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Posted by Positive Aging Community on 04/16/2021

Safe & Accessible Home Solutions - First-of-its-Kind Live & Interactive Discussion


Our panel of universal design experts share their insights, thoughts and solutions as we apply the AARP HomeFit Checklist to an actual home in Kensington, MD! This is event is a partnership with the Villages of Kensington, HomesRenewed Coalition, and Positive Aging Sourcbook using the AARP Homefit Checklist. 

Panel Members: 

  • Laurie Pross - Homeowner in Kensington, MD and Villages of Kensington Board Member 
  • Louis Tenenbaum - Homes Renewed 
  • Greg Sieb - Live in Place 
  • Ali Soltani - HandyPro
  • Stephen Hage - Strategies for Independent Living 
  • Greg Olavarria- Get-A-Grip Construction Services

Moderated by Steve Gurney of Positive Aging Sourcebook

Link to Podcast

Chat Transcript

12:04:27     From  Denise Valerio   to   All panelists : Good day!!  Denise Valerio here, The Option Group, formerly Valerio Care Management.  We provide private geriatric care management services to the elderly and disabled adults along the mid-atlantic States.  215-896-6756

12:04:31     From  Dawn Seestedt   to   All panelists : Hi everyone!  Dawn Seestedt, PT with AgeWell Home Design.  443-635-0234. dawn@agewelldesign.com  www.agewelldesign.com

12:04:41     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Sourcebook : From Dawn Seestedt to All Panelists:  12:04 PM

Hi everyone!  Dawn Seestedt, PT with AgeWell Home Design.  443-635-0234. dawn@agewelldesign.com  www.agewelldesign.com

12:04:50     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Sourcebook : From Denise Valerio to All Panelists:  12:04 PM

Good day!!  Denise Valerio here, The Option Group, formerly Valerio Care Management.  We provide private geriatric care management services to the elderly and disabled adults along the mid-atlantic States.  215-896-6756

12:05:02     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Sourcebook : From Jacob Lupo to Everyone:  12:02 PM

Hello! Jacob Lupo, Maryland/Eastern Shore Virginia Account Manager. 443-725-6736. Jlupo@captioncall.com.

12:05:48     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Sourcebook : From Jennifer Hammer to All Panelists:  12:01 PM

Hi there from Jennifer Hammer, Silvernest!

12:06:01     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Sourcebook : From Mark Pfarrer to All Panelists:  12:01 PM

Mark Pfarrer, HomeSpan, we do lifetime home planning to keep you in your home as long as possible.  pfarrer@homespan.com, cell 703-922-6540.

12:06:02     From  Adrienne Robinson : Good afternoon everyone. Adrienne from Calvert County Dept. of Social Services Adult Services Unit Adrienne.robinson@maryland.gov

12:06:18     From  Joe Sperling : Joe Sperling- Protectionist and problem solver.  I guide people regarding protecting themselves, their families and their assets.  Life insurance, disability income insurance and Long-Term care plans.  AVOID INTENTIONALLY IGNORING REALITY.  BAD STUFF HAPPENS.  PLAN AND PREPARE SO AS TO AVOID PANIC.  Call me.  Joe Sperling 301-980-8869.  joe@joesperlinginsurance.com.   I'm Not Your Average Joe.

12:07:00     From  Katie Holmes : Katie Holmes, Holmes Adaptations LLC. Northern VA Occupational Therapist and Certified Aging in Place Specialist.  Katie@holmesadaptations.com

12:07:06     From  Mark Pfarrer : Mark Pfarrer, HomeSpan, we do lifetime home planning to keep you in your home as long as possible.  pfarrer@homespan.com, cell 703-577-5405, office 703-922-6540.

12:07:40     From  Barbara Gayton   to   All panelists : Hello from Barbara Gayton, CAPS from Amramp. We provide wheelchair ramps, stair lifts and other accessibility solutions.

