Karas Construction Company llc

HOME BALANCE TEST - Assess your fall risk.
When I speak publicly, I want to make sure people understand falls happen quickly, without much, if any warning. You never wake up in the morning and think, "todays the day I'm going to have that bad fall". Each year I am called by at least 10 clients that have recently had a serious fall. Be proactive. During my home fall prevention assesments I share ideas and methods to greatly reduce falls in and around your home and yard, particularly on stairways. Falls not only on a whole flight of steps, sometimes on just 1 step.
I'm posting this again because it is so important. I recently lost another client from a stair fall. Two railings are always recomended on all home stairways. One just isn't enough...

These at-home tests can gauge your balancing skills and assess your fall risk

Balance is something you take for granted until it fails you. If stumbles have become more frequent, even if you've escaped with only a jolt of adrenaline or a minor knee scrape, they could BE A WAKE UP CALL that your balancing skills need attention.

"As you age, balance becomes even more essential, and you should approach it like any other part of your fitness," says Kaitlyn Buckwell, a strength and conditioning specialist with the Center for Sports Performance and Research at Harvard-affiliated Mass General Brigham. "Strong balancing skills not only can protect you from falling, but they can also reduce the likelihood of a severe injury if you do."

Four-stage balance test
How can you tell if your balance is unbalanced? Take the four-stage balance test, a simple baseline assessment used by physical and occupational therapists to evaluate balance and an individual's risk of falling.

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Everyday Balance Exercise
Balance is an often-underappreciated skill. We are reminded of its importance as we watch toddlers learn to walk, when learning a new activity, or as we get older and balance can become, well, unbalanced. Balance is important to almost everything we do, from standing on a step stool to reach a high shelf to hiking on uneven terrain. Like other attributes, you need to “use it or lose it.”
The test measures how long you can stand in a series of positions. Each stance is harder than the one before.

"The goal is to maintain balance for at least 10 seconds without needing support before advancing to the next stance," says Buckwell.

Perform the tests barefoot, keeping your arms at your sides or extended out, and your gaze straight ahead. "Do them near a wall, chair, or another person in case you do lose your balance," says Buckwell.

Side-by-side. Stand on a flat surface with your feet positioned next to each other so they touch. Hold the position without moving your feet.

Semi-tandem. Place the instep of the arch of one foot so it's next to and touching the big toe of the other foot. Hold the position without moving your feet. Switch foot positions and repeat.

Tandem. Place one foot in front of the other, so the heel and toes touch. Hold the position without moving your feet. Switch foot positions and repeat.

Single-leg. Stand with your feet hip-width apart, hands on your hips. Lift one foot off the floor to about mid-calf height. Hold this position for 10 seconds, or until the raised foot touches the ground or you lose your balance. Switch foot positions and repeat.

What do the results mean? If you can't hold the tandem or single-leg for 10 seconds (or if you can't progress to the tandem stance at all), you are at high risk of falling, and you should see a physical therapist for further evaluation, according to Buckwell. "They can help you improve your balance through exercises that increase joint stability, mobility, and strength."

Advanced balance tests
Even if you easily pass the four-stage balance test, your balancing skills still may need attention. "More advanced tests can gauge your balance and coordination during everyday movements, when you are most likely to stumble or fall," says Buckwell.

"All these tests also act as balancing exercises. Practicing them regularly not only helps monitor your balance skills, but also improves them."

Moving a bit slower? The # 1 thing our bodies expirence as we age is decreased mobility. To help offset this there are some things we can do and Functional Fitness is one of them.
Defined as: Functional fitness, to decrease the effects of age-related changes.
As we age, our bodies go through changes that can affect strength, flexibility, and overall mobility, often starting earlier than expected. From muscle loss and reduced strength to declining balance and flexibility, these shifts can make everyday tasks more challenging.

While it's natural to experience these changes, they don't have to define your later years. Understanding the impact of aging on your body and incorporating functional training into your routine can help you stay strong, active, and independent. Here are some age-related changes to be aware of.

