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AGING MATTERS…it truly does!

AGING “IN PLACE”

 Certified Aging In-Place Specialist (CAPS)

"Sensory-Supportive Spaces"

Add Some Pop, Snap and Sizzle to Your Space!

At any age, our environment does affect our mood, productivity and wellness. However, as we age, our ability to connect with, relate to, and interact with our surroundings can change. 

As we design our home for retirement, ramps, handrails and grab bars are part of the initial consideration. But, after safety and security are ensured, it’s time to ramp it up! Our homes need not be boring and lifeless, but can provide the “snap and sizzle” and “pop and wow” found in other environments. 

The concept of “Sensory Supportive Spaces” suggests that designers begin with the abilities and preferences of the residents and develop the surroundings to be supportive using all active senses. To achieve just the right effect, creativity and devices may be utilized. Lifescape Enhancements are the actual devices, gadgets and gizmos used to create the right image and support. For instance, it is well known that aromas and sounds greatly influence our convalescence, wellness and productivity. Let’s blend them into our life, healthcare and workspace.

AWESOME PRODUCTS THAT ARE
SENSORY-SUPPORTIVE

As I speak to groups about my book, MAKING YOUR HOME SENIOR-FRIENDLY, I am often asked about specific needs or challenges on residential enhancements. I have a special relationship with some manufacturers of awesome products, which I believe support my concept outlined above. Consider the following products and ideas as you design, or remodel your space. Contact me for more information.


Design with Abilities in Mind

In 1995, there were 33 million American over the age of  65. In 2020, there will be almost 70 million! (doubling in less than 25 years) This text, is a perfect first step in acquainting families and caregivers to aging and the challenges of caring for aging loved ones and individuals with disabilities. Various creative techniques and ideas are shared with the reader to benefit those we care for.

The Book: MAKING YOUR HOME SENIOR-FRIENDLY

Book Orders:
Chuck Oakes Associates
60 Cinnamon Springs
South Windsor, CT 06074
$10.95 plus $2.00 shipping and handling
CT residents add 6% sales tax
or

Order from your local bookseller
or Order from www.Amazon.com

 
 
     

Consulting services pertaining to caregiving and home and community enhancements

Services and Awesome Products

Consultation
Personal and customized consultation for home design with seniors in mind for individual homes and communities.

The Multi-media Presentation
A forty-minute presentation designed for all ages. It is applicable for caregivers, family members and friends of aging parents and loved ones with disabilities. This entertaining and informative presentation blends actual devices and gadgets with visuals and music.
Air Quality Air Quality

For health and wellness reasons, it’s essential to breath clean air. The product I represent utilizes five technologies which have been proven to cleanse the air. Perfect for apartments, condos or units in retirement communities. Under $250.

Water Features

The soothing sound and sight of a waterfall or fountain can really add a nice dimension to a communal or private space. Great for private residences, businesses and healthcare settings. Choosing the right sound and sight for your space is essential to realize just the right effect. 
Supportive sounds & music

Supportive background sounds can make a difference. Depending upon the specific environment and your budget, there are several options to consider when blending supportive sounds and music into your space. Let’s chat about what’s best for your situation. I have partnered with the leader of supportive music and now aromas; let’s chat about your needs!

Supportive Aromas

Societies throughout the ages have utilized aromas for lifestyle enhancement, wellness and attitude. Smell is the strongest and quickest access to the brain! I have tried and found some awesome options for various situations. Whether for room use, or throughout a building, the right aroma and device can provide the appropriate enhancement. 


An Out of the Box Option—Trains!

Once you’ve addressed safety and security matters…added some sights and sounds, now you can consider some creative, “out of the box” options for your home or community. As a train enthusiast, I have seen miniature railroads used very nicely in retail settings. Why not try them at your place….down the halls, outside, in the garden, etc. These miniature trains can be programmed to run on an actual time schedule, which you set up in advance of dinnertime, or other daily event. Perhaps a riding railroad would be fun when the grandchildren visit!!

So whether they run down your halls inside, or outside in the garden or around your building, the scheduled sights and sounds of a train can be a valuable addition to your space.

 

 

Break Boundaries
 Break Boundaries - www.breakboundaries.com
With Break Boundaries' REACH you can independently control all of the below products independently without the help of a nurse or caretaker. This can all be done by touching a screen, or completely hands-free by moving a body part, or simply speaking a command. 
  • Audio Video Systems Fans
  • Lights and Lamps
  • Telephone
  • Blinds and Shades
  • Doors
  • Clock Radio
  • Bed Control (model specific)
  • Nurse Call (facilities only) 

Testimonials

For all persons of all ages and here focusing on seniors, this slim but sage volume is an attractive and compelling "must" to own, read, share. and apply. The text is universal and the illustrations warm and inviting. The book is person friendly, as promised by the title, and helpful both conceptually and for practical aspects of living.

Dr. L. D. Misek-Falkoff, “Respectful-Interfaces Programme” of the
Communication Coordination Committee for the United Nations; Member,
Sub-Committee on Older Women, U.N. Commission on Status of Women

Making Your Home Senior Friendly by Chuck Oakes is easy to read, full of great recommendations on making a home senior friendly and safe and provides some great resources. This book should be a “must read” for seniors wanting to stay in their own homes, and for their friends, families and caregivers. Kudos - Chuck Oakes for identifying these issues and writing about them.”

Shelley Ludwick, Director of Clinical Programs, Visiting Nurse Association of America, VNAA (Visiting Nurse Association of America)

Chuck knows exactly what we face when we start to help take care of our parents. His book is perfect in helping caregivers to understand their position as a family member that has or will begin to assist aging parents. Functionality is great, but Chuck's discussion of attitude, helpfulness and creating the right environment of our parents is fantastic. This book is refreshing and can help to set the right tone to the future ahead. Just maybe the "golden years" can be golden with love and understanding.

Daniel A. Uitti - President, Connecticut Authors & Publishers Association

I am not a regular home renovator or handy person. I am renovating the family home now with a general contractor. My eighty eight-year-old father will also move in. I and my contractor found the book: Making Your Home Senior Friendly informative, useful, easy reading and entertaining. We used many of the recommendations in the book. 

Sheldon Craig Lubin, Homeowner

I just finished reading, for the third time, Chuck’s delightful and enlightening book, Making Your Home Senior Friendly.  I find his tips about simple adaptations and changes that one can make in a home, practical and financially very feasible. In my opinion, this instructive little book is a “must read” for all homecare professionals, Senior Center staff members and anyone coping with aging parents. For the elderly who choose to stay in their own home, this book is a definite must!

Bradford Case, President, South Windsor Super Sixties Sportsmen Club
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