12:08:02     From  Meryl Schaffer : Meryl Schaffer TLC Daily Money Mentor, LLC 301-260-7428(Land line) Meryl@TLCDailyMoneyMentor.com  www.TLCDailyMoneyMentor.com  I deal with a person who needs assistance in controlling their every day cash flow.  A 2nd set of eyes in looking over good & bad charges & paperwork can only help.  Medical billing is a GREAT example.

12:08:13     From  Keisha Toussaint : Good afternoon everyone 

Keisha Toussaint Mc Mayo

Family Support Worker II

Keisha.Toussaint@maryland.gov

Prince George’s Department of Social Services

12:08:17     From  Ellen Pincus : Good afternoon Ellen Pincus with Cavalier Home Health 5⭐️Skilled Agency in Va 703-477-6252 epincus@cavalierhomehealth.com. Thanks for this great presentation

12:08:45     From  Tom Shipe : Tom Shipe, Realtor with Long & Foster Realtors

703-946-4844  tom.shipe@LNF.com

Founding Member: Superior Options For Seniors (SOS)

https://www.superioroptions.org/

12:09:34     From  Spencer Garrett   to   All panelists : Good Morning, Spencer Garrett, CMAG Health Solutions. We utilize smart sensors, video with 2-way audio and integrated home automation to allow family members to remotely support seniors who are aging in place. 410-517-2624, Spencer@cmaghealth.com

12:09:35     From  Amy O'Donnell : Happy Friday!  Amy O’Donnell, Magic Maker Solutions, Home of the Ultimate Fresh Start & Wishes Granted, Organizing/Productivity Consulting, Complete Rightsizing & Moving Coordination, New Home Setup, Home Operations Optimization, Personal Project Management & Lifestyle Maintenance, making life happier at home one wish at a time.

Complimentary 15-minute phone chats, virtual/ on-site sessions DMV and beyond, magicmakersolutions.com, info@magicmakersolutions.com, 301.291.5767

12:09:48     From  Deborah Bakalich   to   All panelists : Deborah Bakalich, Owner, Senior Care Lifestyles, LLC.  The Assisted Living Matchmaker guiding families through all care options, costs and placement into ALF, Memory Care, Independent, CCRC's. We guide them through the entire process 410-977-3718 www.seniorcarelifestyles.com

12:10:25     From  Spencer Garrett : Good Morning, Spencer Garrett, CMAG Health Solutions. We utilize smart sensors, video with 2-way audio and integrated home automation to allow family members to remotely support seniors who are aging in place. 410-517-2624, Spencer@cmaghealth.com

12:10:34     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Sourcebook : From Spencer Garrett to All Panelists:  12:09 PM

Good Morning, Spencer Garrett, CMAG Health Solutions. We utilize smart sensors, video with 2-way audio and integrated home automation to allow family members to remotely support seniors who are aging in place. 410-517-2624, Spencer@cmaghealth.com

12:12:02     From  Miriam Zucker   to   All panelists : Greetings All:

12:12:19     From  Georgette Lake : hello Georgette Lake  with Black Hill Assisted Living and Memory Care

12:12:30     From  Wendy Davis - CaptionCall   to   Ravi Bala and all panelists : Ravi, Would love to connect! How do you know Ajoy Mahtab?

12:12:37     From  Christina Boadu   to   All panelists : Good afternoon everyone. Christina from Prince George's Dept. of Social Services.

12:13:10     From  Patricia Dubroof : This is a great time to look at your home and think of the future. As part of our program we offer some tips on how to stay safe at home as we age. Call me to talk about Home Care in MoCo and Fairfax Counties. Patricia Dubroof, pdubroof@assistinghands.com 301-363-2587. We love Kensington Village and help families with CNA’s who can help with personal care and companion care. Happy Friday to all my colleagues!

