Warning signs that your loved one may need assistance:

• Constant fatigue
• Unsteady while walking or standing and recent falls
• Loss of hearing, sight or smell
• Diminished driving skills
• Dirty clothes or poor grooming habits
• Trouble cleaning, cooking or shopping
• No appetite or changes in eating habits
• Memory loss and confusion
• Sudden mood changes
• Loss of interest in activities and socializing
• Inability to take medications
• Mishandling finances

Navigating the options

Depending upon need, different levels of care are available.

• Independent living facilities are for seniors who don’t need special care, just opportunities to socialize. Some also offer meals and transportation.
• In-home services can consist of assistance at home with health care, meals preparation and transportation.
• Assisted living facilities allow the senior to live independently but provide help managing medications and grooming.
• Continuing care is a combination of the above situations; good for a senior whose circumstances may be changing.
• Nursing homes are for those requiring constant care by licensed health care professionals.
• Alzheimer’s care units are generally located within nursing homes with specially trained staff to treat the disease.
• Adult day care programs provide supervision and activities during daytime hours to give the caregiver a break.

Follow these steps to find the best elder-care situation.

• Consult with an expert. Let the elderly person express his or her wishes.
• Look at location, location, location. The facility must be close in order for family and friends to visit.
• Get references. Talk to families who already have a loved one there.
• Fill the social calendar. Ask about activities and make sure they are happening.
• Get the facts at medicare.gov/NHCompare. Review facility complaint investigations and annual inspection reports.
• Check the stats. Find out about the staff to resident ratio.
• Make an appointment. Be sure physicians and therapists are available.
• Scout the site. Look for clean, cheerful rooms and grounds.
• Plan a menu. Find out when and where snacks and meals are available.
• Learn the ropes. Gain access to support groups and outside agencies.
  

Related: Hiring In-Home Elder Care

Regardless of the old saying "The customer is always right," you've probably been the victim of lousy service at one time or another.

Not speaking up about bad, or good, service is a disservice to you and the company involved. It’s your duty to complain; a company cannot correct a problem if they are unaware that one exists. If the steps below don't resolve your issue, Angie's List Complaint Resolution Team will go to bat for you and contact the contractor on your behalf.

Effective complaining is a survival skill that anyone can master and everyone should. Here are a few tips to incite action for an unresolved complaint:

• When possible, complain in person. Letters can be dismissed (though it’s a good idea to do so, as well, so you have documentation!) and phone conversations are less direct. It’s more challenging to ignore or argue with someone face-to-face.

• Have the facts at your fingertips. Be ready with every name, date, time and price that relates to the complaint. Documentation, such as receipts and written estimates, are key in winning the complaint war. Also, be prepared with what steps you would like the company to take to rectify the situation (i.e. grant you a full refund, repaint the trim work, replace the cracked toilet, etc.).

• Act assertive, not angry. Starting out nasty will instantly put the other person on the defensive. A great opening line is to tell the company that you have "a problem" and are looking for help in how to solve it. Explain the facts without showing emotion (lip biting permitted).

• Go to the top. If the person answering the phone is not responsive to your complaint, ask to speak to the manager in customer service. Don’t antagonize this person; he or she will be more encouraged to refer you to the right "higher-up." Another hint: tell that person you will be sure to explain to the manager how well you’ve been treated.

• Always, always follow the Golden Rule. Treat the company with respect, even in the way you explain your complaint. As an example, if it appears a repair has not worked, rather than accusing the company of doing the job "wrong," let them know you’re still having the same problem and are in need of their help. If a bill turns out to be higher than expected, ask for a detailed breakdown of the bill before you accuse them of "price-gouging."

• Explain the consequences. If you’re not getting a positive response, explain what will happen if you don’t get action. If you have been a long-time customer, let them know and assert that they will no longer have your business. If you have referred others to them, point that out as well. If you're dealing with a larger company, ask to speak to the customer retention department. Most large companies and corporations have them, and they're a good fallback if nobody seems to know how to address your needs.

Finally, remember the ideal situation is to get good service in the first place. Be proactive in your selection of service providers:

• Get at least three estimates on the project.

• Ask for estimates you are receiving are in writing. The proposal should include labor and material costs. On the materials, make sure the companies are quoting comparable materials.

• Check on the companies you are considering using with the Attorney General's Office, the BBB, Angie's List and the companies' references. Confirm if the company is licensed, bonded and insured if applicable for your project.