Muscles shrink. Muscle loss begins in your mid-30s, at a rate of 1% to 2% a year. While that may not sound like much, these little changes make a differ­ence over the years, contributing to achy joints, inju­ries, and weight gain — all of which can make daily activities more challenging. As you get into your 60s and 70s, muscle loss can accelerate to as much as 3% a year.

Strength wanes. One result of muscle loss is a decrease in strength, making activities like walking, getting out of a chair, and climbing stairs more diffi­cult. Beginning in your mid-30s, you lose about 1.5% of your strength a year, and that rate accelerates as you get older. Some older adults lose as much as a third of their strength over a 10-year period.

Power declines. As muscles shrink, you lose not only strength but also power, your body's ability to exert force or strength quickly. Power plummets at more than twice the rate of strength — 3.5% a year for power compared to 1.5% for strength. Reductions in power make it harder to get across a street before the light changes, hoist a heavy bag of groceries, or catch yourself when you stumble.

Aerobic capacity decreases. A 25-year-old heart can pump 2.5 quarts of blood a minute, but after age 30, heart and lung function begin to decline at a rate of about 10% per decade. A 65-year-old heart pumps about 1.5 quarts of blood a minute. The capacity drops to about 1 quart for 80-year-olds. These changes affect your endurance.

Joints stiffen. A decrease in flexibility and range of motion makes tasks like reaching overhead and stooping down problematic. Nearly 20% of older adults have difficulty reaching something on a high shelf, while 51% are challenged when they drop some­thing and have to bend down to pick it up. Flexibility in the hip and shoulder joints declines about 6° per decade from age 55 to 85.

Balance wobbles. According to a study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, 54% of people in their early to mid-70s weren't able to balance on one leg for 10 seconds without holding on to something. As you become less steady on your feet, tasks like going downstairs, navigating around obstacles, and traversing uneven surfaces become more difficult, and you're more likely to fall.

Body fat increases. Even if the number on the scale isn't budging, you're probably gaining more fat as your muscles shrink. But if you're like most people, you're probably seeing an increase in your weight, too. That extra fat and weight can make it harder to get around and can tire you out faster. Extra layers of fat can also affect your ability to do things like bending over to tie your shoes.

Functional fitness is a powerful tool for maintaining strength, mobility, and independence as you age. By staying active and following safety guidelines, you can slow down some of these age-related changes and continue to enjoy a healthy, fulfilling lifestyle well into your later years.

Asking (AI) for more information, will help chart your path forward to overall better health, increased energy, a more positive outlook on life, decreased stress, and 1000 more excellent benifits.

For more information on staying active as you age, make everyday tasks easier, and even improve your game, check out: Discovering Functional Fitness: Exercise, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School.
Now get out there and enjoy!

Send a message to learn more

Health & Wellness Fair; Thank you Annie and the town of Brewster council on aging for another sucessful show.

WORTH A READ:
8 housing regrets retirees admit after downsizing too soon

Bernadette Donovan

Let’s face it: retirement can be a roller coaster—exciting one minute, daunting the next.

And for many of us, one of the biggest leaps in this new chapter is deciding whether (and when) to downsize our homes.

In my own retirement journey, I’ve witnessed friends, former colleagues, and even a few of my old high school teaching buddies grapple with the decision to move into a smaller space.

Some did it flawlessly, while others found themselves saying, “If only I’d thought of that sooner!”

I’m not suggesting downsizing is always a mistake—far from it. For many retirees, it’s a strategic and liberating move.

But if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my years as both an educator and a retiree, it’s that hindsight is often 20/20. With that in mind, let’s dive into eight housing regrets that retirees commonly admit after downsizing too soon.

My hope is that by exploring these pitfalls, we can help you avoid them—or at least prepare you for what lies ahead.

