Learn how to make your home safe and accessible for aging in place. This guide covers practical tips on improving home safety, enhancing accessibility, incorporating smart technology, and planning for long-term comfort.

Aging in place has become an increasingly popular choice for older adults who wish to maintain their independence and remain in the comfort of their own homes. However, ensuring safety and accessibility is key to making this a sustainable option. Below are practical tips for home modifications and technologies that can support independent living.


1. Evaluate Potential Hazards

Start by assessing your home for potential risks. Common areas of concern include:

  • Slippery floors: Consider non-slip mats and rugs or remove area rugs that may pose tripping hazards.

  • Clutter: Keep walkways clear to reduce the risk of falls.

  • Lighting: Install brighter, energy-efficient LED lighting in all rooms, especially hallways and staircases.


2. Home Modifications for Safety

Simple home modifications can significantly enhance safety:

  • Grab Bars: Install grab bars in bathrooms near toilets and showers.

  • Walk-In Showers: Replace bathtubs with walk-in showers that include a seating option.

  • Stair Assistance: Add handrails on both sides of staircases and consider stairlifts if mobility is an issue.

  • Ramps: Replace steps at entrances with ramps for easier accessibility.


3. Smart Home Technologies

Modern technology can help older adults maintain independence while enhancing safety:

  • Smart Sensors: Install motion-detecting lights in key areas to ensure visibility during the night.

  • Emergency Alert Systems: Use wearable devices or home systems that provide 24/7 emergency response services.

  • Voice-Activated Assistants: Devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant can be programmed to control lights, thermostats, and even appliances hands-free.

  • Video Doorbells: Enhance security by allowing you to see and speak with visitors without opening the door.


4. Consider Ergonomics

Reorganize your home to minimize strain and maximize convenience:

  • Place frequently used items within easy reach.

  • Use lever-style door handles instead of traditional knobs for easier grip.

  • Replace heavy cookware with lightweight options.


5. Plan for Accessibility

As mobility needs change, think ahead to create a more accessible environment:

  • Open Floor Plans: Wider doorways and hallways accommodate wheelchairs and walkers.

  • Adjustable Countertops: Consider installing counters and sinks at varied heights.

  • Accessible Closets: Lower closet rods and shelves for easier access.


6. Involve Professionals

When making substantial changes, consult experts:

  • Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS) can provide tailored advice.

  • Occupational therapists can recommend modifications to suit specific needs.

  • Contractors experienced in senior-friendly renovations ensure high-quality work.


7 . Prioritize Fire Safety

Fire safety involves taking proactive measures to prevent fires, ensure early detection with alarms, and establish clear escape plans to protect lives and property.

  • Equip your home with functioning smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in key areas like bedrooms and hallways.

  • Develop a clear and simple escape plan with multiple exit routes from each room.

  • Practice the escape plan regularly to ensure everyone in the household is prepared.

  • If mobility is a concern, place a phone or medical alert device near your bed for quick access to emergency services.

  • Avoid overloading electrical outlets to reduce the risk of fire hazards.

  • Keep a fire extinguisher in accessible locations, such as the kitchen.


Conclusion

Aging in place is a feasible and fulfilling option with proper planning and adjustments. By addressing potential hazards, incorporating smart technologies, and making necessary home modifications, older adults can enjoy comfort, safety, and independence for years to come.

 

PLEASE NOTE:  This article was generated by AI, and modified and edited.

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Reminder:

1.  MEMBERSHIP DUES

Calendar Year 2025 Annual Dues (01-01-2025 thru 12-31-2025) invoices were mailed at the beginning of November 2024. The $25 annual dues are to be paid by December 31, 2024. Click the ‘PAY YOUR DUES’ button and follow the instructions to pay your dues. If you have already paid your 2025 Calendar Year Dues please disregard this email.

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We also ask that you enlist your retiree friends who are not NCRO members to join in our efforts by joining NCRO.


 

2.  CHECK/UDATE YOUR MEMBER PROFILE

REMINDER TO CHECK/UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION FOR THE NCRO

Reason for asking you to do this, to ensure that as a member NCRO can provide you with the latest communications – newsletters, benefits, company ownership, etc.

Regarding membership Information in NCRO Database:

1.There is no linkage between Stellantis and NCRO databases. If you update FCA with any changes, home address/email address/phone numbers, it does not get to NCRO. You need to update both Stellantis and NCRO of any changes separately.
2.If you no longer have an email address the only means for NCRO to provide you with any written communications is through your mailing address. If it is not correct in the NCRO database, you will not receive any communications from NCRO. Please keep your address in the database current.
3.Many of you may be snowbirds who travel to a warmer climate for the winter months. We cannot keep two mailing addresses for you in our database. Please provide NCRO with one main mailing address to send NCRO communications.
4.All 2024 Calendar Year payment addresses will be reviewed and compared to what is in the NCRO database. If you are using the NCRO website to make a payment for, breakfast meeting/dues, please take the time to review your information in the database and correct if required.
5.If you are living with a caregiver, please use the caregiver’s address in the database.