12:13:23     From  Heidi Garvis : Happy Friday everyone!  It's great to learn for these experts!  Heidi L. Garvis CMC, CDP Caring Considerations Aging Life Care Professionals in NoVA 571.437.9396 heidi@caringconsiderations.com

12:13:37     From  Miriam Zucker   to   All panelists : Glad to be learning from this seminar:Miriam Zucker, Aging Life Care Specialist, serving Westchester County, New York. www.directionsinaging.com

12:14:06     From  Ravi Bala : @Wendy Davis: Happy to connect. Ajoy and I are on the board of a startup together

12:14:26     From  susan kimmel : www.HomesRenewedcoalition.com is introducing bipartisan legislation in this new Congress.

12:15:27     From  Louis Tenenbaum : Please check out the HomesRenewed Coalition

12:15:52     From  Louis Tenenbaum : www.homesrenewedcoalition.com

12:16:59     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Sourcebook : AARP Homefit Checklists and Workplace https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/housing/info-2020/homefit-worksheets.html

12:17:00     From  Louis Tenenbaum : https://www.homesrenewedcoalition.com/

12:17:49     From  Karen Vassar : Hello, everyone and thanks to all of the presenters! Karen Vassar, Owner, Griswold Home Care. providing private duty care throughout Prince William and Western Fairfax County. (703) 570-6812, karen.vassar@griswoldhomecare.com

12:18:08     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Sourcebook : From Miriam Zucker to All Panelists:  12:13 PM

Glad to be learning from this seminar:Miriam Zucker, Aging Life Care Specialist, serving Westchester County, New York. www.directionsinaging.com

12:18:31     From  Beth Wiseman   to   All panelists : I worked with you on the Visitability bill for several years.  Will look up your coalition and hope to get involved.

12:18:43     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Sourcebook : From Beth Wiseman to All Panelists:  12:18 PM

I worked with you on the Visitability bill for several years.  Will look up your coalition and hope to get involved.

12:22:48     From  Margi Helsel-Arnold : Hi all panellists—I know all of you and you are all great! Margi Arnold, Geriatric Care Counseling-Care Manager

12:23:23     From  Louis Tenenbaum   to   Beth Wiseman and all panelists : Great Beth, thanks!  This is an outgrowth of what we did and what we learned on visitability.

12:24:00     From  Ellen Pincus : Could I please get Margo Arnold contact information?

12:24:36     From  Mary Moeder   to   All panelists : Hello everyone! Mary Moeder from Byrd and Byrd, LLC Attorneys at Law.  mmoeder@ByrdandByrd.com, www.byrdandbyrd.com, call or text 301-464-7448 Elder Law and Litigation.

12:24:48     From  Joan Green : Greetings! Joan Green here. I am a speech pathologist and technology coach. It’s my pleasure to help seniors and senior care providers to leverage the benefits of tech to improve communication, cognition and social connections. www.innovativespeech.com

12:26:26     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Sourcebook : From Mary Moeder to All Panelists:  12:24 PM

Hello everyone! Mary Moeder from Byrd and Byrd, LLC Attorneys at Law.  mmoeder@ByrdandByrd.com, www.byrdandbyrd.com, call or text 301-464-7448 Elder Law and Litigation.

12:26:48     From  Nathalie De Vazeille : Hello everyone, this is Nathalie de Vazeille with StackCare. StackCare is an innovative passive monitoring system for seniors aging in place which uses discreet infrared motion sensors to collect motion data and data science to analyze the motion and detect untypical behavior which may indicate potential falls or health issues. Notifications on potential issues get sent to family and caregivers’ mobile device. StackCare is a great way for seniors to maintain their independence and families get peace of mind that all is ok with their loved ones. Great solution for Aging in Place. Nathalie de Vazeille, 941 400 0794 nathalie@stack.care www.stack.care

12:28:20     From  Joan Green : Once we figure out how to help someone age in place safely, what are some of your go to suggestions for medical management in the home? I’ve heard of a couple companies such as Medicine at Home, Capital Coordinated Medicine and Metro Direct Care Medical. I’d really appreciate any feedback or insights you all are willing to share as we explore options for home based physician care.  Joan@innovativespeech.com