1. Underestimating future space needs

One of the first regrets I hear from folks who jump into downsizing is that they underestimated just how much space they’d still want, even in retirement.

It’s easy to think you won’t need a home office anymore, or a dedicated craft room, or a spacious kitchen.

But, as I discovered after retiring, new hobbies (like volunteering in community literacy programs and hosting weekly book club meetings) can require more room than we expect.

Plus, if you have grandchildren like I do—mine absolutely love their sleepovers—you might want that extra bedroom. Or perhaps you’ll need space for your adult children who visit more often than you think.

Winston Churchill once said, “Let our advance worrying become advance thinking and planning.”

That rings true here: consider your hobbies, family gatherings, and potential future needs, rather than rushing to clear out all that square footage.

2. Letting go of sentimental items too quickly

Downsizing often comes with a lot of decluttering, and I’m a big believer in passing on items we no longer use.

But there’s a fine line between minimizing and feeling like you’ve lost part of your personal history. Over the years, I’ve seen retirees donate or toss treasures—photo albums, heirloom furniture, or that old rocking chair their mother once used—only to regret it later.

The tricky part is figuring out what to keep. My rule of thumb: if it represents a cherished memory or part of your family’s story, think twice before letting it go.

You don’t want to wake up one morning in your new, smaller home and realize the one item that brought a smile to your face is gone.

Consider digitalizing old photos or passing keepsakes to family members who can care for them until you have more space or decide what you truly want to hold onto.

3. Overlooking the importance of community and social ties

One piece of advice I gave my high school students—and now find myself repeating to retired friends—is that we’re wired for connection.

Retirees often regret downsizing into a charming little place that’s far from their lifelong friends, church community, or volunteer activities. It’s one thing to have a cozy new house, and another to feel isolated and disconnected from your social circle.

Brené Brown, a well-known researcher on vulnerability and connection, has famously said, “Connection is why we’re here.” After decades teaching about literature’s exploration of the human condition, I firmly believe she’s right.

Think long and hard about whether your smaller home will leave you cut off from the people and places that energize you.

Are you willing to drive longer distances to attend your grandchild’s recital or a weekly book club? If the answer is no, location might matter more than size.

4. Miscalculating the financial reality

Downsizing, in theory, sounds like an easy way to free up cash and reduce expenses.

Less property tax, fewer utility bills, reduced maintenance—it’s a perfect equation, right? Not always.

Many retirees admit they were blindsided by the costs of moving, renovating a new space to fit their needs, or even dealing with higher homeowner association fees in certain communities.

I mentioned in a previous post on DMNews that financial surprises can derail an otherwise fulfilling retirement plan. I’ve seen folks get so caught up in the promise of a simpler life that they don’t run the numbers carefully enough.

The lesson here? Look beyond the sticker price. Do a thorough budget that accounts for every likely (and some unlikely) expense. Talk to friends or family who’ve already downsized.

And if you can, consult a trusted financial advisor to be sure you’re prepared.

5. Failing to consider future mobility issues

If there’s one thing I learned from my years teaching teenagers, it’s that we all think we’ll remain forever young—until suddenly, we realize we’re not.

A number of retirees regret moving into smaller spaces that aren’t mobility-friendly, such as condos with stairs at every turn or bathroom layouts too narrow for walkers or wheelchairs should they become necessary.

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At first, you might think, “I’m healthy now, so I’ll just manage.” But as we age, certain design features can become essential: grab bars in the shower, single-story living, wider doorways, ramps, and so on.

Even if these accommodations feel premature, planning ahead can save you from yet another disruptive move if health challenges arise.

Bill Gates once said, “We always overestimate the change that will occur in the next two years and underestimate the change that will occur in the next ten.”

That applies not just to technology, but to our own aging process, too.

6. Not factoring in space for hobbies or passions

When I first retired, I imagined endless days volunteering at local literacy programs, attending yoga classes, and trying new healthy recipes.

