Phil Cannella Explains Long-Term Care Home Modifications


Phil Cannella recognizes that many people, as they age would rather stay at home than move into a nursing home or assisted living facility. It is a truly personal decision. Whether you have a long term care insurance policy or not, home health-care is an option and most long-term insurance policies today provide for coverage of home health care services.

Phil Cannella is a long-time senior advocate and says that there are factors for seniors to consider when deciding whether to stay at home when the need for skilled care arises. Depending on the difficulties you need help with, you may need to make some modifications to your home so that you can live there comfortably. For example, if you are confined to a wheel chair, your home will need to have wheel chair access. Your bathrooms may need to be modified for handicapped access. These are issues Phil Cannella urges everyone to consider.

Of course nursing homes are already specially modified and built specifically with seniors, and their needs in mind. Phil Cannella explains that for each person or family the needs may be different. For some, a simple modification as installing a grab bar in the bathroom is enough. Modifications can make your home or apartment safer and allow you to stay there longer. One of the goals of home modification is to increase your chances of avoiding a fall, especially in the bathroom.

Typical changes needed as you age include:

• Entryway ramps to accommodate wheelchairs or walkers;
• Bathroom safety grip bars and walk-in or roll-in showers;
• Lever style door and sink handles;
• Improved lighting and night lighting;
• Handrails;
• Wider doorways for wheelchair access;
• Stairway chair lifts.

Phil Cannella believes the care of a senior is a very personal matter. Understanding his or her concerns and working out how to accommodate them is important. This is why Phil Cannella takes a very personal approach with all consumers when he meets with them and explains the Crash Proof Retirement System.

About Phil Cannella

Head Analyst with First Senior Financial Group