Use the Buttons above to:

  • Check to see that your correct address and/or email address is on file in the NCRO database.
  • It also may be incorrect in FCA’s database. So not only update NCRO but Stellantis also with any changes in address and/or phone number. Make that update at https://fcabenefits.ehr.com.
  • Click on My Profile and on View/Edit to see your current information and make any needed changes.

If you are having a problem updating your information in the NCRO database, please contact Pete Piccinato by completing the form below.

You Can Submit Your Current Information Here:

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Join the NCRO

by NCRO

“We are a non-profit corporation with non-refundable dues and donations”

Join us now … We want you as a Member!

The NCRO is open to all non-union Chrysler retirees and spouses, surviving spouses and employees.  NCRO membership dues are $25 per year. 

Membership Year

The membership year begins January 1st and ends the following December 31st. Dues solicitation will begin in October and end December 31st. A grace period will exist until the end of January, after which a member who has not paid their dues will lose membership privileges.

A new member who joins while signing up for the October Quarterly meeting, or any time after the October meeting is automatically enrolled for the upcoming year.

Our address for mailing in Dues Payments:

National Chrysler Retirement Organization, Inc.
P.O. Box 174
Washington Township, MI 48094

After your membership application has been confirmed, you will receive your NCRO quarterly newsletter. If you do not have an email address, your newsletter will be sent via US Mail.

  • If you have any membership problems, call our office at 248-633-2827 between 9am and 5pm EST.

Membership Process:

We ask for your full contact information so you can receive information about matters affecting your benefits, including political activities in process so our organizations can be effective. We endeavor to protect the privacy of your personal information provided through membership registration. Your information will only be used for purposes related to the NCRO’s mission and will never be released for purposes not authorized by the NCRO Board of Directors.
 
  • If you have filters on your email, unblock the following addresses:
  • If you print the form and mail it in, allow 30 days for processing before you get confirmation of membership.
  • Once registered you will receive our quarterly newsletter. If you do not have email, we will mail you the quarterly newsletter by US mail.

Join the NCRO

You can pay through PayPal. Please join us and help protect non-bargaining unit retiree benefits and pensions. As a member of the NCRO you will:

  • be represented by the NCRO in Washington DC. We are fighting to preserve your pension and benefits that you earned during your career.
  • receive our informative quarterly newsletters.
  • be kept up-to-date on retiree issues, gatherings and the latest news events.
  • be invited to tri-annual membership meetings with guest speakers supportive of our cause.

Join the NCRO by Check

Our address for mailing in Dues Payments:

National Chrysler Retirement Organization, Inc.
P.O. Box 174
Washington Township, MI 48094

You may print this membership application, and mail it to the above address.

Note: If you use the printed membership form and mail it with your dues payment, allow 30 days for processing before you receive your confirmation of membership.

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The History of the National Chrysler Retirement Organization (NCRO)

READ THE FULL HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL CHRYSLER RETIREMENT ORGANIZATION (NCRO)

Early Years

In 2008, more than a year before Chrysler declared bankruptcy, a small group of Chrysler retirees were concerned about the loss of company-sponsored life insurance, changes in health insurance benefits and ultimately the future of the company. They began meeting to discuss the possible formation of a retiree group that could advocate on behalf of the salaried retirees to help protect their pensions and benefits. This founder group was made up of a mix of salaried retirees.

The National Chrysler Retirement Organization (NCRO) became a reality in May of 2008. Articles of Incorporation, By-laws and Mission Statements were developed and over the ensuing years have been updated and are available for viewing on the NCRO website at www.ncro.org. The NCRO began to grow as more retirees became aware of its existence. Due to the loss of company-sponsored life insurance and the continuing concerns about the financial viability of Chrysler, the NCRO membership continued to grow extensively through word of mouth. Also, these concerns allowed for the recruitment of several key salaried and executive retirees who became members of the Board of Directors. As the NCRO membership continued to grow, the organization formalized, with election of officers, developing formal assignments of duties, instituting monthly board meetings, and providing information to members through the Quarterly Breakfast meetings and the publication of newsletters.

In April 2009, a significant development in the automotive industry happened that solidified the existence of the NCRO and exponentially grew its membership… the Chrysler bankruptcy. 