I didn’t consider how much space some of those activities might require. A friend of mine, for instance, discovered she couldn’t properly do her watercolor painting in her cramped apartment.

Another realized he missed the workshop in his old garage for woodworking.

Whether it’s gardening, painting, yoga, or a home-based side hustle, retirees often lament that they said goodbye to the one place that let them nurture their passions.

If you’re moving somewhere with shared community spaces—a common feature of 55+ communities—investigate how accessible they really are.

Will you be able to reserve a craft room or rec center when you need it? Make sure your new home (or the surrounding area) can accommodate the activities that make you feel alive.

7. Neglecting to plan for visiting family or caregivers

Many of us baby boomers dream of hosting holiday gatherings, or at least having a comfortable space when family visits.

I’ve heard countless stories of retirees who jumped into a two-bedroom downsized home, only to realize it barely fits them, let alone grown children, grandchildren, or a caretaker who might need to stay overnight.

Even if you don’t anticipate family moving in with you, life has a way of surprising us.

Grandkids might need a place to crash for summer break. A caregiver might need a bedroom if you or your spouse face health issues down the road.

The regret sets in when retirees find themselves saying, “We never thought we’d have someone living with us again.” Being open to these possibilities ensures you’re not caught off guard.

8. Moving away before exploring other options

I’ve saved this regret for last because it often emerges when folks look back on the whole experience and realize they could have tried something else first.

Could they have rented out part of their home for extra income? Taken in a housemate or relative? Could they have done a smaller renovation to make the house more retirement-friendly?

Sometimes, downsizing is the best (or only) move. But if you haven’t explored other possibilities thoroughly—ranging from partial renovations to short-term rentals in a retirement community—you might find yourself with seller’s remorse.

Before you box up everything, do a little detective work on all the alternatives.

Is there a program in your community that supports aging-in-place upgrades? Is there a friend or neighbor looking for a living arrangement that could help you both?

Approach this step as you would a major purchase: get your facts straight before signing on the dotted line.

Finally but perhaps most importantly, give yourself grace. Downsizing doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing, and it doesn’t have to happen at breakneck speed.

Even if you’ve made a misstep, remember that we’re all works in progress—especially in retirement. As Albert Einstein said, “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”

Some of us will decide that a smaller home is exactly what we need, and we’ll have no regrets. Others might hold onto that beloved family home a little longer.

Regardless, the goal is to be intentional. Ask yourself: How do I want to live out these next decades, and what kind of space will truly serve that vision?

Conclusion

Downsizing isn’t just a financial or logistical decision; it’s a deeply personal one that touches on everything from our memories to our future aspirations.

We each have our own unique journey, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

My hope is that by hearing these eight common regrets, you’ll be able to approach downsizing (if you choose it) with a clearer sense of what to watch out for.

Join me for an inspiring afternoon dedicated to helping seniors age in place with dignity and comfort! Connect with local senior care businesses that provide essential services, resources, and innovative solutions to support independent living. Whether you're looking for guidance, services, or simply want to explore options, this gathering is the perfect opportunity to engage with professionals who truly care. Let's work together to create a safer, healthier, and more fulfilling future for aging at home. Hope to see you there! Dave

Smart choices on: “Improving the Safety and Quality of Your Life”

When we were young, baby gates were put in stairwells and locks were placed on every cabinet, keeping everything behind those doors safe. The truth is, starting at birth there are certain adaptions that need to be made to our home to make it not only as safe as possible but allow us to live in it to our fullest.

