In this episode, Esther Kane discusses the role and importance of aging in place professionals. She explains that aging in place specialists are trained to help seniors and individuals with disabilities modify their homes to make them safer and more accessible.

She emphasizes the importance of utilizing the services of an aging in place specialist before a crisis occurs, as they can help prevent accidents and increase independence.

Esther also provides information on the various training and certification programs available for aging in place professionals and the services they offer, such as home assessments, home modifications, and technology integration.

She dispels the misconception that home modifications decrease the value of a home and highlights how they can actually increase its value.

Esther concludes by encouraging listeners to visit the Aging in Place Directory to find aging in place specialists in their area.

• Aging in place professionals are trained to help seniors and individuals with disabilities modify their homes to make them safer and more accessible.
• Utilizing the services of an aging in place specialist before a crisis occurs can help prevent accidents and increase independence.
• There are various training and certification programs available for aging in place professionals, each offering different levels of training and specialization.
• Home assessments, home modifications, and technology integration are some of the services provided by aging in place professionals.
• Home modifications recommended by aging in place specialists can actually increase the value of a home.
• The Aging in Place Directory is a valuable resource for finding aging in place specialists in your area.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Purpose of the Aging in Place Directory

01:55
Definition and Role of Aging in Place Professionals

03:51
Training and Certification Programs for Aging in Place Professionals

06:11
Services Provided by Aging in Place Professionals

08:06
Certifications and Specialties of Aging in Place Professionals

15:36
Home Assessments and Recommendations

21:43
Increasing Home Value through Home Modifications

23:41
Finding Aging in Place Specialists through the Aging in Place Directory

Thanks for listening!

You can see this podcast on our Youtube channel!

Sign up to our Homeowners Newsletter - it's a weekly newsletter filled with expert tips and advice on how to age safely and more comfortably in your own home.

If you provide services for modifying homes for disabled or seniors aging in place, sign up to our directory and expand your business.

In this episode, Esther Kane discusses kitchen modifications for aging in place. She emphasizes that these modifications are not just for aging individuals but for anyone who wants a more accessible and safe kitchen. Kane highlights the importance of the kitchen as the heart of the home and the challenges that can arise as physical abilities change with age. She provides recommendations for countertop height, pull-out shelves and drawers, spice and utensil organizers, and non-slip flooring. Kane also suggests replacing traditional refrigerators with side-by-side models, using wall-mounted ovens, and considering drawer dishwashers. She concludes by emphasizing the importance of lighting in the kitchen.

Recommended site: https://www.vmathome.com/

Keywords

kitchen modifications, aging in place, accessibility, safety, countertop height, pull-out shelves, spice organizers, utensil organizers, non-slip flooring, side-by-side refrigerator, wall-mounted oven, drawer dishwasher, lighting

Takeaways

• Kitchen modifications for aging in place are also beneficial for anyone who wants a more accessible and safe kitchen.
• Consider different countertop heights to accommodate individuals of varying heights.
• Pull-out shelves and drawers can make accessing items easier and increase storage space.
• Organizers for spices, utensils, and under the sink can improve kitchen functionality.
• Non-slip flooring and thin non-slip mats are important for preventing falls.
• Side-by-side refrigerators, wall-mounted ovens, and drawer dishwashers offer convenience and accessibility.
• Creating clear space in the kitchen and removing obstacles like islands or tables can improve mobility.
• Good lighting, including canned lighting and task lighting, is essential for safety and visibility in the kitchen.
• Consulting with a certified Aging in Place Specialist can help identify specific modifications for individual needs.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Importance of Kitchen Modifications

02:24
Creating Accessible Countertop Heights

05:41
Enhancing Kitchen Functionality with Pull-Out Shelves and Drawers

07:36
Organizing the Kitchen for Efficiency

10:24
Convenient Appliances for an Accessible Kitchen

13:39
Maximizing Space and Mobility in the Kitchen

15:31
Ensuring Safety with Non-Slip Flooring

16:55
The Importance of Good Lighting in the Kitchen

18:45
Consulting with an Aging in Place Specialist for Personalized Modifications

Thanks for listening!

