Many of the changes Eric Anderson made to his home on a quiet Pikesville street are imperceptible.
But to the handicapped and elderly who will live there, the changes will make all the difference ? like wider doors and hallways, peepholes at different heights and a front control panel on the stove.
“Visiting with clients, I would hear and see about all these barriers,” said Anderson, a former medical supplies salesman. “So I got my real estate license, appraiser?s license, then my contractor?s license.”
County officials Wednesday toured Anderson?s home in the Ralston neighborhood that will serve as a showcase for what elderly and disabled county residents can do with a new state program that offers a no-interest loan for certain home improvements. Anderson?s project supports his private business ? renovating homes to accommodate the elderly and disabled ? but county officials said the project merits public exposure.
They said his work allows physically impaired homeowners to maintain their independence.
“How many folks want to move into a nursing home or assisted living facility?” said Arnold Eppel, director of the county?s department on aging. “I don?t see any hands.”
Baltimore County is one of 11 counties participating in the state?s pilot loan program, known as the Accessible Homes for Seniors. The 30-year loan, which is capped at $15,000 and carries age and income requirements, can be applied to remodeling costs to make homes more accessible. County Executive Jim Smith is encouraging the county?s 140,000 seniors to apply for their share.
And Anderson said much can be accomplished with $15,000, including a new bathroom, wider doorways and an outdoor entrance ramp. His home also will serve as a short-term rental unit for disabled and elderly clients who are purchasing a new home or remodeling their existing ones.
“A lot of times, insurance carriers just send you to a nursing home,” he said. “This will help keep families together.”
