Chris Moore

About

Chris Moore is an expert on using universal design principles to build and remodel homes to help seniors age in place. He has more than 24 years of experience in the residential construction industry. In 2001, he founded Solid Rock Enterprises, Inc., to provide quality building, remodeling, and consulting services in the Roanoke Valley of Virginia. He uses the Comprehensive Assessment and Solution Process for Aging Residents (CASPAR) to measure his clients' abilities against the features of their homes in order to recommend home modifications customized for each client's unique situation.

You can read Chris’s column, "Housing Matters," which addresses issues related to aging in place, home modification, and universal design. "Housing Matters" appears in the Senior News website each month. Chris also speaks to groups throughout the Southwest Virginia area on aging in place, universal design, home modification, and home safety.

Chris is a certified aging in place specialist (CAPS). He holds an executive certificate in home modification from the Andrus Gerontology Center at the University of Southern California, a bacherlor's in business administration from Averett College in Virginia, and an associate of arts degree from Bard College at Simon’s Rock in Massachusetts.

Why I Care

"I started getting involved in universal design and aging in place when my own mother's mobility needs began to change. I made home modifications for her, and that made me decide to focus my efforts on meeting the needs of other seniors who want to age in their own homes."

Links

Recently Published on Caring.com

  1. Wednesday April 25, 2012

    1. Does Blue Cross pay for walk in showers?

      Answer - You asked,"Does Blue Cross pay for walk in showers?" In order to answer this question definitively you would have to read your policy and see what is covered and what isn't. Generally speaking, most medical insurance does not cover home modifications like a walk in shower...

  2. Saturday November 19, 2011

    1. FAQ: What Kinds of Home Equipment and Modifications Are Covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or the VA?

      Answer - Excellent information on paying for medical equipment and home modifications. I would add that the limits for HISA grants have been raised to $6,800 for service connected disabilities and $2,000 for non service connected disabilities.

    2. Is there a tax break for home modifications?

      Answer - Here in Virginia, we have a Livable Homes Tax Credit that extends a credit on state income tax up to $5,000 for improvements made to your home that increase accessibility or visitability. It also applies if you purchase a new home that has accessibility features built in...

    3. Which bed alarms are the best?

      Answer - The bed alarm that is available through Simply-Home has the capability to not only alert your sister that your mother has gotten out of bed during the night but keeps a record of how often and for how long she has gotten out of bed. In addition, you can install a whole range of other sensors that can...

  3. Saturday July 23, 2011

    1. Should I get a personal emergency response system (PERS) for my mom, who has early-stage Alzheimer's?

      Answer - A more appropriate system would be an electronic remote activity monitoring system like Simply-Home. This is a monitoring system with a series of wireless sensors connected to a base unit that responds to certain conditions with a preprogrammed alert...

    2. How can I safely secure the exterior doors so my mom can't get out without her caregiver knowing?

      Answer - The type of locks mentioned here to safely secure doors (called double cylinder deadbolts) violate building codes if used in a residential application because of fire codes.

    3. How do I get my dad out of the bathtub?

      Answer - The bathroom is the one room in the house that is most often the site of accidents that can seriously limit a senior's ability to live independently, so are are wise to be concerned for your father's safety. If taking a bath rather than a shower is something your father enjoys, there are alternative ways to get him out of the bathtub after a bath...

  4. Tuesday December 07, 2010

    1. We're preparing a safe home for Mom; what else do we need?

      Answer - I think it's great that you are taking your mom into your home and it's wonderful that you are planning ahead to make her living space as safe and comfortable as possible for her. Anytime you are preparing a safe home for the elderly the more advance planning you can do, the better off you and your mom will be...

  5. Saturday August 07, 2010

    1. How do I find a reputable contractor in another state?

      Answer - To find a reputable contractor start by looking for a CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist) in your aunt’s area. These are contractors who have been specially trained to serve the needs of people who want to continue to live at home as they age. They must be licensed and insured and abide by a a code of ethics...

    2. Is there a special dishwasher for the elderly?

      Answer - The solution to an accessible dishwasher for seniors is to raise the dishwasher 6”-12” so that the top rack of the dishwasher is level with the adjacent countertop.

  6. Saturday May 29, 2010

    1. Is there financial aid to help with a house remodel?

      Answer - There are a number of different entities that help defray costs that vary from state to state and community to community. If either of them is a veteran there is a HISA (Home Improvement and Structural Alteration) grant that will pay up to $4100 for imrovements that increase access to vital areas of the home...

    2. Where can I find resources to help with the design and materials for a wheelchair ramp?

      Answer - Here is a link http://www.wheelchairramp.org/rampman/manual/rampindx.htm to a guide that was created by the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living in Minnesota for building ramps. Thes ramps are designed to be built in modules and be removable, perfect for a rental situation...

  7. Wednesday May 26, 2010

    1. I am a contractor who is preparing to build an accessible...

      Question - I am a contractor who is preparing to build an accessible addition for a paralyzed veteran. I was told by the county zoning board that I cannot add onto his house because his house is in a commercial zone and his house is a non conforming use and cannot be expanded...