Summary

Joseph Erlbach, co-owner of Rapid Recess Systems, discusses the benefits and installation process of curbless shower systems.

He explains that the idea for the system came about when his wife broke her leg and struggled with getting in and out of the shower.

The Rapid Recess System uses steel brackets to recess the plywood floor between floor joists, allowing for the installation of thin shower trays or pans.

Erlbach emphasizes that curbless showers are common in Europe and are more accessible and aesthetically pleasing than traditional showers with curbs.

He also addresses the challenges of getting installers to adopt the system and the importance of educating customers about the benefits of curbless showers.

Takeaways

Curbless showers provide accessibility and aesthetic benefits compared to traditional showers with curbs.

The Rapid Recess System uses steel brackets to recess the plywood floor between floor joists, allowing for the installation of thin shower trays or pans.

Curbless showers are common in Europe and are more accessible and aesthetically pleasing.

Getting installers to adopt curbless shower systems can be challenging due to resistance to change and lack of knowledge.

Educating customers about the benefits of curbless showers and offering them as an option can lead to increased customer satisfaction and home value.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
01:10 The Benefits of Curbless Showers
03:26 Curbless Showers in Europe vs. the US
06:11 Challenges of Getting Installers to Adopt Curbless Shower Systems
10:53 Educating Customers about the Benefits of Curbless Showers

Support the Show.

website: https://homedesignsforlife.com/

Email: homedesignsforlife@gmail.com

Ali Sultani, owner of Handy Pro Services, and Melissa Bresler, outreach coordinator and occupational therapist, discuss their business and the services they provide for people with disabilities and those who want to age in place.

They offer home modifications such as installing grab bars, ramps, stair lifts, and widening doorways. They also discuss grants and funding options for these modifications, as well as tax benefits.

Melissa explains the role of an occupational therapist in conducting home evaluations and the importance of understanding the individual's needs and daily activities.

They also discuss the use of technology in home modifications, such as voice command systems and fall prevention sensors.

HandyPro is a company that specializes in aging in place modifications, offering a wide range of services to make homes more accessible and safe for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

They work closely with occupational therapists to ensure that the modifications meet the specific needs of each client.

While some insurances may not cover the cost of these modifications, HandyPro offers financing options and works with grants and nonprofit organizations to help clients access the services they need.

The company emphasizes the importance of customer service and building trust with their clients, offering warranties and repair services.

They also collaborate with other companies in the industry and refer clients to them when necessary.

HandyPro recommends that companies interested in getting into aging in place modifications hire an occupational therapist and fully understand the industry before offering these services.

They also highlight the value of certifications such as CAPS and CX, as well as the benefits of being a member of organizations like VGM.

Takeaways

Handy Pro Services specializes in home modifications for people with disabilities and those who want to age in place.

Grants and funding options are available for home modifications, but they vary by state and locality.

Occupational therapists play a crucial role in conducting home evaluations and understanding the individual's needs and daily activities.

Technology, such as voice command systems and fall prevention sensors, can enhance home modifications and improve safety.

Insurance coverage for home modifications is limited, and specific long-term disability plans or Medicare may provide some coverage.

HandyPro specializes in aging in place modifications and works closely with occupational therapists to meet the specific needs of each client.

Some insurances may not cover the cost of these modifications, but HandyPro offers financing options and works with grants and nonprofit organizations to help clients access the services they need.

Customer service is a priority for HandyPro, and they offer warranties, repair services, and guidance to navigate the process of home modifications.

Collaboration with other companies in the industry is important, and HandyPro refers clients to them when necessary.

Companies interested in offering aging in place modifications should hire an occupational therapist and fully understand the industry before getting started.

Certifications such as CAPS and CX are recommended.

Being a member of organizations like VGM provides valuable resources and networking opportunities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
03:40 Inspiration for Focusing on Aging in Place Market
05:26 Grants and Funding for Home Modifications
09:11 Role of Occupational Therapists in Home Evaluations
13:16 Common

Support the Show.

website: https://homedesignsforlife.com/

Email: homedesignsforlife@gmail.com

Ryan Herd, CEO of Caregiver Smart Solutions, shares his journey from the tech industry to founding his company, and discusses the development and functionality of the Caregiver Smart Solutions Core Kit.

The conversation also covers the use of data collected by the Core Kit, privacy issues, system setup, and the unique features of the monitoring system.

The conversation covers the innovative technology of Caregiver Smart Solutions, focusing on in-home monitoring and safety for seniors.

It also delves into the importance of fall prevention and the role of technology in providing peace of mind for family caregivers.

The discussion highlights the company's products, success stories, and the broader mission of enabling a better quality of life for seniors.

Takeaways

Technology can play a crucial role in enabling aging individuals to live independently and safely at home.

The Caregiver Smart Solutions Core Kit monitors activities of daily living without the use of cameras or listening devices, providing valuable insights into the habits and routines of loved ones.