12:29:15     From  Jeanina DiVittorio : @Ellen Pincus - see your email

12:30:07     From  Jeanina DiVittorio : Jeanina DiVittorio, Grand Oaks/Johns Hopkins/Sibley,, 202-345-9665, jdivitt1@jhmi.edu

12:31:06     From  Margi Helsel-Arnold : Margi Arnold, ALCA member, 301-3205380 www.gercare.com THanks

12:31:49     From  Janet Gritz   to   All panelists : Montgomery Country Stroke Association contacted Rebuilding Together on behalf of one of our wheelchair-bound members who needed a ramp installed in his entryway. They did a great job— all free!

12:31:58     From  Debbie Ludington   to   All panelists : Could anyone recommend a builder / remodeler that works in Frederick, MD and is familiar with Universal Design?  Thanks.

12:33:30     From  Georgette Lake : Please resch out to me at georgette.lake@tributeatblackhill.com for networking.  I am doing a wine tasting event next week .

12:33:50     From  Janet Gritz : From Janet Gritz:  Montgomery Country Stroke Association (MCSA) contacted Rebuilding Together (a local no profit) on behalf of one of our wheelchair-bound stroke survivor members who needed a ramp installed in his entryway. They did a great job for him —all free!

12:34:15     From  Mark Pfarrer : Spot on, Greg.   A whole house approach.

12:36:47     From  Wendy Davis - CaptionCall : For those in Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF.us) is the state's Alternative Financing Program (AFP) under the federal Assistive Technology Act. PATF is a non-profit that provides 0% or 3.75% loans (no fees) for the purchase of assistive technology. I am a member of the Board of Directors and can answer your questions. wdavis@captioncall.com

12:37:21     From  Louis Tenenbaum   to   Barbara Gayton and all panelists : Hey buddy. Too long since I have seen you. I hope all is well.  Should we talk about AmRamp/the coalition?

12:37:50     From  Wendy Davis - CaptionCall : Assistive technology includes bathroom adaptions. ramps, adapted vehicles, hearing aids, etc.

12:38:09     From  Janet Gritz : Any ideas for getting low-cost Internet access for our seniors  and disabled residents who don’t have connectivity?  Seems to me to be essential to have Internet access when aging in place. Janetgslp@comcast.net

12:38:10     From  Jeffrey Dean   to   All panelists : Jeff Dean, Seabury at Springvale Terrace. Senior and Asst living. Downtown Silver Spring 301-587-0190- https://springvaleterraceapts.com

12:39:00     From  Debbie Ludington   to   All panelists : Google the FCC website - there is a new federal program coming soon for low cost internet

12:39:11     From  Wendy Davis - CaptionCall : @Janet Gritz, Comcast Essentials is an option for low-cost Internet.

12:43:45     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Sourcebook : From Debbie Ludington to All Panelists:  12:39 PM

Google the FCC website - there is a new federal program coming soon for low cost internet

12:43:57     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Sourcebook : From Jeffrey Dean to All Panelists:  12:38 PM

Jeff Dean, Seabury at Springvale Terrace. Senior and Asst living. Downtown Silver Spring 301-587-0190- https://springvaleterraceapts.com

12:44:13     From  Joe Sperling : GET LONG-TERM CARE COVERAGE BEFORE THE NEED FOR CARE HAPPENS.  CALL ME TO DISCUSS OPTIONS.  Joe Sperling  301-980-8869.  joe@joesperlinginsurance.com.

12:44:14     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Sourcebook : From Louis Tenenbaum to Barbara Gayton, All Panelists:  12:37 PM

Hey buddy. Too long since I have seen you. I hope all is well.  Should we talk about AmRamp/the coalition?

12:45:27     From  Mark Pfarrer : I totally agree with what Greg says. HomeSpan does a 30-year plan to incrementally add changes as the person changes with time.

12:46:19     From  Barbara Gayton   to   All panelists : Hi Louis. We've been discussing the Coalition, but right now we are in the middle of moving our office and manufacturing facilities and that's our top priority. Let's plan to reconnect around August.

