Accessible Home at Heartland

The kick-off at VGM Group’s Heartland Conference was its traditional hog roast and fireworks. But there was a lot more going on at the annual event, held June 7-10, and most of it was all about helping HME providers do business better.

A highlight was construction of a 1,500-square-foot accessible home in a parking lot across from the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center in downtown Waterloo, Iowa. Put together by the group’s newest division, Accessible Home Improvement of America, the Heartland Home for Independent Living showcased the latest accessibility products from AHIA vendors.

The idea was to demonstrate to providers how they can build their businesses through accessible housing amid the onslaught of reimbursement cuts and the threat of competitive bidding that will mean the loss of Medicare revenues for most. Classes on home modification and accessibility issues were held in the house, and some conference attendees even had an opportunity for hands-on building: Several Heartland classes installed the bathroom system, and those completing the courses received certification for their efforts.

The home had ramps and zero-threshold entrances. There were no steps. Egress doors were prevalent so a person with limited mobility could exit in the event of a fire, for example. Electrical outlets were placed at 18 inches with most counter-tops at 29 inches. The kitchen had power-adjustable cabinets, and the bathroom featured a walk-in tub and zero-clearance shower with other bath safety items and living aids, such as a body dryer.

“The products, options and services displayed lean greatly toward a retail/cash market,” said Jerry Keiderling, AHIA president. “As our industry continues to battle with tighter regulations and pushes toward declining reimbursement for our traditional product and service offerings, our members are seriously looking to diversify and gain access to a market that will improve their cash flow.

“This market is wide open, as the demographics for oncoming elderly and baby boomers show dramatic increases coming for society to live longer, not necessarily healthier but smarter,” he continued. “The need for functional and independent living opportunities will be the focus of many.”