The system allows for customization and control over data access, ensuring privacy and tailored monitoring for individual needs.

The Core Kit's simplicity, effectiveness, and focus on preventing falls and related health issues set it apart from other monitoring systems.

Falls among older adults can have serious and costly consequences, making preventive monitoring systems like the Core Kit essential for aging in place.

Caregiver Smart Solutions provides innovative in-home monitoring technology to ensure the safety and well-being of seniors, offering peace of mind to family caregivers.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of fall prevention and the role of technology in addressing the specific needs of seniors living independently.

The company's mission is to enable a better quality of life for seniors and family caregivers through the use of smart technology and real-time monitoring.

The discussion also highlights the significance of education and awareness in creating safer home environments for seniors, as well as the value of partnerships with industry experts and organizations like AOTA.

Chapters

00:00 Empowering Aging in Place with Technology

03:09 The Core Kit: Monitoring Daily Living Activities

07:24 Customized Monitoring and Privacy Control

15:26 System Setup and Data Access

34:39 Enabling a Better Quality of Life for Seniors

Support the Show.

website: https://homedesignsforlife.com/

Email: homedesignsforlife@gmail.com

Scott Fulton, an expert in health and housing, discusses his book 'WealthSpan' and the key factors for aging well.

He emphasizes the importance of asking the right questions and designing a framework for health and wealth based on individual values.

The conversation covers topics such as diet, activity, cognitive health, and the impact of lifestyle on aging.

Scott provides insights into preserving health, wealth, and independence as we age.

The conversation covers a range of topics related to aging, health, and well-being. It delves into the importance of diet, exercise, community, and social engagement in aging well.

Additionally, it explores the future of housing and community design for aging in place. Scott Fulton, the president of the National Aging in Place Council, shares valuable insights and perspectives on these topics.

Takeaways

Asking the right questions is essential for designing a framework for health and wealth based on individual values.

Preserving health, wealth, and independence as we age requires a holistic approach that includes diet, activity, and cognitive health.

The impact of lifestyle choices on aging, including the role of diet and exercise, is crucial for maintaining overall well-being.

Understanding the association between cognitive health and cardiovascular health is important for insulating oneself from deterioration in this area.

Chapters

00:00 Insulating Ourselves from Cognitive Deterioration

28:14 The Pillars of Aging Well: Diet, Exercise, and Community

32:16 The Impact of Social Engagement on Health

36:26 The Future of Aging in Place: Housing and Community Design

Buy Scott's Book: Amazon.com: WHEALTHSPAN: More Years, More Moments, More Money: 9798990275904: Fulton, Scott: Books

Support the Show.

website: https://homedesignsforlife.com/

Email: homedesignsforlife@gmail.com

Summary

Deval Patel, CEO of Lotus, shares the story of developing the Lotus ring, a wearable device that controls home appliances.

The ring eliminates the need for rewiring and internet, addressing privacy concerns. It is designed for ease of use and accessibility, benefiting individuals with disabilities, temporary limitations, and situational needs.

The development process involved extensive user interviews and human-centered design. Challenges included engineering a curved ring and ensuring tactile usability for individuals with limited fine motor skills.

The conversation covers the development and features of the Lotus ring, a smart home control device designed for individuals with limited mobility.

It explores the challenges of creating technology for circular devices, the inclusive design approach, and the impact of the product on users' lives.

The conversation also delves into the product's availability, pricing, and customer success stories.

Takeaways

The Lotus ring is a wearable device that controls home appliances, designed for ease of use and accessibility.

The ring eliminates the need for rewiring and internet, addressing privacy concerns associated with smart home technology.

The development process involved extensive user interviews and human-centered design, ensuring that the technology meets the needs of individuals with disabilities, temporary limitations, and situational needs.

Engineering challenges included creating a curved ring and ensuring tactile usability for individuals with limited fine motor skills.

The Lotus ring is designed to provide smart home control for individuals with limited mobility, using inclusive design principles to cater to a diverse range of users.

The challenges of creating technology for circular devices, such as the Lotus ring, include accommodating different finger sizes, curved electronics, and tolerance analysis for assembly.

The product's impact on users' lives is significant, with success stories highlighting increased independence, reduced risk of falling, and emotional well-being.

The availability of the Lotus ring for pre-orders and its pricing make it an accessible and valuable solution for individuals and organizations.

The product has already seen success with government, senior living, and disability organizations, demonstrating its potential to benefit a wide range of users.

Chapters

00:00 Inclusive Design for Smart Home Control
25:20 Challenges of Circular Device Technology
30:16 Impact on User Independence and Well-being
41:29 Availability and Pricing of the Lotus Ring
43:55 Success Stories and Market Adoption

Support the Show.

website: https://homedesignsforlife.com/

Email: homedesignsforlife@gmail.com

Summary

Nick Middleton, a general contractor and certified Aging in Place specialist, discusses Knoxville Aging in Place and their partnership with Habitat for Humanity.