Detail in writing with the company you choose how payments will be handled, a start date, finish date and how changes to the project scope or timeline will be handled.

13 eco-friendly tips to help make a difference.

1. Add blown-in cellulose insulation to your attic to improve your home's heating and cooling. It's made from recycled, formaldehyde-free newsprint.
2. Use a rain barrel to collect water from your roof to water your garden.
3. Buy water-based paints with low volatile organic compound levels (VOC). Basically, the less glossy the paint, the fewer VOC's it contains.
4. Buy minimally packaged goods. Less packaging can reduce your garbage.
5. Check your mulch level. If it's low (fewer than 2 inches) calculate the area you want to cover in square feet and then in depth. Multiply the two numbers, then divide that number by 324. This is the number of cubic yards you'll need to buy.
6. Install an efficient showerhead. This is an excellent way to save money on your water bill.
7. Cut energy consumed by your appliances by buying Energy Star ones. They meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and U.S. Department of Energy.
8. Use cloth napkins/towels instead of napkins/paper towels.
9. Store food in re-usable containers, instead of plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
10. Reuse plastic bags or buy canvas bags at the grocery store.
11. Join a toy library and give old toys to other families.
12. Don't use electrical appliances for things you can easily do by hand such as opening cans; hang-dry clothes to dry, etc.
13. Print or copy on both sides of the paper.

It’s a typical scenario for many homeowners: it rains, the basement leaks. A damp basement is a common problem in the home, but can be avoided with some easy steps.

A majority of problems can be avoided with early prevention. Her are tips to keep your basement dry: 

• Make sure your gutter system is installed correctly with the correct number and size of downspouts.
• Downspouts should be extended 4 to 10 feet from the house and away from your foundation.
• Check that gutters are cleaned out regularly and are flowing freely. Also check periodically after heavy rainfalls to make sure there is no clogging.
• Seal cracks and holes in the concrete block walls.
• Paint the basement walls with specialized waterproofing paint.
• Never pile up snow against the house.
• Check that the ground slopes away from your home and foundation so that surface water will run away from your home and not affect your basement or foundation.
• Check for water leaks where pipes enter the basement.
• Install a sump pump.

Mold testing and remediation can be very confusing to the homeowner. Before planning a remediation effort, consider the size and extent of the mold. If you have less than 10 square feet of mold, in most cases you can tackle the job yourself. But for large or complex jobs, consider hiring a professional.

If the mold growth is small, you can clean and kill it with these steps.

1. Damp wipe: Mold can generally be removed from hard surfaces by scrubbing with water and detergent. It is important to dry the surface quickly.
2. Wear protective gear: Protect your hands with gloves and your eyes with goggles.
3. Discard: Remove damaged materials and seal in plastic bags.
4. Follow up: Revisit the site. It should show no signs of water damage or mold growth.

Wide spread mold growth may require professional assistance. Angie advises following these tips when choosing a professional for remediation projects:

1. Check references & get estimates: What experience has this contractor had in mold remediation?
2. Certification: While the EPA does not certify mold remediators or inspectors, remediators should follow EPA mold remediation guidelines. You can also check the National Association of Mold Professionals (NAMP) www.moldpro.org.
3. Understand the process: Know what the company plans for the remediation. Ask what is going to happen, when it will happen and how it may affect you. Ask about containment. How will they prevent the movement of mold spores from one area of the home to another? A chamber or airlock is often used.
4. Testing for mold: If you see visible mold, it?s not necessary that you have it tested before cleaning it up. But if you test the air for mold after remediation, have the contractor take samples both inside and outside your home at the same time.
5. Check your insurance: Not all mold damage is covered by your homeowner?s insurance policy. Check your policy because coverage and limitations vary.
6. Mold-damaged items: If you are unsure about how to clean an item that is expensive or has sentimental value, check with companies that specialize in furniture repair/restoration or carpet/rug cleaning.

Mold doesn't need a lot of water to grow. A little condensation, such levels found typically in a bathroom, can be enough for molds to thrive. It also does not need light to grow either. It can grow in dark areas and on hidden surfaces such as the backside of drywall or the underside of carpets and pads.

