4 mericans, Aging In Place Made Safer & Easier (NAPSA)—Arecent Harris Poll released by HomeServe USA found some surprising facts about Americans 50 andover. Not Going Anywhere For one thing, many have no intention of leaving their homes until well into retirement, if at all. Forty-one percent plan to stay where they live now until age 81 or older. Feeling Safe At Home The majority are confident about growingold in their homes, too. Only 37 percent expect they'll need to make modifications so their homes are safer and easily accessible as they age. Handling Emergencies The survey found that two in five have experienced a home emergency in the past 12 months. A faulty heating or air-conditioning system was the No. 1 most common home emergency, with 14 percent needing to repair or replace one of these systems over the last year. The second most common was a blocked or overflowing toilet (10 percent), followed by a faulty electrical circuit, switch or outlet, and a water heater repair or replacement (each 7 percent). Many Are Unprepared Many Americans 50-plusare not prepared to cover the expenses of unexpected home emergencies. Close to a third report they have not set aside money to cover an emergency homerepair, while 17 percent have $1,000 or less put away for emergency homerepairs. Despite this, saving for unexpected expenses ranks a close third among 50-plus Americans’ top financial concerns, with 26 percent reporting it as the one that worries them the most. The No. 1 financial concern is identity theft (30 percent), followed by running out of money in retirement (27 percent). With identity theft top of mind for Americans 50-plus, letting a strangerin the houseto do repairs may be a source of anxiety. Checking References That may be why 74 percent say it’s important to get references before hiring a technician, though Many Americans have found a great place to retire in: their own homes. only 48 percent actually do so. Similarly, 62 percent believe it’s important to check that the work will be guaranteed but only 38 percent follow that advice. 58 percent believe it’s important to perform a background check before hiring a home technician but a meager 18 percent have actually conducted one. 65 percent believe it’s important to do a cost comparison before hiring a contractor but only 44 percent have doneso. Finding Help Fortunately, there is a convenient way to find a trusted resource in a time of need. Home repair service plan provider, HomeServe USAoffers a better way to pay and manage home repairs with service plans that protect against the expense and inconvenience of water, sewer, electrical, HVAC and other home emergencies. The company just launched a new program in partnership with AARP, with a suite of specially designed service plans for AARP members. HomeServe USA plan holders can access a Repair Hotline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to bring local, licensed and insured technicians right to their homefor repairs. All technicians have been prescreened and all covered repairs are guaranteed for a year. Learn More For further facts, visit www. HomeServeUSA.com, www.twi tter.com/homeserveusa and www. facebook.com/homeserveusa or call (877) 444-7750.