They offer home modifications such as ramps, walk-in showers, widening doors, and kitchen remodels to help individuals age in place.

Middleton explains the benefits of being part of the VGM Live At Home network, which ensures reliable products and companies.

He also mentions the geographical area they serve, which includes a 40-50 mile radius around Knoxville.

The conversation highlights the success of Knoxville Aging in Place in serving the aging in place market and using Habitat for Humanity as a source for referrals.

Takeaways

Knoxville Aging in Place offers a range of home modifications to help individuals age in place.

The partnership with Habitat for Humanity provides referrals and funding for home modification projects.

Being part of the VGM network ensures reliable products and companies.

Knoxville Aging in Place serves a 40-50 mile radius around Knoxville.

There is a growing need for home modifications as the population ages.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Knoxville Aging in Place
02:36 Services Offered by Knoxville Aging in Place
04:52 Partnership with Habitat for Humanity
08:17 Challenges with Lead-Based Paint Removal
10:38 Expanding Partnerships to Other Counties

Support the Show.

website: https://homedesignsforlife.com/

Email: homedesignsforlife@gmail.com

Melissa Hladek, a hoarding remediation expert, shares her career journey and insights into hoarding disorder.

She explains that hoarding is a result of one decision at a time and a lack of follow-through.

Hoarding disorder is a specific medical diagnosis characterized by a lack of insight. Melissa emphasizes the importance of addressing safety hazards in hoarded homes, such as fall risks and poor air quality.

She discusses the initial steps she takes when working with a client, which include listening, assessing the structure, contents, and person, and focusing on short-term safety and long-term quality of life.

Melissa also highlights the emotional and psychological aspects of decluttering and the importance of empathy and collaboration among professionals in healthcare and mental health support.

She advocates for the creation of a licensed professional organizer designation to address hoarding behaviors effectively.

Melissa encourages professionals to report hoarding cases and work together to provide comprehensive support.

She also mentions a petition she created to establish a licensed professional organizer designation.

Takeaways

Hoarding disorder is characterized by a lack of insight and a result of one decision at a time and a lack of follow-through.

Safety hazards in hoarded homes include fall risks and poor air quality.
The initial steps in working with a hoarding client involve listening, assessing the structure, contents, and person, and focusing on short-term safety and long-term quality of life.

Addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of decluttering requires empathy and collaboration among professionals in healthcare and mental health support.

Creating a licensed professional organizer designation can provide comprehensive support for individuals with hoarding disorder.

Professionals should report hoarding cases and work together to address hoarding behaviors effectively.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Career Journey
05:53 Understanding Hoarding Disorder and Its Manifestation
12:08 Addressing Safety Hazards in Hoarded Homes
15:05 The Initial Steps in Working with Hoarding Clients
23:13 The Importance of Collaboration among Professionals
28:53 Advocating for a Licensed Professional Organizer Designation

Website: America's Most Organized

Sign Her Petition: Petition · Establish Licensed Professional Organizer (LPO) as a Recognized Allied Health Profession - United States · Change.org

Support the Show.

website: https://homedesignsforlife.com/

Email: homedesignsforlife@gmail.com

Summary

Maria Szeglowski the kitchen and bath sales designer for Richelieu, discusses the company's advanced lighting products that enhance home environments and promote aging in place.

Richelieu is known for being ahead of the curve in lighting innovation, offering products such as silicone lighting and LED back in 2008.

They have developed a plug and play system that eliminates the need for complex wiring and allows for easy installation.

The company also offers a range of other products, including hardware and accessories, that improve accessibility and functionality in kitchens and bathrooms.

Proper lighting is crucial for safety and aesthetics in home design.

Takeaways

Richelieu is a leader in lighting innovation, offering advanced products such as silicone lighting and LED.

Their plug and play system eliminates the need for complex wiring and allows for easy installation.

In addition to lighting, Richelieu also offers hardware and accessories that improve accessibility and functionality in kitchens and bathrooms.

Proper lighting is crucial for safety and aesthetics in home design.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Maria Shiglusky and Richelieu
02:11 Richelieu's Advanced Lighting Products
06:04 The Plug and Play System for Easy Installation
09:08 Specific Products: Hitty LED Light and Wayfinding Lighting
14:55 Different Types of Lighting Products
20:19 Richelieu's Impact on the Aging Population
22:23 Other Richelieu Products: Hardware and Accessories
24:10 The Importance of Proper Lighting in Home Design
26:10 Improving Safety and Beauty with Lighting
28:10 Closing Remarks and Invitation to Return

Support the Show.

website: https://homedesignsforlife.com/

Email: homedesignsforlife@gmail.com