12:47:49     From  Sulena Long : Great Day Everyone! This is Sulena Long of SO UNIQUE Concierge LLC, Personal Assistant for Seniors   www.souconcierge.com          Sulena@souconcierge.com                        443-877-1493                                                       "We empower senior to age in place and live independently with grace and dignity."

12:48:30     From  Debbie Ludington   to   All panelists : https://www.fcc.gov/consumer-faq-emergency-broadband-benefit   is the website for consumer questions regarding low cost broadband.

12:51:12     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Sourcebook : From Debbie Ludington to All Panelists:  12:48 PM

https://www.fcc.gov/consumer-faq-emergency-broadband-benefit   is the website for consumer questions regarding low cost broadband.

12:53:03     From  Patricia Dubroof : As long as we can do stairs, they are great exercise,  but the minute we can’t we’re stuck and all these renovations have to happen yesterday!

12:53:45     From  Elaine Kolodny   to   All panelists : Could additional stairs be added to make a flight of stairs more shallow?

12:55:18     From  Elaine Kolodny   to   All panelists : What is a price estimate for a stair lift for the straight flight of steps from the garage to main part of house?

12:58:16     From  Wendy Davis - CaptionCall : For those in the greater Philadelphia area, Inglis House (Inglis.org) has fully accessible bathrooms open to the community for individuals who do not have accessible bathing facilities. I toured the bathrooms in preparation for building our in-law suite. They also have a LifeLab where you can explore a fully accessible kitchen and other AT.

12:59:01     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Sourcebook : From Elaine Kolodny to All Panelists:  12:55 PM

Could additional stairs be added to make a flight of stairs more shallow?

What is a price estimate for a stair lift for the straight flight of steps from the garage to main part of house?

13:01:50     From  Janet Gritz : How do barrier-free showers work, in terms of not having water leaking onto the floor outside of the shower area?

13:01:57     From  Heidi Garvis : This is an EXCELLENT presentation! Thank you all!

13:03:08     From  Wendy Davis - CaptionCall : @Janet Gritz Good question! We are putting in a 0 barrier shower in our in-law suite.

13:05:08     From  Laurie Tomasello - Right at Home : Thank you for this great presentation!  Greg Sieb from Live in Place helped me with my home and gave great recommendations!  Laurie Tomasello with Right at Home.

13:05:38     From  Louis Tenenbaum : Qualified designers and contractors can do curbless showers. The floor area needs to be sloped carefully not unlike the way asking lots are sloped so the water runs off.

13:05:45     From  Georgette Lake   to   All panelists : @Janet...can I please get your contact info please?

13:09:00     From  MARLENE REESE   to   All panelists : Strategies for Indep. Living remodeled my parents' bathroom in Rockville 3 years ago and did a phenomenal job working with my parents and us adult children caregivers. Steve also set in place a plan- measurements and pricing, etc for a stair lift for when or if that time comes.  Very personable, realistic and professional. Highly recommended.

13:09:04     From  Barbara Mirabelli   to   All panelists : Can a powder room be converted to a live in place bathroom?

13:09:36     From  Dawn Seestedt   to   All panelists : Barrier free showers are great and can be used by everyone.  I recommend making the entire bathroom a waterproof "wet room" and pitching the shower floor to the rear wall with a long "trench" drain vs small circular center drain.  Contact me at AgeWell Home Design, dawn@agewelldesign.com

13:10:26     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Sourcebook : From Dawn Seestedt to All Panelists:  01:09 PM

Barrier free showers are great and can be used by everyone.  I recommend making the entire bathroom a waterproof "wet room" and pitching the shower floor to the rear wall with a long "trench" drain vs small circular center drain.  Contact me at AgeWell Home Design, dawn@agewelldesign.com

13:10:29     From  Catherine Murray : Ponte Giulio USA Inc

13:11:04     From  Amy O'Donnell : I’ve seen some great ones on Houzz, Wayfair, etc…def been using more multi-purpose fixtures

13:12:10     From  Jeanina DiVittorio : This is such a great discussion.  Thanks, panelists, and Steve and Laurie!