The NCRO determined early that it must seek the counsel of the best legal authorities to protect our pensions and benefits. Quickly, the NCRO formed a legal committee with the responsibility to search for and secure the assistance of a law firm with the background, knowledge and experience to represent the salaried retirees in protecting their pension throughout the Chrysler bankruptcy proceedings. A Chicago law firm was selected that had a very proficient attorney with exceptional experience in these matters who led the effort. He was extremely capable and was instrumental in securing salaried pensions. 

As a result of these automotive bankruptcies, the NCRO believed it was necessary to develop a partnership with other automotive retiree groups and was instrumental in bringing together retiree groups from Delphi, Ford, and GM, forming TNAC, The National Automotive Coalition. It was crucial for the NCRO and the other TNAC participants to meet with the Automotive Task force, which was established by the Obama administration to oversee the Chrysler and GM bankruptcies, to ensure that the salaried pensions would be transferred to the new corporation along with the union pensions. The NCRO was instrumental in securing meetings with the Automotive Task Force to discuss the standing and concerns of the salaried retirees. 

In addition to meeting with the task force, the NCRO also arranged interviews with major media including the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, CNN, and others. 

During the bankruptcy proceedings NCRO counsel immediately acted and filed motions with the bankruptcy courts. After reviewing the initial Chrysler submissions, NCRO discovered that although “pensions” were to be transferred to the NewCo the pensions were defined only as UAW pensions. There was no mention of salaried employees or salaried retirees or our pension plans in the Chrysler bankruptcy filing. The NCRO, through our counsel filed motions with the court to hold a hearing on this issue. During the hearing, the Chrysler attorneys advised our counsel that they would transfer the salaried retiree pensions and benefits to the new company.

In retrospect, the two key activities of the NCRO, hiring legal counsel to identify that salaried retiree pensions were not being transferred to the New Chrysler and arranging the Automotive Task Force meetings, together resulted in most salaried retiree pensions and benefits being protected.

Continued Vigilance

In the early days of the NCRO, due to some of the actions of its leadership the relationship with the company was at best strained. One of the key stanchions of the NCRO’s mission is to develop an excellent relationship with the new company to foster its ability to help protect pensions and benefits. Over the ensuing years working with five top executives of the company’s Human Resources department the relationship has improved dramatically. That improved relationship has strengthened the NCRO’s ability to positively impact issues salaried retirees have faced. 

Beyond the efforts with the company to help protect pensions and benefits, the NCRO has expanded those actions and has worked to be an asset for retirees on issues they face in retirement. The NCRO Board of Directors has been expanded and is made up of a skilled team of active, volunteer leaders from various levels within the company. They meet monthly to manage the NCRO’s activities. An Insurance Committee (IC) was established with the mission to assist retirees with pension and benefit issues they face when not able to navigate the system the company has established. We were able to secure a company liaison that we could access to assist in solving these issues. In addition to assisting retirees with these issues, the IC provides trusted advice, educational material and resource material that assist retirees with information for issues and situations they face throughout their retirement. The IC and their Aging Information Subcommittee (AISC) conduct webinars on topics that are of key interest to retirees. They also have developed educational guides for Healthcare Retirement Account (HRA) and Retiree Health Care Account (RHCA) as well as conducting seminars for Medicare. A guide was developed to assist families dealing with the passing of a retiree and/or their spouse.

From its inception the NCRO has held regular Breakfast Meetings in an effort to communicate to retirees the actions taken. These meetings include keynote speakers who present topics of interest to our members. Eventually webinar broadcasts were added to these meetings to expand the reach to all members.

To enhance communication, the NCRO has an excellent website that is updated constantly to provide up-to-the-minute information for retirees and also publishes a newsletter quarterly to provide additional updates.

NCRO President, Jay Kuhnie, discusses upcoming challenges to be tackled by NCRO on behalf of Chrysler retirees in 2023. [Video: 11min]

Expanding Impact Nationally

To expand its impact on a more national basis on issues that go beyond dealing only with the company, the NCRO has partnered with the National Retiree Legislative Network (NRLN). The NRLN is a large national retiree organization that supports retiree needs consistent with the NCRO’s mission. It develops white papers on and advocates Congress for pension and health care related issues. Three members of the NCRO Board hold leadership positions within the NRLN. The NCRO also attends Washington DC fly-ins held by the NRLN once or twice a year where we meet with key Senators and Representatives to advocate for retiree-related issues. We also meet with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and Legislative Department personnel on an as needed basis.