As we get older, we truly realize that there’s no place like home; therefore, why not get the most out of your home regardless of where you are in life. In a world where we focus so much on preparing ahead, taking great care of ourselves, assuring we are healthy, why not be sure our home is just as prepared for us.
What does Karas Construction do for homeowners that sets it aside from other companies?
We have been trained in areas of home remodeling that few companies even know about. We have learned to modify homes to make them safer for everyone regardless of age, or physical ability. We create healthier living spaces, and we make homes easier and less expensive to maintain, now and as we age.
Where did you learn so much about aging at home?
I attended schooling through The National Association of Home Builders, the Boston chapter. I am one of very few certified aging in place specialists, or C.A.P.S, on Cape Cod. That certification allows me to professionally survey your home and identify areas that could be improved. I’ve pledged a commitment to be honest and fair. Through some simple modifications, we make it possible for you to live in, and stay in your home longer while greatly helping to reduce the chances of a fall or injury.
What are some of the things you typically discover during the first appointment?
The major items we discover and identify are bathroom and kitchen safety issues, trip hazards, lack of proper hand railings and grab bars for stability, and poor lighting. For the customer, the easy, straightforward meeting is a time to learn about these proven methods and how we can correct their home, all while adding style and increasing value to their property.
Do you follow any guidelines?
Yes. As CAPS graduate’s we are held to the highest ethics and standards. I have pledged to conduct my business with professionalism and skill, to provide the best remodeling value possible, and to protect the customer through the use of quality materials and best remodeling practices, all backed by integrity and service.
How does a person start the process with you?
All you need to do is call us at 401-265-5647. An appointment will be made to meet at your home to discuss your personal needs, share ideas, and explore your options. I personally go on all appointments. We are a local company, working hard to improve your home, your life, one house, one family at a time.

Things are getting busy as spring time approaches. If you are considering any of these services, it’s recommended to plan ahead.

Life happens fast! Please join me in Cotuit.

"Golden Solutions" - Simple Products to Improve Daily Life Join us for an enlightening presentation by Dave Karas, a Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist on Cape Cod. Together you will explore a range of helpful items, from ergonomic...

Once you fall it's too late.
* please read on if your serious about staying healthy.
Falls have an major impact on all aspects of your life.
In honor of Fall Prevention Month in, did you know:
⚠️ Adults over the age of 60, suffer the greatest number of falls
⚠️ Every 13 seconds an older adult is treated in ER for a fall injury?
⚠️ Every 20 minutes an older adult dies from a fall.
Even minor falls can lead to major problems in many peoples lives
- The good news: Over 50% of falls can be prevented.
Together with Dave Karas you can make a major impact in preventing a fall not only in and around your home, but while visiting friends and family, while shopping, traveling or just hanging out at home. My BEST advice, "Make A Plan".
- Nobody wakes up thinking todays the day I have going to have a bad fall. Instead say "todays the day I'm going to make a plan and become poractive with home fall prevention". You do this not only for yourself, but for your family and friends who care and worry so much about you falling. People have told me that I sell confidence and promote their independence. I agree.
Suprisingly, most of the calls we recieve are reactive, meaning that someone has already fallen. Please consider being proactive, before this happens. The conversation we have together is a great first step to sucseeful aging in place.

"Taking proactive steps to prevent falls at home is essential for ensuring you can stay safe and independent as you age."
All our work includes a simple fall prevention assesment of the major rooms used in your home.
You will learn thing like this as we walk throughout your home:
- What 4 things should you NEVER have on your bathroom vanity top? (they can and often do make many extreamlly ill)
- How to prevent dangerous bathroom pathagens from entering you body making you sick?
(Most people don't know this answer.)
- What are the two steps people usually fall or trip on and WHY?
(I provide photos and test your vision perception)
- What is the most important thing to do before you get out of bed in the morning?
( if you don't do this your setting yourself up for a fall)
- How to decide between a walk in shower and a roll in shower?
( after 42 years in business, we have learned the reasons why)

This is just the beginning of dozens of very important sucessful aging in place questions that everyone needs to discuss.
We are always happy to share answers and have that important conversations with you. Thats what we do, every day for people who have taken the first step.
With thousands of grab bars and home fall prevention job done, Our expirence's elevate your sucess.
Stay well,
Dave G. Karas
C.A.P.S.
www.aging in place cape cod.com