Staying in Your Home Longer & Safer: Insights from the Senior Learning Institute Seminar

For many seniors, there’s no place like home. Aging in place—remaining in the comfort of your own home as you grow older—is a goal shared by many older adults and their families. But as age and physical limitations increase, ensuring a safe and supportive home environment becomes crucial. That’s where the Senior Learning Institute Seminar comes in.

On Friday, October 18th, industry experts gathered at the City of O’Fallon’s Renaud Center to share their knowledge on how seniors can stay in their homes longer and safer. The seminar featured a distinguished panel of experts, including Allen from Assistance Home Care, Kevin from UpKeep Home Warranty & Maintenance, Mark from Mosby Building Arts, and Megan from Enhanced Living Occupational Therapy (OT). Each speaker brought valuable perspectives on improving home safety, functionality, and longevity, offering actionable advice to seniors and their families.

Key Insights from the Seminar:

1. Assistance Home Care: Supporting Seniors with In-Home Care

Allen Serfas, President & Co-Founder of Assistance Home Care, emphasized the role of personalized care in helping seniors remain in their homes. Assistance Home Care provides skilled Caregivers to assist with daily tasks such as personal care, medication management, meal preparation, and companionship, all while ensuring a safe and comfortable home environment. Their team tailors care plans to meet the unique needs of each client, offering peace of mind to families and allowing seniors to age with dignity in familiar surroundings.

2. UpKeep Home Warranty & Maintenance: Keeping Homes Safe & Functional

Kevin, from UpKeep Home Warranty & Maintenance, highlighted the importance of routine home maintenance in preventing accidents and maintaining safety standards. As homes age, regular upkeep becomes essential to avoid potential hazards like faulty wiring, slippery floors, or broken fixtures. UpKeep specializes in helping homeowners—particularly seniors—stay on top of repairs and preventative maintenance. By addressing potential issues early, they reduce the risk of falls, injuries, or emergencies, ensuring that homes remain safe for seniors as they age.

3. Mosby Building Arts: Modifications for Aging in Place

Mark of Mosby Building Arts brought attention to the critical role home modifications play in ensuring senior safety. Mosby specializes in remodeling homes to better accommodate the changing needs of aging homeowners. This includes adding grab bars, widening doorways for wheelchair access, installing non-slip flooring, and converting bathtubs to walk-in showers. These changes can dramatically improve mobility, reduce the risk of falls, and make everyday activities safer and more manageable for seniors.

4. Enhanced Living OT: Functional Living with Occupational Therapy

Megan, from Enhanced Living Occupational Therapy, explained how occupational therapy (OT) can empower seniors to navigate their homes more confidently and independently. Megan discussed how OT focuses on evaluating a senior’s living environment and daily routines to optimize functionality. By recommending small adjustments to how seniors move, interact with objects, or perform tasks, Megan and her team help seniors maximize their independence and reduce the risk of injury.

Conclusion: Collaborative Efforts for Aging in Place

The Senior Learning Institute Seminar was a valuable opportunity for seniors and their families to gain insights from experts across multiple industries. Each panelist provided practical advice to help older adults remain in their homes longer and safer, whether through professional care, regular home maintenance, smart renovations, or therapeutic interventions.

If you or a loved one needs additional support to stay safe and comfortable at home, Assistance Home Care is here to help. We provide compassionate in-home care tailored to your unique needs. Reach out to us today to learn more or request a free consultation and let us show you how our services can make a difference in aging in place.

To learn more about the Senior Learning Institute and future seminars, visit Senior Learning Institute.