As we get older, our homes can become a safety hazard if we're not careful. Falls, fires, and other accidents can be prevented with a few simple precautions. Here are six tips for keeping your home safe as you age:

Motion sensor lights are a great way to deter burglars and also make it easier for you to navigate your home at night. By automatically turning on when you enter a room, you won't have to worry about fumbling for light switches in the dark. This can be particularly helpful if you have mobility issues.

Having emergency numbers readily available can be a lifesaver in the event of an emergency. Include the numbers for your local police and fire department, as well as a relative or friend who lives nearby. Keep this list somewhere visible, such as by your phone or on the fridge, so you can easily access it when needed.

Clutter can be a trip hazard, so it's important to get rid of anything you don't need. This will also make it easier for emergency responders to get to you in the event of an accident. Donate or sell items that you no longer use or need, and keep your home tidy to reduce the risk of falls.

A medical alert system can be a lifesaver if you have a medical emergency and can't get to a phone. These systems come in the form of a wearable device or a base unit that connects to your phone line. With just the push of a button, you can alert emergency responders that you need help. This can give you peace of mind knowing that help is just a call away, 24/7.

Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are essential safety devices that can save your life in the event of a fire or gas leak. Make sure these devices are working properly and replace the batteries regularly. It's also a good idea to test them every few months to make sure they're still functioning correctly.

If you're not tech-savvy, the idea of smart home technology can be overwhelming. However, there are a variety of user-friendly devices that can be helpful for older adults. For example, Amazon Alexa can be a helpful tool for controlling various aspects of your home, such as locking and unlocking doors, adjusting thermostats, and controlling lighting. With simple voice commands, you can operate these devices without having to get up or use complicated technology. If you're unsure about how to set up or use these devices, don't be afraid to ask for help from a family member, friend, or professional. With a little bit of assistance, you can take advantage of the benefits of smart home technology and make your home safer and more comfortable.

By following these simple tips, you can make your home a safer place to live as you age. It's important to share this information with your loved ones, so they can also take steps to stay safe and healthy in their homes. Don't let safety take a backseat as you age – take action now to protect yourself and those you care about.

For too many people, growing old means struggling to make ends meet. The Elder Economic Security Standard Index (Elder Index) measures the cost of basic needs for older adults, and found that (As of 2019) individuals need an income of at least $24,000 per year to live comfortably. In 2020 that is closer to $32,000. That's almost triple  the federal poverty line for a single person. A recent report from AARP highlights some of the challenges facing older Americans living in poverty, including difficulty affording food, housing, and health care.

As anyone who has ever cared for an elderly relative knows, seniors often have special needs that require extra care and attention. Unfortunately, many seniors are living in poverty, and that number is only going to increase as the population ages. In the United States, one in six seniors lives in poverty, and that number is expected to rise to one in five by 2030. The situation is dire, but it is not hopeless. There are many organizations that provide assistance to seniors in need, and there are also programs that can help seniors stay in their homes longer. However, more needs to be done to address this growing problem and many in need of assistance are unaware of the programs designed to help them.

The reasons for this increase are numerous, but some of the most important factors include the rising cost of healthcare , an increasing number of seniors who are living alone and increased expenses due to inflation. In addition, many seniors have insufficient retirement savings, and social security benefits are not enough to cover basic living expenses. As a result, many seniors are forced to choose between buying food and paying for medication or housing.

No one should have to live in poverty, but sadly, senior citizens are one of the groups most at risk for economic insecurity. According to a report from the National Council on Aging, more than 8 million seniors in the United States live below the poverty line. This can have a devastating effect on an individual's quality of life, leading to poor health, isolation, and despair.

Seniors who live in poverty are more likely to experience chronic health problems, as they cannot afford adequate medical care or healthy food. They are also at greater risk for depression and anxiety, as they often feel isolated and alone. Additionally, poverty can make it difficult for seniors to remain independent, as they may not be able to afford necessary home repairs or transportation costs.

Fortunately, there are organizations and programs that can help seniors who are struggling economically. Meals on Wheels, for example, delivers hot meals to homebound seniors, while Senior Corps provides opportunities for seniors to stay active and engaged in their communities. By supporting programs like these, we can help ensure that no senior has to go without basic needs like food and companionship.

As our population ages, more and more people are finding themselves in the role of caregiver for elderly parents or grandparents. While this can be a rewarding experience, it can also be very demanding. Caregivers often have to juggle work, family, and their own personal lives while trying to meet the needs of their loved ones. As a result, they can quickly become overwhelmed and burned out. That's why it's important for society to provide support for caregivers. This can take the form of respite care, financial assistance, or simply offering emotional support. By providing caregivers with the resources they need to succeed, we can help ensure that our aging loved ones receive the care and attention they deserve.

