Assistive Technology and Home Modification for Seniors
Adaptive Technology and Home Modification for Seniors
New technology for senior safety is a rapidly growing field. Examples include devices to magnify books for the visually impaired, speaking computers, door alarms, SOS buttons, medical alert bands, Wander Gard, medication dispensers and reminders, and home monitors that can send medical information by phone or can monitor movement and alert families of changed activities. The Alzheimer’s Association is a good resource for many devices for people with memory loss.
Most seniors express a desire to “age in place.” That is, to remain in their own homes as long as possible rather than move to an assisted living facility or nursing home. Often this is possible, but with some modification to their home to improve safety and accessibility. Universal design requires accessible surroundings for people of all ages, sizes, and abilities. Click here for an article on home modification published in US News & World Report.
Some health-related modificatons may be deductable on your income tax. County Offices on Aging may be able to connect low-income individuals with funding sources. For the Mercer County Office on Aging, call the NJ EASE toll free line at 1.877.222.3737.
See also: medical equipment
AARP
ACCESSIBILITY PROFESSIONALS
- tub, shower, and lift technology
- 877.947.7769
- accessibilitypro.com
ACCREDITED HOME ELEVATOR
Manufacturing, installation, and repair of residential elevators, stair lifts, and platform lifts.
- 127 Route 9, South Barnegat, NJ
- 609.660.8000
- accelevator.com
ADAPTIVE ACCESS
Sales of adaptive equipment information about remodeling for wheelchair access.
AMRAMP
- Ramps, stair climbers, and more
- rental or purchase
- 800.649.5215 or 732.446.1951
- amramp.com
ASSISTECH.COM
Assistive technologies for special needs, including visual, hearing and speech impairment, mobility and dexterity needs, medicine reminders, and language translators.
THE CENTER FOR AGING SERVICES TECHNOLOGIES
A coalition of manufacturers, researchers, and government bodies supporting emerging technologies for improving the aging experience.
COOKSTOP.COM
- Sells devices that turn off electric stove to prevent fires.
- Cookstop.com
- 669.900.4920
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DISABILITY RIGHTS NEW JERSEY
Home Modification Guide; includes information about ramps and other accessibility aids. Includes listings of NJ contractors and programs that provide aid for low income individuals for home modification.
- 210 South Broad St., Third Floor, Trenton, New Jersey 08608
- 800.922.7233
- 609.633.7106
- disabilityrightsnj.org
EASY CLIMBER
- Stair lifts, elevators
- 888.339.7927
- easyclimber.com
FICHTENBAUM, HEIDI AIA LEED AP
Ms. Fichtenbaum is a registered architect in Princeton NJ. Her services include a home accessibility assessment and employs Universal Design principles so that your home can be attractive and marketable to all people regardless of their abilities.
- 38 Carnahan Pl., Princeton, NJ 08540
- 609.252.0924
- Email: Heidifm@gmail.com
GOLD VIOLIN INDEPENDENT LIVING CATALOG
Products for easier living
- 877.648.8400
- goldviolin.com
HOME-CODE
- Home modifications for the disabled and seniors
- Serves the tri-state area
- 732.216.8325
HOMEMODS.ORG
A website of the National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification of the University of Southern California. This website has a library of useful information and web links on home modification for the elderly and their caregivers.
- homemods.org_____________________________________________________________________________
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
IRS publication 502 details what health related expenses are tax deductable. See Capital Improvements for home modification expenses.
JITTERBUG CELL PHONE
A cell phone targeted toward the older adult market. It has large numbers and no frills.
- 888.768.1727
MAXI AIDS
Products for independent living, low vision, hearing, and physically challenged.
- 800.522.6294
- TTY 800.281.3555
- maxiaids.com
MOBILITY123
- Stair lifts, ramps, vehicle lifts, etc.
- 856.528.9366
- mobility123.com
NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER ON SUPPORTIVE HOUSING AND HOME MODIFICATION
- Andrus Gerontology Center, University of Southern California
- 3715 McClintock Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90089-0191
- 213.740.136
SAFELINK WIRELESS
A government supported program that provides a free cell phone and airtime each month for income-eligible customers .
- 800.977.3768
- safelinkwireless.com
WELLCOMEHOME
Information about home modification for residents with disabilities from Ball State University
- 765.285.1471
See also the pages on Vision and Hearing for technology in those fields, Disability Services, and Medical Equipment.
The Princeton Senior Resource Center does not endorse any of the resources listed on these pages. We collect and provide information from many sources as a service to those seeking services in the Princeton area. No listed provider pays to be in our directory.
