Consumer knowledge of home modifications

Abstract

Better, safer and easier-to-use home environments are important in an aging society. Unfortunately, only a small proportion of people who need more accessible living environments modify or adapt their homes. There are a number of reasons improved living environments have not ‘caught on’. While there are many excellent educational programs and materials for educating consumers, the approaches have targeted the consumer as the problem. In addition, suggested modifications have often been inconsistent with consumer preferences. This article suggests that a great deal of knowledge exists about how to improve living environments; the next step is how to make these improvements part of the mainstream consumer marketplace.