You can see this podcast on our Youtube channel!

Sign up to our Homeowners Newsletter - it's a weekly newsletter filled with expert tips and advice on how to age safely and more comfortably in your own home.

If you provide services for modifying homes for disabled or seniors aging in place, sign up to our directory and expand your business.

Link to all my articles about Alexa Devices

Summary

In this episode, Esther Kane discusses how Alexa devices can help older adults stay independent and safe. She explores various skills and features of Alexa, such as the Echo Show's screen for visual assistance, the Buddy Scale for emergency contacts, checking symptoms, finding products on sale, and ordering from Amazon. Esther also mentions the entertainment and sleep features, using Alexa as a speaker and intercom, controlling smart home devices, and using Alexa Guard for home security. She concludes by recommending trying out an Alexa device and placing them in multiple rooms for easy access.

Takeaways

• Alexa devices can help older adults stay independent and safe
• The Echo Show's screen can assist with visual impairment and identifying items
• The Buddy Scale allows for emergency contacts
• Alexa can check symptoms and provide general knowledge
• Finding products on sale and ordering from Amazon is convenient
• Alexa can provide entertainment and sleep sounds
• It can act as a speaker and intercom
• Alexa can control smart home devices
• Alexa Guard provides home security
• It can control Fire TV or Fire stick for TV control

Titles

• Controlling TV with Alexa
• Home Security with Alexa Guard

Sound Bites

• "Having devices like this in the home can help not only with daily activities, but also as far as safety and security."
• "Alexa can read labels to you, so you can identify items."
• "The Buddy Scale can contact multiple people in case of an emergency."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction: Alexa Devices and Independence

02:18
The Echo Show: Visual Assistance and Item Identification

04:08
The Buddy Scale: Emergency Contacts for Safety

07:02
Checking Symptoms and General Knowledge with Alexa

09:28
Finding Products on Sale and Ordering from Amazon

12:12
Using Alexa as a Speaker and Intercom

17:14
Controlling Smart Home Devices with Alexa

23:49
Home Security with Alexa Guard

Thanks for listening!

You can see this podcast on our Youtube channel!

Sign up to our Homeowners Newsletter - it's a weekly newsletter filled with expert tips and advice on how to age safely and more comfortably in your own home.

If you provide services for modifying homes for disabled or seniors aging in place, sign up to our directory and expand your business.

This episode discusses the benefits of smart home technology for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Link to article on Alexa skills for older adults

Keywords

smart home technology, independent living, seniors, disabilities, safety, security, health monitoring, convenience, comfort, social connectivity, ease of use

Takeaways

• Smart home technology can enhance safety and security for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
• Health monitoring devices and wearable technology can help individuals track vital signs and share information with healthcare providers.
• Voice-activated devices and smart speakers provide convenience and comfort by assisting with reminders, calendars, and emergency calls.
• Smart lighting, security systems, and video doorbells contribute to a safer home environment.
• Smart appliances, such as refrigerators and washers, offer convenience and connectivity.
• Training and simplifying device usage is important for older adults to fully benefit from smart home technology.

Titles

• Simplifying Device Usage for Older Adults
• Monitoring Health and Wellbeing with Smart Devices

Sound Bites

• "Safety and security are key benefits of smart home technology."
• "Health monitoring devices and wearable technology can send vital sign information to physicians."
• "Voice-activated devices provide convenience and comfort for daily tasks and emergency calls."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Excitement for Smart Home Technology

02:26
Benefits of Smart Home Technology for Seniors

06:46
Convenience and Comfort through Voice-Activated Devices

09:07
Enhancing Safety and Security with Smart Home Technology

12:18
Efficiency and Convenience with Smart Appliances

15:31
Promoting Social Connectivity with Smart Home Technology

Thanks for listening!

You can see this podcast on our Youtube channel!

Sign up to our Homeowners Newsletter - it's a weekly newsletter filled with expert tips and advice on how to age safely and more comfortably in your own home.

