate aging and living safely and comfortably.

[Bogi Takács]

This is a book about how to make your aging parents' house accessible to them, but I honestly read it because I need accessibility ideas for myself & Familypeople (I'm mobility disabled but not elderly). It gave me a lot of ideas, I especially loved the tip about getting a mop to wash the bathtub, because I tend to faceplant in the bathtub. That seems so self-evident in retrospect, but it somehow never occurred to me. Then again, that's exactly what the book is for; it has a fair amount of good common-sense advice.

Source of the book: Lawrence Public Library

[Lauren Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m preparing for the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD) Level II Aging Specialist Certificate. I found Age in Place: A Guide to Modifying, Organizing, and Decluttering Mom and Dad’s Home by Lynda G. Shrager while I was looking for another book entirely. That was my momentous good fortune. I think so highly of this book I’ve recommended that ICD add it to the required reading list for the Level II Aging Specialist Certificate.


Ms. Shrager has written a minutely thorough, space-by-space, piece of everyday-equipment by piece of everyday- equipment guide to understanding and structuring homes to allow people to stay safe as they age in their residences. She’s written it in simple, precise language, with illustrations for the harder-to-visualize concepts. Her gentle sense of humor also breaks the tension a reader might feel as s/he studies this book: while Ms. Shrager offers solutions to common problems, the worry caused by the problems is real nonetheless! Ms. Shrager is also keenly aware of the financial constraints often experienced by Seniors, and she conscientiously attempts to generate low-cost options to resolve issues whenever possible.


I strongly recommend this book to anyone caring for an Elder who is aging in place, and for anyone who, as s/he finds himself “Ain’t 20 no more,” might want to proactively prepare for graceful transitions. Read it through three times. First time just read it cover to cover, to get a beginning awareness of the ideas. Second time, have a pad and pen in hand, to jot down your thoughts as you see something that sounds plausible to you in your own or your loved one’s house. Third time, use the carefully-constructed “Focusheets” Ms. Shrager provides during an actual tour of the home under examination, book in hand to further conversation.

Lauren Williams, Certified Professional Organizer(R), Owner, Casual Uncluttering LLC, Woodinville, WA USA

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

interesting book for remaining in your home as you age. How to agree between adult children and aged parents - "the answer is to somehow meet in the middle. Make a deal. Get them to agree to modify their surroundings so they can stay home, but in a living environment that is more accessible, safer, and easier to successfully navigate...your parents are grown-ups...they deserve independence, autonomy and respect. And they in turn need to be open to suggestions that will improve chances for preventing falls and promoting safer mobility" (p 3) Are parents able to continue self-care activities and also instrumental activities of daily living (IADL include making meals, shopping, managing meds and transportation, managing the home and finances.
"Being surrounded by things gathered over the years makes us happy, evokes wonderful memories, and defines our sense of self. The problem arises when we start running out of room and can no longer maintain it all....cherished belongings accumulated over a lifetime morph into clutter so slowly that it is often not noticed. An interesting exercise is to do a walk-through and role-play that you are guests for the very first time. Notice what is cluttered, dirty, dingy or hindering mobility (p 47).

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

ESSENTIAL book for those who want to age in place, and their children. Sadly both of my parents are gone now but I read the entire book anyway. The author is helpful and plain-spoken and shares the tips, hacks and workarounds for safe daily living for our parents. The chapters are organized by room, diagnosing the hazards and the fixes for every area of the house. Just an awesome handbook. At approx. 200 pages, it's very workable and readable; not overwhelming. It will be the best $17 you ever spent. Awesome! Highly Recommended!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lighthearted take on a serious subject that will affect all of us. A geriactric occupational therapist shares her years of experience with logical and little known ways to avoid nursing homes and make staying home an option. Templates of charts, checklists included. Enjoyed the simple inexpensive tricks to make life easier. Plan to stay home? Begin by taking the author's advice NOW before a disability strikes. I wish this book was available when my parents needed extra help.

[Jacqueline Gatewood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full of practical advice -- if you have an aging parent, read this book. I knew about decluttering but there were many other strategies that were helpful. Also, from the seniors' point of view, what they were doing when they fell or got hurt, and how and what led up to that scenario... and of course, solutions.

[Martha Earl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear, practical and realistic how to book on upgrading your home of the home of love ones to enable staying in place for as long as possible. From dealing with a split level foyer to personal care, the author provides creative yet doable solutions. Highly recommended.

[Judy McMillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many helpful tips for improving accessibility in both the exterior and interior areas of the house. Author is an occupational therapist with a practical and creative perspective. Brief, yet detailed in just the right way.

[Sharron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. Though I first borrowed this book from the library I have since purchased three copies - one for myself and the others for friends. I plan to recommend it further to others as an essential practical tool to own for themselves as well as for aging relatives and friends.

[M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A step by step, room by room guide for helping your parents stay in their own home as they get older.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, easy to read, practical solutions, checklists at back. This is one you'd probably borrow again or want to own.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative!!! Having gone through this process, I really value the guidance.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

B

[Kathryn Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent reference for families to help Mom and Dad downsize.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many practical notes and suggestions for improving the home for elderly people who are becoming more decrepit.

[Fred · Rating 4 out of 5]

It had the information I needed and was clearly written.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good advice in here! I borrowed it from the library, but am considering owning a copy.

[Jo-Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good ideas. Check lists. Things I hadn't thought of. Skimmed it in one night. Useful.

[John S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many good practical ideas!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not ready for it yet, but lots of good information.

[Tressa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Age in Place had a lot of helpful, pragmatic, everyday tips that I hadn’t considered before.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book is old and info is dated.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of practical information with checklists. Good resource.

[Cathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is divided into three sections - things you can do to keep people in their own homes longer (declutter & modifications), how to talk with people and prepare a team to help (how to determine what help they need), resources and checklists.

It was very informative. The author is an occupational therapist, social worker, and certified Aging in Place Specialist.

Since we are updating our house (including all the bathrooms) I was interested in what we might wish to do now. I picked up a few tips on grab bars, staircases, and outdoor walkways that I can use. By the time we need that kind of help we will move to a much smaller one-story place!

[Louise Foerster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aging in place is becoming more and more important in my life -- and those of all the other baby boomers entering our later years. How we do it safely, with dignity, and sustainably remains to be seen -- however, this excellent, thorough guide is one way to learn how. With kind, compassionate, realistic eyes, Shrager leads the reader through the nuts and bolts considerations of enabling an older person to remain in their house and home for as long as possible. Excellent examples, creative and kind solutions to baffling situations fill the book and make it one that demonstrated how to realize the heartfelt desire to age in place. Now that I have learned so much, I want more information about how to manage through difficult to impossible situations where a person denies the reality of ceasing driving and countless other challenges -- obviously the topic for a companion volume -- no doubt this calm, capable author has faced her fair share of these and handled them gracefully and well.