Living Safely in Your Home – Making Your Space More Accessible and Aging in Place Accessible Housing Matters

Why is early and effective planning crucial for long-term home safety and independence?
 
In this episode, Stephen interviews Janet Engel - an occupational therapist, certified aging-in-place specialist, and an executive certificate in home modification holder - to share her expertise and help people understand the importance of making their living space more accessible and safer for them to navigate. She explains how universal design features can help make life easier and stresses the importance of automation systems for those who don't do well with technology. Stephen and Janet discuss the challenges of aging in place and how to overcome them while emphasizing the importance of proper planning so people can live safely and independently at home for longer.
 
Tune in for helpful tips on creating a safe space for aging in place!
 
 
[00:01 - 09:53] Opening Segment
• Less than 5% of the housing stock in the US has features that would make it universally designed
• How Janet helps people live safely in their homes and teaches about this
• Simple modifications to increase safety and independence
The importance of automation systems  
[09:54 - 19:04] How Technology Can Help Women Age in Place Safely and Comfortably
• Women are more at risk of being victims of criminal acts, so security in the home is important
• How you can use Alexa to tie into home features like lighting and security systems
• Arthritis is the number one disability that Americans have
Impacting mobility and making everyday tasks difficult  
[19:05 - 28:06] Debunking Misconceptions & Understanding the Benefits of Aging in Place
• Universal design features can make a home more functional
• Better design for primary bathrooms should include counter space and storage to reduce fall risk
• Accessible design is not ugly or institutional-looking
 
[28:07 - 34:23] Closing Segment
• You can beautifully design wheelchair ramps with safety features
• What you need to create the best modifications for people with disabilities/progressive conditions/traumatic events
 
 
Want to connect with Janet? Follow her on LinkedIn. Visit Home Designs for Life to encompass all stages of life and abilities!
 
 
Key Quotes:
 
 
“There needs to be a happy medium where people with unlimited funds and people with limited funds can change their environment, not just their bathroom.” - Janet Engel
 
“Ramps are one of the accessible features that is most often done incorrectly.” - Janet Engel
 
 
 
Please check out videos of many of the podcast episodes on my YouTube channel: Accessible Housing Matters,
 
To learn more, share feedback, or share guest ideas, please visit my website or contact me on Facebook and Twitter.
 
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Accessible Housing Matters is dedicated to raising awareness about important issues around accessibility and housing and getting conversations going.
 
I'd love to learn more about what's on your mind and get your feedback about the show.
 
Contact me directly at stephen@accessiblehousingmatters.com to share your thoughts or arrange a call.