On a key issue that all retirees possibly face – pension overpayment recovery- the NCRO in conjunction with the NRLN was successful in developing legislative language that was passed into law that changed ERISA law, dramatically increasing the protection retirees have when facing the possibility of a pension overpayment recovery. The NCRO continues to work closely with the NRLN on these types of national issues, including preserving Medicare and Social Security as well as reducing retirees’ prescription drug costs and also protecting pensions when companies sell their pension plan benefits to insurance companies. The NCRO also links with other similar organizations to find areas of common concern.

In summary, the NCRO is made up of some 6000+ members. It was born out of the need for an organization that would provide a means for retirees to communicate with each other and to provide an organization that could speak in one voice with the company for retirees. Retirees continued to support the company and trusted management to continue to provide pensions and benefits that were earned. Unfortunately, times changed and the company was less supportive. Thus, the formation of the NCRO. An organization that was timely continues to be timely and is the only organization that fights daily to help preserve the pensions and benefits that were earned by the Chrysler retirees.

What is your experience with this wonderful organization?

We  welcome your comments. Click the button below to send us an email or,  Leave a Comment below!

Send Us an Email Message
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Pension Plan Termination_old

by NCRO

Plan Termination

If a plan is amended or terminated, you have a right to certain benefits.

Chrysler reserves the right to amend, modify, suspend, terminate, or partially terminate plans and programs at any time. Amendments will also be made to comply with applicable statutes and regulations. If material changes are made, you will be notified. However, no change will be allowed that might use plan and program funds for any purpose other than providing benefits to participants and their dependents and beneficiaries.

If a Plan or Program Is Terminated:

Health Care Benefits Plan and Group Insurance Program

  • Upon termination or partial termination of the plan or program, coverage will cease as of the effective date of termination or partial termination.

Savings Plan

  • If the plan is terminated, you will be entitled to the full value of your account. Your account will be used to pay benefits under the plan.

Pension Plan and SERP
Upon termination or partial termination of the Pension Plan or SERP, the following will apply, subject to the provisions of applicable law:

  • The rights of affected employees, former employees: retired employees, or eligible surviving spouses or beneficiaries having an interest in the applicable plan will be non-forfeitable. This includes any accrued or vested benefit under either the Pension Plan or SERP and any employee contributions under SERP.
  • Assets of the Trust Fund will be allocated to provide benefits among such persons In the manner prescribed by Section 4044 of ERISA or any subsequent applicable law in effect at the time.
  • ERISA sets forth an order of priorities for the allocation of plan assets upon termination of a plan. Priority categories are based on when a participant retired or became eligible to retire voluntarily and whether a participant’s accrued benefits are vested.
  • In the case of SERP, the highest priority category is the return of contributions to the participants (whether active, inactive, retired, or terminated).
  • In addition, certain benefits are insured by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) if the plan terminates. A brief explanation of what the PBGC guarantees appears below.

The amounts allocated for benefits will be distributed in the form of periodic payments or a lump sum through:

  1. Continuation of the Trust Fund;
  2. Purchase of a new contract issued by an insurance company, or
  3. Creation of a new trust fund.

After all liabilities have been satisfied, any residual assets of the plan may be distributed to the Corporation subject to the provision of the applicable law.

Mergers, Consolidations, or Transfers

Savings Plan

  • Your account balance will not be diminished because of a merger or consolidation with or a transfer to another plan.

Pension Plan and SERP
In the case of any merger or consolidation with, or transfer of assets or liabilities to any other plan, each employee, former employee, or retired employee covered by or entitled to benefits under the Pension Plan or SERP will receive, if the applicable plan then terminates, a benefit immediately after the merger, consolidation, or transfer which is equal to or greater
than the benefit he or she would have been entitled to receive immediately before the merger, consolidation, or transfer, if the plan had then terminated.

If You Have a Question

If you have any questions you can reach us by email at: nc*********@**ro.org

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Media Advisory: Chrysler Will Unveil Innovative Electric Concept Car, Three Teaser Images to Preview Brand’s Drive to All-electric Future

Chrysler is releasing the first of three teaser images of a new, innovative concept car, providing an advance look at one potential path to the brand’s all-electric future. The reveal of the forward-looking concept can be viewed online at chrysler.com on Feb. 13, 2024, starting at 5:01 a.m. ET.

Chrysler is releasing the first of three teaser images of a new, innovative concept car, providing an advance look at one potential path to the brand’s all-electric future. The reveal of the forward-looking concept can be viewed online at chrysler.com on Feb. 13, 2024, starting at 5:01 a.m. ET.

February 6, 2024 , Auburn Hills, Mich. – Chrysler will unveil a new, innovative concept car and is releasing the first of three teaser images that provide an advance look at one potential path of the brand’s all-electric future.