13:12:11     From  MARLENE REESE : oooops, meant this to be seen by attendees:  Strategies for Indep. Living remodeled my parents' bathroom in Rockville 3 years ago and did a phenomenal job working with my parents and us adult children caregivers. Steve also set in place a plan- measurements and pricing, etc for a stair lift for when or if that time comes.  Very personable, realistic and professional. Highly recommended.


13:12:17     From  Martha Cooper   to   All panelists : Laurie is trying to say something

13:13:30     From  Ravi Bala : Excellent Panel - one of the most valuable sessions I've attended.

13:13:39     From  Patricia Dubroof : Great to have all of our local experts in one place. thanks to all for such a helpful discussion.

13:15:09     From  Amy O'Donnell : Shelf adjustments in cabinets and pullouts/drawers, lazy susans to access deep cornersmost essential items at easy reach levels

13:16:49     From  Sharon Parver   to   All panelists : Thanks for a great program.  You've all shared useful information and tips. There's a great lack of information about the possibilities for aging in place...and so often, we don't know what we don't know about this important topic,

13:17:06     From  Chuck Thornton : Montgomery County Housing has a program that will review one's home and if certain criteria are met will give a Universal Design designation that is a benefit for resale.

13:18:42     From  Ravi Bala : I'm just applauding in an empty room!

13:19:27     From  Carole OToole   to   All panelists : good info being shared in chat; will you please send out to all what is captured here? Thanks

13:19:29     From  Barbara Gayton   to   All panelists : I believe that sample house in Pikesville was done by one of our former Amramp franchise owners. It was very nicely done. Thank you for a great discussion. Great job.

13:20:07     From  Barbara Gayton : I believe that sample house in Pikesville was done by one of our former Amramp franchise owners. It was very nicely done. Thank you for a great discussion. Great job.

13:20:58     From  Steve Gurney - ProAging Sourcebook : From Barbara Gayton to All Panelists:  01:19 PM

I believe that sample house in Pikesville was done by one of our former Amramp franchise owners. It was very nicely done. Thank you for a great discussion. Great job.

13:23:17     From  Louis Tenenbaum : Great discussion. Great idea.  Thanks Steve! It is a pleasure to join my colleagues.

13:24:34     From  Beth Wiseman   to   All panelists : Great program.  Thanks to all.

13:26:30     From  Christina Boadu   to   All panelists : Great discussion indeed.

13:27:52     From  Jon Gerson   to   All panelists : I share the view of others that this was a very informative and worthwhile presentation.  As an active Villages of Kensington member, it's helpful to be more informed about programs/options, so I can share the information with our neighbors!  Thanks again to everyone for today's session!

13:27:52     From  Gregory Sieb   to   All panelists : Great discussion all and my compliments and appreciation to all for respecting time which provided a great discussion!

13:28:02     From  Mary Moeder : Great information! I'm in the process b of updating two bathrooms and our contractor has mentioned some of these options as we are in our 50's so now is the time to prepare for our future.  Now I can raise some other issues to make our bathrooms good for our future.

13:28:07     From  Ruth Poulin   to   All panelists : Thank you.  A very helpful discussion.

13:28:08     From  Christina Boadu   to   All panelists : Is there a program in Anne Arundel County

13:28:24     From  Meryl Schaffer : This has been worth every second that this has been live:):):)

13:28:29     From  susan kimmel : Great program.  Thank you, Steve! and all panelists!

13:29:46     From  Joan Green : Thank you for this wonderful presentation! I’ve had Get a Grip do quite a bit of work for my parents and mother-in-law and it’s always been a wonderful experience. Thanks to all for sharing your wisdom!

13:29:50     From  Amy O'Donnell : Such an important conversation…thanks so much!


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