Home modifications planned by a Certified Aging in Place Specialist can make living with Prader-Willi Syndrome easier and safer.

According to Beyond Accessibility, people living with Prader-Willi Syndrome can have decreased motor skills including low tone, ataxia, poor balance, decreased strength, and limited endurance. Symptoms unique to Prader-Willi Syndrome include food cravings, scoliosis, and body temperature regulation. Examples of aging-in-place home modifications specifically for people living with Prader-Willi Syndrome includes:

• Refridgerator locks

• Locks on food storage areas such as the pantry

• Control access to whole kitchen with doors or gates that can be locked

• Specific refridgerator in locked area

• Alarms or monitors to notify adults of nighttime movement

• Locks on storage areas for items not safe to consume, such as cleaning supplies

• Plan for room with equipment as needed for scoliosis, such as supported seating and specialty beds

• Plan for occasional surgeries and short-term wheelchair or walker use at home (main floor bedroom and bathroom, room in bathroom for wheelchair, wider doorways, zero-step entry or minimal steps that can be covered with a portable ramp)

• Air conditioning in main living and sleeping areas

• Ceiling fans

• UV reflective window coatings

• Window shades (can be insulated)

• Update windows and doors for more stable indoor air temperatures

• Zoned heating and cooling for the home

• Covered/enclosed car parking (heated garage may be beneficial in cold climates)

The home modifications listed above are representative. Please note that every child, every family, and every home is different, with unique needs. Every idea does not apply to every child, family, or home. This list does not replace having a home modification assessment for your family; nor does it replace the need for a skilled Occupational Therapist to work in-person with you and your building team. All ideas are implemented at your own risk; please use caution and judgment. Consult with a CAPS advisor. Home modifications can greatly improve quality of life, but should be combined with the direct services of skilled professionals, such as therapists, doctors, and social workers.

If someone you know suffers from a genetic syndrome such as Prader-Willi Syndrome, please call Richard at 615-752-0060 to discuss the needs for a home safety inspection and home modification. For more information about the services Richard provides please see Residential Accessibility.

If you observe a building or stadium that is not ADA compliant and you would like to know how to proceed, please see the link at What To Do When A Building Is Not ADA Compliant or Accessible.

ADA Inspections Nationwide, LLC, offers ADA/ABA/FHA accessibility compliance inspections for buildings and facilities, as applicable to the different laws, and expert witness services with respect to ADA/ABA/FHA laws for building owners, tenants and managers. Also, ADAIN offers consulting for home modifications as a CAPS consultant for people wishing to age in place in their homes. For a complete list of services please see ADAIN Services.

Thank you.