Angie says you can prevent mold growth in the home with simple routine maintenance:

• Moisture control: Act quickly when water leaks or spills occur indoors! Dry wet or damp areas within 48 hours.
• Reduce humidity: Keep indoor humidity below 60 percent relative humidity. Vent appliances that produce moisture such as clothes dryers, stoves and kerosene heaters to the outside where possible. Use air conditioners or de-humidifiers when needed. Run the bathroom fan or open the window when showering. Use exhaust fans or open windows when you cook, run the dishwasher, etc.
• Prevent condensation: Condensation can be a sign of high humidity. Increase ventilation by opening windows or use fans as needed. Cover cold water pipes with insulation. Increase air temperature.
• Keep drip pans clean: Keep heating, ventilation and air conditioning drip pans clean, flowing properly and unobstructed.
• Don't let foundations stay wet: Make sure the ground slopes away from the building foundation so that water does not enter or collect around the foundation. Clean roof gutters regularly.

Home security systems range from the very basic to the highly complex.

A basic security system runs anywhere from $100 - $600 and often includes a controller, contacted exterior doors, motion detector and a siren. For an additional cost, you can also add smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, or cameras with remote viewing software that will allow you to check on your property while away. There are even alarms available for the opening of liquor, gun or medicine cabinets. Monthly contract fees run $20 - $50 depending on the level of service options, such as monitoring.

Home security systems provide you with a sense of security, but they can also save you some cash. Homeowners can typically save up to 20 percent on homeowner’s insurance when an alarm system is installed.

How to choose a home security company:

• Assess your needs. “Everybody uses their home differently,” says Jim Boots, director of residential sales for Protection One. “Who lives in the home? Do you have elderly parents? Do you travel a lot? Do you have pets?” These will affect your choices. Ask the monitoring company what their precise process is when they receive an alarm. Knowing their procedures — and their safeguards against false alarms — can save you costly fees if police are dispatched unnecessarily.
• Make sure you’re willing to use the system all the time. No security system is effective if it’s not regularly armed.
• Check Angie’s List for top-rated alarm companies. Ask the companies you interview if they and their products are certified by a respected independent organization, such as Underwriters’ Laboratories.
• Ask your potential supplier to visit your home and recommend specifically how to best protect it. It’s not something done best over the phone.
• Most security services rely on landline telephone service, but some now are activated through cellular and internet providers. Be sure your security system is tailored to fit your needs based on the type of service you have. Ask if the company charges extra for wireless monitoring.
• Find out what kinds of backup methods are in place if phone lines are cut or the power goes out.
• Ask the monitoring company what their precise process is when they receive an alarm. Knowing their procedures — and their safeguards against false alarms — can save you costly fees if police are dispatched unnecessarily.Assess your needs. “Everybody uses their home differently,” says Jim Boots, director of residential sales for Protection One. “Who lives in the home? Do you have elderly parents? Do you travel a lot? Do you have pets?” These will affect your choices. Keep in mind which portions of your house might be most important to keep secure. If you don’t want motion sensors or video cameras in every hallway or the garage, consider adding just a few in vital areas.
• Get a written, detailed quote covering things like installation, equipment, monitoring fees and warranties.
• If you sign up for monitoring services, you will likely be asked to sign a contract, which will typically last one to five years. Read any contract carefully and ask for clarification if it’s confusing. Ask if you can transfer the service if you move before the contract expires.
• Find out if you will own the monitoring equipment or simply rent it.
• Basic systems should not take longer than one day to install, but some new phone systems require additional equipment. Determine how invasive the installation process is – will it be wireless or hardwired? If the company makes a mess, who cleans up?
• Don’t let just anyone install a security system in your home. Insist that your company conducts background checks on its installers and offers them necessary and ongoing training. Determine what kinds of vehicles, uniforms installer use, and require ID before you let them inside.

7 Tips to Keep the Thieves Away:

• Think like a burglar. Take a walk around your property with a close friend or neighbor who is not too familiar with your house; they may spot things you’ll overlook. Start outside and identify the best locations for a break in.
• Buy a timer so that lights inside your house can be turned on automatically at night so that it appears someone is inside your home. There are also systems available that will open and close your curtains by a timer.
• Make sure all doors, windows, garage doors, and pet entrances are equipped with quality locks.
• Lock your garage & shed. These areas typically contain tools and ladders that thieves can use to break into your home.
• Trim bushes and shrubs. Keep your yard free of overgrowth around the house, especially under windows. Select bushes and shrubs with thorns to deter intruders from hiding in them. Trim lower branches of trees near your house if they could help a thief gain access to a second story window.
• Turn your phone ringer down or off. The persistent ringing of a phone is a sign that someone is not home. Also, don’t leave an outgoing message saying you’re on vacation. Instead, have your calls forwarded.
• Prepare your home while away. Mail falling out of the mailbox is one of the biggest indicators that you’re not at home. You can have the post office hold your mail. If you’ll be gone for an extended period of time, ask your neighbor to pick up the mail and newspaper. Consider hiring a house sitter while you’re away.
• Don’t close all your drapes when you’re out; it’s a sign that nobody’s  home, and allows thieves to move  about your house unseen.
• Buy a large intimidating  dog that barks a lot.

