MUNCIE, Ind. -- Home modifications can reduce the need for older adults to relocate, two Ball State University researchers say.

Reza Ahmadi and Carla Earhart of Ball State's Department of Family and Consumer Sciences have investigated home modification issues since 1995. They work in collaboration with the Evergreen Institute on Elder Environments of Bloomington.

Ahmadi and Earhart define home modifications as changes to living environments to encourage independence, ease of use and safety in routine activities.

"Our studies show that older people definitely want to stay in their own homes as long as possible," Earhart said. "We're looking at how home modifications can make that possible."

Ahmadi said today’s older adults live in homes with door handles, counter heights and fixtures designed for younger adults. But as people age, their housing needs change. Modifications older adults may need include:

• adjusting how activities are carried out (moving a bedroom from the upper level to first floor).

• relocating certain items (moving a sofa to allow space for a wheelchair).

• adding or replacing equipment (grab bars and handrails in bathrooms)

• changing or adding to the structure (building a ramp, widening doors).

Ahmadi concentrates on educating consumers while Earhart informs builders. Both have conducted workshops throughout the state, most recently in Muncie. They plan to repeat the workshops during the coming year.

"Consumer demand for modifications is low because older consumers don't know where to start," Ahmadi said. "They're scared of scams."

Builders also do not recognize the potential market for home modifications, Earhart said.

"It's not a seasonal market like traditional home building," Earhart said. "Modifications can be done any time of year."

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information about this story or how to reach the source, contact Anthony Barker at 765-285-1560 or tbarker@wp.bsu.edu.)