Despite the alarming statistics, there is hope. We can all work together to help reduce poverty among seniors. There are many ways we can get involved, from volunteering or donating our time and money, to spreading awareness about this issue. If you are interested in getting involved, please reach out. Together we can make a difference in the lives of our elders.

Did you know that the average person will spend over 20 years of their life in their home?  With a few simple modifications, you can ensure that your home is a safe and comfortable place to live for many years to come.  In this article, we'll discuss some of the most important adaptations you can make to your home as you age. We'll also talk about the benefits of aging in place, and how to find the right contractors to help with your home modification project.

As we age, our bodies go through changes that can make everyday activities more difficult. Simple things that were once easy to do - like opening a jar, getting out of a chair, climbing stairs or taking a shower - can become difficult or even impossible. This is why it's so important to make sure that our homes are properly set up to accommodate our changing needs. Home modifications can range from something as simple as adding grab bars in the shower, to something as complex as installing an elevator, but it doesn't have to be that complicated!

Here are just a few of the ways you can modify your home to make life easier as you age:

1. Install grab bars in the bathroom. Grab bars provide extra support and stability when getting in and out of the shower or bathtub. They can also be used to help traversing stairs.
2. Widen doorways and hallways. As we age, it's not uncommon for our mobility to be reduced. Widening doorways and hallways will give you more space to maneuver, and will also make it easier for wheelchair users or those with walkers to get around your home.
3. Add ramps or raise thresholds. Ramps can be used in lieu of steps, making it easier to get in and out of your home. Raising thresholds will eliminate the need for step-overs, which can be difficult for seniors with mobility issues.
4. Install flat-surfaced flooring throughout your home. Carpeting and rugs can be difficult to navigate for seniors with walkers or wheelchairs. Flat flooring surfaces like hardwood or tile are much easier to maneuver on, and will also reduce the risk of falls.
5. Convert cabinets and drawers into rollout shelves. Bending down to reach items stored in lower cabinets and drawers can be difficult for seniors with back problems or limited mobility. Rollout shelves provide easy access to all of your belongings, regardless of where they're stored in your home.

Making these simple modifications to your home can go a long way towards maintaining your independence as you age. Additionally, aging in place has been shown to have numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits for seniors (https://www2.bhcourier com/aging-in-place-benefits/). When compared with senior living facilities, aging in place has been shown to cause less anxiety, provide better physical health outcomes, and improve mental well-being overall.

If you're thinking about making modifications to your home, it's important to work with reputable CAPS Certified contractors who have experience completing Aging in place projects like these.

"Under One Roof" is a CAPS certified business. We help aging and disabled Beaufort County residents by providing no-cost home modifications and ramps. Get more information about "Under One Roof" Aging-in-Place Specialists by visiting our website or clicking the link below!

Getting older and losing your mobility is tough. When you can't get out and about like you used to, it's easy to feel trapped. Now the doctor tells you that you need a wheelchair...

Imagine being confined to a wheelchair if your home doesn't have ramps. Without ramps, you may find yourself trapped in your home, unable to get out and enjoy life like you used to. Aging in place can be incredibly challenging if you don't have the necessary accommodations in place

There are over 35000 people over the age of 70 in Beaufort County. Of those, over 35% have mobility issues that make it difficult to get around. With a potential 10-20% poverty level in certain communities, that's more than 1500 households in Beaufort County who could benefit from having a ramp. Luckily, there is Under One Roof that builds ramps for seniors, so they can age in place with grace.

Being able to stay in your home is important for so many reasons. It allows seniors to maintain their independence and dignity, while also providing them with a sense of security and comfort in their own space. Unfortunately, without simple accommodations like ramps, many seniors find themselves prisoners of circumstance in their own homes.

Under One Roof is committed to changing that by building ramps for seniors in need. But we can't do it without the help of our community.

We rely solely on donations and volunteers to build our ramps. We are always in need of funds to purchase materials, as well as volunteers to help with construction and demolition. If you're interested in donating or volunteering, please visit our website or give us a call today.

 Together, we can make sure that no senior has to feel isolated and alone. They deserve to age with dignity and respect, just like everyone else.

Ramps may seem like a small thing, but they can make a world of difference for seniors who want to age in place. If you're interested in helping us build ramps for seniors in need, please visit our website or give us a call today. Thank you for your support!

"Under One Roof" is a CAPS certified business. We help aging and disabled Beaufort County residents by providing no-cost home modifications and ramps. Get more information about "Under One Roof" Aging-in-Place Specialists by visiting our website or clicking the link below!

What is C.A.P.S. Certification?
The Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation program is the only nationally recognized training and certification program for contractors and other home remodeling professionals who want to specialize in the growing field of home modifications for the aging-in-place.

CAPS is jointly sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodelers Council and the NAHB Seniors Housing Council, which represents more than 140,000 businesses nationwide.