Additional teaser images will be shared on Feb. 9 and Feb. 12, 2024.

The reveal of the forward-looking concept can be viewed online at chrysler.com on Feb. 13, 2024, starting at 5:01 a.m. ET.

WHAT: Reveal of new forward-looking Chrysler concept vehicle

WHERE: Reveal can be viewed online at chrysler.com
WHEN: Tuesday, February 13, starting at 5:01 a.m. ET
WHO: Chris Feuell, Chrysler brand chief executive officer, Stellantis

Chrysler Brand

The Chrysler brand has delighted customers with distinctive designs, craftsmanship, and advanced innovation and technology since the company was founded in 1925. Chrysler continues to build on that nearly 100-year legacy of creating ingenious products and technologies for mainstream customers, moving forward on an electrified transformation that will launch the brand’s first battery-electric vehicle in 2025 and an all-electric portfolio in 2028.

The Chrysler Pacifica continues to reinvent the minivan, a segment Chrysler created 40 years ago. The Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid symbolizes the brand’s electrification evolution, representing the first electrified minivan in the segment and achieving 82 MPGe, an all-electric range of 32 miles and a total range of 520 miles. Chrysler Pacifica delivers the most standard safety features and most advanced available all-wheel-drive system in its class and is also the most awarded minivan over the last seven years with more than 175 honors and industry accolades since its introduction as a minivan.

Chrysler is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com.

 


 

Follow Chrysler and company news and video on:

Company blog: http://blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com
Media website: http://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com
Chrysler brand: www.chrysler.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/chrysler
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrysler
Twitter: www.twitter.com/chrysler or @StellantisNA
YouTube: www.youtube.com/chrysler or https://www.youtube.com/StellantisNA

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Your Personal Invite to an Important NCRO Seminar/Webinar


On Wednesday, September 13th at 10:30 AM, the Insurance Committee of the NCRO will present “Medicare 101: Information for Pre-65 and 65+” our annual seminar/webinar that focuses on issues of importance to all retirees (and their spouses).

While this seminar/webinar is designed for those retirees (and/or spouses) who are getting ready to enroll in Medicare (ages 62-65+), it also provides very valuable information for those who are already 65 and currently on Medicare. You need not be a member of NCRO to participate.

 

The agenda includes speakers on:

  • Overviews – Social Security, Medicare and Medical Insurance
  • Understanding Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplemental Plans (Medigap Plans)
  • Understanding Medicare Part D Drugs (Rx)
  • An Introduction to your Retiree Health Care Account (RHCA). Healthcare Retirement Account (HRA), & Via Benefits Accounts
  • Healthcare Consultants Available for your Decision Making
  • Questions and Answers

This seminar/webinar is again being offered free of charge. Refreshments will be provided.

 

  • It will be held at the Bloomfield Township Public Library which is located at 1099 Lone Pine Rd. (17 Mile), on the southeast corner of Lone Pine Road and Telegraph Road.

The doors (and webinar) will both open at 10:00 AM. It is anticipated that the seminar will end around 1:30 pm


 

YOUR TWO OPTIONS>

CLICK LINK to REGISTER FOR WEBINAR:

  • If you will be watching/listening on-line, please click on this link to register for the WEBINAR

RSVP BELOW FOR IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE:

  • Complete the Form below:

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Disclaimer

by NCRO

NCRO DISCLAIMER

NCRO believes that the information on this website was accurate at the time of its publication or presentation. NCRO makes no warranty of any kind regarding this information and is not liable or responsible for any losses or damages that may be sustained due to reliance on this information. This information does not in any way constitute legal or professional advice. The agencies and websites referred to below are independent of NCRO and NCRO is not responsible for any information or actions of such agencies or websites. Any agencies and/or websites referred to herein are independent of NCRO; NCRO is not responsible for any information referenced, provided, or contained by the agencies or the websites and/or any action taken by such agencies or websites.
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Watch Dr. Cole's Presentation from the NCRO Breakast

Watch Dr. Cole’s presentation from the NCRO Breakfast meeting on February 21st. David E. Cole is the Chairman Emeritus of the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Chairman of AutoHarvest and Building America’s Tomorrow.  He was formerly Director of the Office for the Study of Automotive Transportation (OSAT) at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute and an engineering professor at the University of Michigan.  He has worked extensively on internal combustion engines, vehicle design, and overall automotive industry trends. 

Watch Jay Kuhnie Presentation from the NCRO Breakfast

Watch NCRO Chapter President Jay Kuhnie’s video from Capitol Hill February 28 – March 1 during the NRLN’s Fly-in to Washington, DC to lobby for important retiree issues.

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National Chrysler Retirement Organization

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