With additional information provided by the Angie's List Magazine staff.

Corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) has been a favorite of U.S. contractors the past two decades as a flexible alternative to the rigid black iron pipe used as gas lines in residential, commercial and industrial structures.

CSST is easier to install and offers a substantial savings in labor costs for builders. When installed properly, CSST is safe, strong and offers fewer risks for gas leaks than threaded piping. When put in incorrectly however, CSST is a potential fire hazard that could lead to massive damage to your home. 

“If you’ve had a home built or remodeled since 1988, it could have CSST pipe, so do yourself a favor and find out if you do and if it’s properly bonded and grounded,” said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List . “Too many homeowners have literally watched their homes burn to the ground because they didn’t check or didn’t even know they needed to.”

A recent poll of Angie’s List members showed that 44 percent don’t know what type of gas piping they have in their homes. Reliable, well-trained home inspectors can easily determine whether CSST pipes are properly installed.

Angie’s List offers some tips to keep your house safe from lightning-related fires:

• Know what type of gas line you have in your home. If you are looking yourself to see if you have CSST piping, you will typically find the flexible pipe encased in a yellow plastic covering. CSST is often connected to appliances, such as a water heater.  It also can be seen in attics and basements, and along floor joists.  If you do have CSST lines, contact a qualified electrician or plumber who is certified to work on CSST, to ensure it is properly bonded and grounded.
• If there is lightning in your area, unplug appliances and turn off your air conditioner. Avoid using the telephone or running water. Draw blinds or shades over windows to help shield the inside of your home and your family members from breaking glass.
• If your home is struck by lightning, turn off the gas at the main shutoff valve. If you smell gas, evacuate the home immediately and call emergency services.

Excessive flooding or seepage? Stuck with the sniffles? Chronic cough? How long has it been since you’ve had your air ducts cleaned?

Experts recommend getting your air ducts cleaned every three to five years to cut down on the dust, allergens and mold in your home. A more routine cleaning might be necessary if your home is subject to flooding or excessive moisture, which can cause mold growth in the duct work if it’s not properly sealed and insulated.

• Any idea what’s in your ducts? In addition to years of dust, pet fur, mold and debris, service providers have found everything from beer cans to diamond rings (and some pretty gross stuff, too, but we’ll spare you the details).

• The Environmental Protection Agency recommends considering having your air ducts cleaned if your ducts have mold growth, vermin or excessive dust and debris in them. And while air duct cleaning hasn’t been conclusively proven to prevent health problems, having them checked is a good way to ensure that your system is free of mold and moisture, which may be precursors to a larger problem.

• To help between cleanings, you should also be sure to change your air filter regularly. Make sure to use a minimum of a MERV-7 filter for optimal results, or your coil could end up getting hit with debris the filter left behind.

• Some companies offer free duct inspections, which will help you decide if you need a cleaning. Give at least three calls for estimates before you choose one for your home and be sure any company you hire has appropriate state licensing (if it’s required) and follows National Air Duct Cleaners Association standards.

• It's normal for air registers to get dusty. You can remove and clean them yourself. But you should consider calling a professional if there is visible mold growth or they are clogged with excessive amounts of dust and debris. Check with duct cleaning companies and those companies that service your heating and cooling system

Angie suggests considering these factors when hiring a professional:

• What are your air ducts made of? Different materials require specific methods of cleaning.

• Ask the service provider whether they hold any relevant state licenses.

• Be wary of companies who make express claims about the health benefits of air duct cleaning. According to the EPA, such claims are unsubstantiated. 

• Air duct cleaning companies are often busiest in the summer. You’ll have better chances of getting an appointment if you schedule in the early fall, winter or spring.

• During routine maintenance of your heating/cooling system, ask your service provider to clean the cooling coils and drain pans.

• Remove dust and vacuum your home regularly.

• To prevent your ducts from becoming wet, repair any leaks or water damage. Make sure they are properly sealed an insulated in all non-air conditioned spaces such as attics and crawl spaces.

Related: Is air duct cleaning worth it?