How does a CAPS certification make Under One Roof better?
The CAPS curriculum addresses technical, business management, and customer service issues essential to competing in this rapidly growing market segment. Coursework covers the unique needs of aging-in-place home modifications, including interior and exterior architectural details, universal design, products and materials, construction methods, available resources, building code requirements, business planning and marketing.

Additionally, CAPS-certified professionals have access to a powerful network of like-minded remodelers and other industry experts committed to helping them succeed in this rapidly growing market segment.

In order to earn the CAPS designation, remodelers must successfully complete a comprehensive training program and pass a written examination. The CAPS curriculum is designed for remodelers with experience in the business, as well as those new to the industry.

As our elderly population continues to grow, there will be an increasing demand for businesses like ours who can provide the services they need to age in place. The CAPS designation differentiates us from our competitors and lets our potential clients know that we are qualified to meet their needs.  

"Under One Roof" is a CAPS certified business. We help aging and disabled Beaufort County residents by providing no-cost home modifications and ramps. Get more information about "Under One Roof" Aging-in-Place Specialists by visiting our website or clicking the link below!

We are excited to have been featured in the most recent issue of Dataw Island's Lasting Impressions Magazine.  Thanks to Laura McCarthy and Dataw Island for their support.

Check out the full article here.

We recently had the pleasure of working with Cyndee Wilson of CRGraphix to redesign our brochure.  Cyndee was a pleasure to work with and quickly understood what our goals were with the project.  We're thrilled with the brochure (click on the photo above to view it in full).  And be sure to check out Cyndee's website - crgraphix.com - and look her up on Facebook.  Thank you Cyndee!

​The Advisory Committee of the Beaufort Fund of the Coastal Community Foundation has once again generously shown its support for UOR's mission of bringing "people (communities) together to repair, maintain and modify homes for homeowners who are not able to do so either physically or monetarily.  Under One Roof's focus is to help homeowners remain in their homes in a safe and decent environment within the community."  

Words cannot express our appreciation for the continued support of the Coastal Community Foundation.  Thank you from the Board, Volunteers and Project Participants of Under One Roof!

For over a year now Under One Roof has been working on a special project, repairing the home of a beloved local teacher, whose current home (also the home in which she grew up) was badly damaged by fire.  We are excited to report that it won't be long before the project is complete!  Check out the Featured Project on our Projects page for more details and photos and keep checking back for the final "reveal"!

This project would not have been possible without the generosity of donors and local businesses, including:

• Quality Electrical Services
• Keith's Plumbing
• Schulze Mechanical
• Steve Patterson

Thank you!

​Our sincere thanks go again to the Beaufort Fund of the Coastal Community Foundation.  As part of its 2016-2017 funding cycle, the Advisory Committee has once again generously shown its support for UOR's mission of bringing "people (communities) together to repair, maintain and modify homes for homeowners who are not able to do so either physically or monetarily.  Under One Roof's focus is to help homeowners remain in their homes in a safe and decent environment within the community."

Words cannot express our appreciation for the continued support of the Coastal Community Foundation.  Thank you from the Board, Volunteers and Project Participants of Under One Roof!

We invite you to visit Under One Roof's website at www.underoneroofsc.org/projects to see the "after" photo from the above remodel as well as stories and photos from five other featured projects.   See for yourself the amazing work Under One Roof is doing in the Beaufort Community to keep the Aging in place in their own homes.

We are honored to have been awarded a grant from the Beaufort Fund of Coastal Community Foundation.  As part of its 2015-2016 funding cycle, the Advisory Committee has once again generously shown its support for UOR's mission of bringing "people (communities) together to repair, maintain and modify homes for homeowners who are not able to do so either physically or monetarily.  Under One Roof's focus is to help homeowners remain in their homes in a safe and decent environment within the community."

Words cannot express our appreciation for the continued support of Coastal Community Foundation.  Thank you from the Board, Volunteers and Project Participants of Under One Roof!

Our heartfelt thanks goes out to the members of the Beaufort County Council and the Beaufort County Human Services Alliance for awarding Under One Roof a grant that will help us continue to serve Beaufort's Aging in Place.  

We are honored to be able to serve our community and thankful for this show of support.

We are organizing for our next project: helping a couple whose home was severely damaged during one of our recent rain storms.  Check out our Projects page to learn more and contact us at underoneroofsc@gmail.com if you'd like to volunteer!  

We're looking for individuals or companies who can assist with tree removal (it has already been removed from the roof but is on the property) and in building decks and ramps.  

Under One Roof would like to express our sincere thanks to the Friends of Callawassie Island for their generous grant.  FOCI is an organization of "neighbors helping neighbors" that has been supporting charitable organizations in Beaufort and Jasper Counties since 2001.  Thank you to everyone on the Board and all of our Callwassie neighbors for your gift and for all of the great work that you do in the community!