If you provide services for modifying homes for disabled or seniors aging in place, sign up to our directory and expand your business.

Whether you're dealing with temporary mobility issues, caring for a loved one, or planning for the future, this episode will provide valuable insights into creating a more accessible living space.

1. Stair Lifts

Stair lifts are excellent for those who struggle with stairs in a multi-level home.

- Types: Straight, curved, and outdoor models
- Installation process and requirements: Typically, stair lifts are attached to the stairs, not the wall, which minimizes home modifications.
- Safety features: Seatbelts, obstruction sensors, emergency stop buttons, emergency call buttons and speed governors.
- Power options: Battery-operated vs. plug-in models
- Customization options: Comfort and style, including upholstery and rail colors.

2. Residential Elevators

Residential elevators are becoming increasingly popular as a practical mobility solution for multi-story homes.

- Types: Hydraulic, pneumatic vacuum, and traction elevators
- Space requirements and installation considerations
- Safety features and regulations
- Customization options for cab interiors
- Energy efficiency and maintenance needs

3. The Assistep

The Assistep is an innovative mobility aid designed to make stair climbing safer and easier for those who can still walk but need additional support.

- Provides support and stability while allowing natural walking movement
- Installed alongside existing handrails
- Foldable design to save space when not in use
- Suitable for both straight and curved staircases
- Helps maintain strength and mobility by encouraging stair use

4. Vertical Platform Lifts

Vertical platform lifts are an alternative to elevators for multi-story homes and can be installed indoors or outdoors.

- Types: Enclosed and unenclosed models
- Installation considerations: Space requirements and structural support
- Safety features: Emergency stop buttons, obstruction sensors, and safety gates
- Customization options: Platform size, entry/exit configurations, and finishes

5. Ramps

Ramps are versatile mobility aids used both inside and outside the home. They're essential for wheelchair users but benefit anyone who has difficulty with steps.

- Materials: Wood, aluminum, concrete, and rubber
- Proper slope ratios: For safety and ease of use, typically 1:12 (one inch of rise per foot of ramp length)
- Permanent vs. semi-permanent ramps
- Weather considerations: For outdoor ramps, including non-slip surfaces and drainage
- Integrating ramps with existing home aesthetics

Portable Ramps:

- Ideal for temporary use or travel
- Folding and telescoping designs for easy storage and transport
- Weight capacity considerations
- Suitcase ramps for single steps or vehicle access

Choosing the Right Solution

When selecting mobility aids, consider:

- Current and anticipated future needs
- Home layout and available space
- Budget considerations
- Aesthetic preferences
- Energy efficiency and maintenance requirements

Thanks for listening!

You can see this podcast on our Youtube channel!

Sign up to our Homeowners Newsletter - it's a weekly newsletter filled with expert tips and advice on how to age safely and more comfortably in your own home.

If you provide services for modifying homes for disabled or seniors aging in place, sign up to our directory and expand your business.

Improving lighting and reducing fall risks at home

Why Lighting Is Important

To help reduce falling and injuries.

Falls are a major safety concern, especially for older adults. They are a leading cause of injury among older people.

Fall prevention involves a multifaceted approach, including assessing and improving lighting, removing hazards, installing safety features, and maintaining physical health.

What Is Happening That Makes Older Adults Require More Light?

Our eyes change as we grow older. On average, a 60-year-old needs 3 times more light to read than a 20-year-old.

The need for increased illumination continues to grow in the 70s and 80s, potentially requiring 4-6 times more light than a young adult for various tasks.

Lens and Retinal Changes:

The lens inside the eye thickens and becomes less transparent over time, which reduces the amount of light reaching the retina. Additionally, the lens accumulates yellow pigments, which selectively absorb more blue light, making it harder to see in low-light conditions and to distinguish between certain colors.

Cataracts: a very common age-related condition further clouds the lens.

Reduced Pupil Size:

The muscles that control the pupil weaken with age, leading to a smaller pupil size. This reduction in pupil size means less light enters the eye, which is particularly problematic in low-light conditions.

