Rearranging Your Life

    LANCASTER, PA, July 09, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Life is full of changes; sometimes they're so subtle we barely notice them as we age or deal with a progressive disease and find that we can't function in our homes the way we once did. Other times tragedy may strike suddenly, forcing people to make major changes to their lives and their homes. But, no matter the cause for the adjustments, there are modifications that need to be made to a home in order to facilitate daily living when change occurs.

It is possible to remain at home when faced with a disabling condition. Fortunately, there are many resources to help with home modifications and the resulting financial and emotional issues. It's important to seek out certified, experienced professionals in this area of expertise. Many physical therapists, occupational therapists and healthcare/rehab professionals are knowledgeable about finding resources in the area and can assist with advice and recommendations.

The process of home modification should begin with a home assessment. Look for a contractor certified in Universal Design who will come to your home and perform a needs assessment. The first visit should be free and is required before an estimate can be given to you for review or approval. Your contractor should be capable in assessing your complete living needs; from your garage to kitchen to bathroom. Ramps or lifts may also be needed, so an experienced home modification contractor will readily recognize your unique needs and will be key to the success of your project.

The contractor will also determine if walls need to be moved, if electrical and plumbing changes are required and, in the case of a large project, whether building permits are needed. In addition, an experienced contractor will have a thorough knowledge of accessibility products.

Many experienced home modifications contractors use products from the United Disabilities Services eStore. These products have been chosen by UDS for their eStore and the UDS Home Modifications Division uses these selections in the projects they install in the SouthCentral PA area.

The home modifications team has vetted all of the products and recommends them for Universal Design projects. In addition to these carefully chosen product offerings, the UDS eStore has trained field technicians available for advice. They will also give design consultations and offer contractor discounts that are tax free.

The products offered on the eStore focus primarily on bathroom modifications and include shower seats, grab bars, open showers, wet room systems, water containment products, home modification showers, shower pans and half-height caregiver doors.

These products will allow for wheelchairs to roll into the shower without any accessibility issues, and can facilitate easy transfers in and out of the shower or tub.

Grab bars can be especially important in allowing people to maintain independence and privacy in the bathroom. The UDS eStore has a wide range of grab bars available which also make a bathroom safer when transferring in and out of the bathtub or shower.

Customers can choose stylish designs from the Invisia Collection or select from Moen's line of grab bars. There are also swing-up grab bars and a number of different Super Poles that can be used in different areas around the home when no wall is available for a traditional grab bar.

An experienced and certified home modifications contractor will be able to make recommendations from these product selections and will know how to install all of the products offered on the UDS eStore. Whether you need modification solutions as simple as grab bars or shower seats or more complex such as a complete shower or bathtub replacement, UDS can help you identify what you'll need.

United Disabilities Services has years of experience in helping the disabled, veterans and those aging-in-place to create individualized design solutions for home modifications. Products can be found at http://estore.udservices.org or the UDS Home Modifications team can be reached at 1-888-428-0240.

# # #