We were excited to pick up the latest issue of The Island News and find ourselves on the cover, along with the fabulous ladies of 100 Women Who Care Beaufort.  The feature, called "One Hundred (and fifty-one) Women Who Care donate $15,000 to Under One Roof", tells of the generous donation we received at our August Board meeting.  

Read the full article here.

"Thank you" just doesn't do it justice.  Words can't express our gratitude to the (now) 151 members of 100 Women Who Care Beaufort.  At their July meeting, the members voted for Under One Roof to receive their third-quarter donation.  Each member gave a check for $100, meaning that Under One Roof was blessed with a donation of......$15,100!  

Jeneane Ryan, founder of the Beaufort Chapter of 100 Women Who Care and several other members of the organization attended Under One Roof's recent Board Meeting to present them with the donation.  The funds will have a significant impact on the work that Under One Roof is able to do in the community, helping even more of Beaufort's Aging In Place Residents stay in their homes.

We encourage you to take the time to learn more about the powerful organization 100 Women Who Care Beaufort.  Our sincere thanks to these incredible women!

If you do not know about this organization, you should.  100 Women Who Care has just made a HUGE difference to Under One Roof, allowing us to made a HUGE difference in our community.  Here's how it works:

1. 100+ women gather (quarterly), sign in and put an organization's name in a basket.
2.  Three organizations are chosen at random and the person who dropped the name in has to give a five-minute presentation.
3.  All of the women vote and the majority vote gets the full amount of the donation, which is $100 per person.

Bottom line: in less than an hour, the most deserving non-profits in Beaufort are able to "earn" $10,000 - $15,000 to serve their community.  AND TONIGHT, UNDER ONE ROOF WAS THE RECIPIENT OF THAT DONATION.  "Thank you" just doesn't do it justice.  Please take the time to learn more about 100 Women Who Care.

Our deepest gratitude goes to our dear friend Judy Almand, who eloquently presented on our behalf, to Jeneane Ryan, founder of the Beaufort Chapter of 100 Women Who Care and to ALL of the phenomenal women who attended.  

​What a night! Guest Bartender Night was not only fun: we raised close to $2,000 for Under One Roof! Cheers to all who came out to learn more about this great organization and a sincere thanks to all who donated.

Actually, let's be honest . . . you probably won't see us doing this on Sunday, May 3 either.  (We're good, but we're not that good).  

Our Guest Bartender Night at Sweetgrass Restaurant will now take place on Sunday, May 3!  Join us at 5 pm for complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a presentation by our Founder, Richard Drake.  Then, Jeff and Lauren Tillapaugh and Jamie and Fripp Langford will take over the bar to sling drinks for your tips - all to benefit Under One Roof.  And, you'll have the chance to win a cake by the famous Suzara or a $100 gift certificate for Redcap Lowcountry Concierge!

Under One Roof Guest Bartender Night
Sunday, May 3 - 5-5:30 pm presentation and hors d'oeuvres; 5:30 - 7:30 Bartending
Sweetgrass Restaurant on Dataw Island

We'll see you there!

It was a fun and festive evening as people gathered to Sip and Celebrate Under One Roof!  Our sincere thanks to Weichert Realtors Coastal Properties and Ta-ca-ron for hosting and donating wines and to all who attended.  We hope that this is the first of many great events to spread the word about our organization.  Click here to see more photos from tonight's wine tasting.

The next event is Sunday, April 19: Guest Bartender Night at Sweetgrass Restaurant.  Join us for an informational session from 5 - 5:30 p.m. followed by drinks at the bar from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.  

Looks like it's going to be a gorgeous night in Beaufort! Perfect for Sipping and Celebrating with us tonight at WEICHERT, REALTORS-Coastal Properties Beaufort! This complimentary wine tasting, provided byTa·ca·rón trading company will get your evening off to a great start. And, with 10% of all proceeds going to Under One Roof, it will make UOR's night too!
​
5-7 pm at Weichert Realtors Coastal Properties Office at the Corner of Bay and North Streets.

Please join us for a Complimentary Wine Tasting

Sip delicious wines - provided by Ta-ca-ron Trading Company - and enjoy hors d'oeuvres as you learn more about Under One Roof, a Beaufort-based 501 c3 dedicated to helping Beaufort's aging residents stay in their homes through assistance with repairs, maintenance and modifications.

Take in spectacular views of the Bay from Weichert Realtors Coastal Properties new office and raise your glass to this great organization. All wines will be available for purchase and Ta-ca-ron will donate 10% of all sales to Under One Roof.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8 FROM 5 - 7 PM 
AT WEICHERT REALTORS COASTAL PROPERTIES OFFICE 
1613 NORTH STREET

Can't join us? Please share this with your friends to help us raise awareness of Under One Roof.