Slower Adaptation:

Older eyes take longer to adjust to changes in light levels, such as moving from a bright environment to a dim one. This slower adaptation can increase the risk of falls and accidents in poorly lit areas.

All of this means that part of an aging in place assessment and modification process, the issues of lighting should be addressed in order to...

How To Address Lighting Issues For Aging In Place

1) Increase the amount of ambient lighting.

Ambient lighting, also known as general lighting, provides overall illumination for a room or space. It's the primary source of light in a room.

LED Bulbs with a color temperature of around 2700K (Kelvins) to 3000K, which offer a warm, daylight-like feel that is comfortable for the eyes and enhances visibility.

Recessed ceiling lights are the best to provide the kind of widespread illumination that is needed in a room.

Additionally, wall sconces are a great way to add even more lighting to specific areas throughout the house.

2) Increase task lighting.

Task lighting is focused, directional lighting that illuminates specific areas where activities are performed.

Everything from under cabinet lights to reading overhead lights, and lights on stairways and hallways are all considered task lighting.

Don't forget outdoor lighting as well.

3) Reduce glare by using anti-glare LED lights or other types of bulbs that can help to reduce glare.

4) Pay attention to contrast.

Although not a “lighting” issue I think contrast is a very important factor to incorporate when modifying a home for aging in place.

a) Use contrasting colors for walls, floors, and furniture:

b) Install toilet seats in a color

Thanks for listening!

You can see this podcast on our Youtube channel!

Sign up to our Homeowners Newsletter - it's a weekly newsletter filled with expert tips and advice on how to age safely and more comfortably in your own home.

If you provide services for modifying homes for disabled or seniors aging in place, sign up to our directory and expand your business.

Evangeline Bates has been an interior designer for decades but has added to her extensive repertoire the skills of an Aging In Place Specialist and Universal Design specialist as well.

In this interview she gleefully talks about how integrating both skill sets has helped her to help so many of her clients to enjoy their living environments and to continue being as independent as possible as they grow older.

It was an absolute pleasure to speak with Evangeline and learn about her business and her services.

If you need someone who can help you to integrate interior design and aging in place principles, contact her at her website, https://evangelineinteriors.com.

Thanks for listening!

You can see this podcast on our Youtube channel!

Sign up to our Homeowners Newsletter - it's a weekly newsletter filled with expert tips and advice on how to age safely and more comfortably in your own home.

If you provide services for modifying homes for disabled or seniors aging in place, sign up to our directory and expand your business.

There are 10 areas to focus on to make the kitchen a safe place for seniors:

• Fire Safety is first and foremost the very first thing that should be addressed.
• Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors are necessary tools in your kitchen. Just be sure to check / test them on a regular basis.
• Modifications to organize the kitchen to decrease clutter, decrease excess mobility and help with fall prevention.
• Re-arranging cabinets, drawers, pantry and refrigerator to make it easier to reach for things, especially heavy items.
• Keeping small appliances at easy reach such as waist level on counters or table.
• Ample Lighting is often overlooked but so important as older adults’ vision tends to decrease.
• Anti Slip Flooring to help decrease fall risks.
• Senior Friendly Appliances that are equipped with safety monitors, automatic shut-off devices, alarms and are also easy to use.
• Maintenance of kitchen equipment is important to keep things running smoothly and minimize possible hazards.
• Useful Tools and Gadgets that allow older adults to be as independent and safe as possible.
• Kitchen Chairs are often overlooked as a safety factor for seniors. Many older adults use kitchen chairs with coasters to make it easier to move the chair but these could end up causing an injury.
• Removing Sharp Objects for homes with seniors who are suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
• Cooking safety tips for seniors – besides avoiding loose clothing when cooking, we have even more tips on kitchen safety issues concerning cooking

Thanks for listening!

You can see this podcast on our Youtube channel!

Sign up to our Homeowners Newsletter - it's a weekly newsletter filled with expert tips and advice on how to age safely and more comfortably in your own home.

If you provide services for modifying homes for disabled or seniors aging in place, sign up to our directory and expand your business.