NKBA’s September webinars focus on design principles that help everyone live safely and longer in their own homes. By Dianne M. Pogoda

 

September’s free webinar series covers a topic that’s growing in importance, in fact, 10,000 times a day: Living in Place.

Every day from now until 2034, 10,000 Americans will turn 65. And the opportunity for them to stay in their own homes longer and more safely can be accomplished through design. Living in Place Design isn’t only about older people, however. The concept of incorporating principles of universal design is to make spaces safe and accessible to anyone, at any age, whether a toddler or octogenarian, regardless of physical ability, or whether challenges are temporary or permanent.

September’s webinars, generously sponsored by Geberit, explore these principles and specific challenges related to Living in Place design. Each month, NKBA offers free 60-minute webinars, each of which features a presentation by an expert in the specific subject matter, delivered via a virtual platform. The sessions offer certified participants 0.1 CEU per event — it’s an easy way to collect the CEUs needed to maintain NKBA certification. Participants must engage in 80 percent of the sessions to receive CEU credit; registration closes two hours prior to start times. All times listed are Eastern.

NKBA has a partnership with the Living In Place Institute (LIPI), founded by Erik Listou and Louis Delaware, offering Certified Living In Place Professional (CLIPP) credentials, a course and test program administered by LIPI and available through NKBA. To apply for CLIPP certification, click here. (NKBA members get a discount.)

On Sept. 4, Listou, will start the series on Sept. 4, 12 noon, by hosting a panel discussion, “Fall Prevention Through Safer Designs and Products.” Panelists include LaDonna Eriksen, Natalia Pierce, AKBD, and Dr. Monique Chabot, professor of occupational therapy. Falls are the leading cause of injury and hospitalization for older individuals. This session will discuss key recommendations for helping to prevent a fall, including better illumination throughout the house; optimal placement of grab bars, grab poles and stair railings; understanding the use of appropriate flooring; safety features for showers and bathroom areas; medic monitoring systemsand smart speakers, and more.

To register for “Fall Prevention Through Safer Designs and Products,” click here.

Next up, on Sept. 12 at 3 p.m., Steve Hoffacker, CAPS, CEAC, SHSS, owner, Steve Hoffacker LLC, will talk about “The Magnetism of the Kitchen.” The kitchen is the focal point of most homes, and as such, controls, appliances, cabinets, pantries, work surfaces, prep areas and other multipurpose parts of the kitchen should be designed to be inclusive and useable to all — occupants and visitors alike. This webinar will explore the key areas for consideration and look at how a little adjustment will make a major difference. Attendees will learn how the kitchen hosts more functions than any other room in the home and how to accommodate them, and identify how the kitchen must allow everyone equal access and use of the space.

To register for “The Magnetism of the Kitchen,” click here.

On Sept. 18 at 12 noon, Paula Kennedy, CMKBD, CLIPP, owner of Timeless Kitchen Designs, will conduct “Tech Meets My Parents — Smart Kitchens and Baths Aid Independent Living.” Independence is the key in any endeavor concerning Aging in Place, Universal Design, Inclusive Design, Living In Place, Accessible/Adaptable Living and Independent Living. The fundamental goal of this booming design sector is to extend independent living as long as possible. The incredible growth and momentum of technology in the home makes it a natural tool to this end.

While connected-home technology benefits all population segments, this session will focus primarily on the aging population, for now as well as planning for the future. Attendees will learn about research and statistics of consumer habits and needs, explore relevant technology that benefits the aging demographic, and learn to describe the future of technology in the independent living category.

To register for “Tech Meets My Parents — Smart Kitchens and Baths Aid Independent Living,” click here.

Finally, on Sept. 24 at 12 noon, Rosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D., CLIPP, president of Rossetti Enterprises Inc., will host “Designing Kitchens & Baths that Make Life Easier: Lessons from the Universal Design Living Laboratory.” The UDLLincorporates design principles in kitchens and baths that make homes are more convenient, accessible, functional, peaceful and safe for everyone during every stage of life — regardless of age, size or physical ability. Rossetti and her husband, Mark Leder, led the design team to build the UDLL (udll.com) after she was paralyzed in an accident. She now uses a wheelchair. This interactive program will identify what features can be added or changed to give clients total access, independence and peace-of-mind. Through this in-depth virtual tour and presentation, designers will gain a different sense of space planning and accessibility from Rosemarie’s personal perspective. She will illustrate essential components and real examples of kitchens and baths, as well as building techniques and products that are essential for any livable home.At the end of this session, attendees will identify 10 universal design features each in the kitchen and bathroom that provide added safety, access and convenience for homeowners, and pinpoint five design problems that negatively affect daily living in the kitchen and bath and their solutions.

To register for “Designing Kitchens & Baths that Make Life Easier: Lessons from the Universal Design Living Laboratory,” click here.