Home Designs For Life: Remodeling Ideas To Increase Safety, Function, And Accessibility In The Home‪.‬ Janet Engel, OT/L, CAPS, ECHM

Christina and Cindy, co-founders of the Adaptive Equipment and Caregiving Corner, started their YouTube channel in 2015 and turned it into a business in 2020.

Their inspiration for starting the channel was to address frequently asked questions they received as therapists in home health.

They wanted to provide caregivers and patients with videos that could be used as educational tools.

They started by housing the videos on YouTube and eventually developed a platform with subscription videos.

Adaptive equipment has transformed the lives of individuals by providing simple solutions, such as a tubular sliding sheet, that make caregiving tasks easier.

Starting a YouTube channel came with challenges, including building a subscriber base and managing expectations.

Audience engagement is important, and Christina and Cindy engage with their audience through various social media platforms.

They value feedback and use it to improve their content. They have also created a seal of approval for products that meet their criteria of improving functional independence, being worth the cost, and having reliable customer service.

Adaptive Equipment Corner is a YouTube channel and website that provides information and reviews on adaptive equipment for caregivers and older adults.

They work with small companies and give feedback on their products to ensure they meet the needs of their viewers.

They also travel to senior centers to give presentations and allow people to try out the products.

One example of their impact is a video on using crutches on stairs, which helped someone struggling with mobility.

The hosts emphasize the importance of caregivers taking care of themselves and finding support in their caregiving journey.

Takeaways

Starting a YouTube channel can be a valuable tool for providing educational resources to caregivers and patients.

Adaptive equipment can greatly improve the lives of individuals and their ability to age in place.

Building a subscriber base and managing expectations are challenges that come with starting a YouTube channel.

Engaging with the audience and incorporating their feedback is important for creating valuable content.

Creating a seal of approval for products can help guide caregivers and patients in making informed decisions.

Adaptive Equipment Corner provides valuable information and reviews on adaptive equipment for caregivers and older adults.

They work with small companies and give feedback on their products to ensure they meet the needs of their viewers.

They travel to senior centers to give presentations and allow people to try out the products.

Taking care of oneself is crucial for caregivers, and finding support is important in the caregiving journey.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey from YouTube Channel to Business
06:23 The Impact of Adaptive Equipment on Aging in Place
10:43 Challenges and Successes of Starting a YouTube Channel
15:32 Engaging with the Audience and Incorporating Feedback
24:54 Impactful Videos and Game-Changing Products
31:36 Integrating Adaptive Equipment into Care Plans

Website: https://www.aecorner.com

YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/AdaptiveEquipmentCorner

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adaptiveequipmen
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Janet and Esther discuss their new website, the Aging in Place Directory, which connects homeowners and caregivers with aging in place professionals.

They explain how the idea for the directory came about and the benefits it offers to both homeowners and professionals.

They also discuss the three subscription plans available for professionals and the features included in each plan.

Janet and Esther highlight the importance of networking and collaboration in the aging in place industry and how the directory and its accompanying community platform facilitate this.

They also discuss their marketing strategies for promoting the directory to homeowners and caregivers.

Takeaways

The Aging in Place Directory connects homeowners and caregivers with aging in place professionals.

The directory offers benefits to both homeowners and professionals, including a centralized platform to find and market services.

There are three subscription plans available for professionals, offering different features and levels of support.

The directory also includes a community platform for professionals to network and collaborate.

Marketing strategies for the directory include search engine optimization, content marketing, social media marketing, and collaborations with other organizations.

The directory will be launched on April 8th, with a 60-day free trial for professionals.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Announcement of the Aging in Place Directory
03:31 Creating a Directory for Aging in Place Professionals
09:29 The Benefits of Joining the Aging in Place Directory
14:26 Subscription Plans for Aging in Place Professionals
26:19 Marketing Strategies for the Aging in Place Directory
31:20 Launch Date and Free Trial for the Aging in Place Directory

YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/K34JlZTYY1U


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Jared Chevraux, CEAC the executive vice president of Jtek Solutions Group and owner of Jared Chevraux Consulting, discusses his background and motivation for specializing in home access consulting.

He shares his design philosophy and how he markets to clients without urgent needs.

Jared emphasizes the importance of making accessible design beautiful and introduces the future of accessible design.

He also discusses his collaboration with the VGM Network and the trends in the home access industry.

Jared recommends various products for accessible bathrooms and discusses innovations in smart home technology.

He also touches on the expansion of his company into kitchen design and the recognition he received at KBIS.

Takeaways

Making accessible design beautiful is key to attracting clients without urgent needs.

The home access market is growing and becoming more accepted and understood by the general population.

Smart home technology, such as digital shower valves and voice-activated controls, is a growing trend in the industry.

Best Bath is a recommended product for accessible bathrooms, offering plywood reinforcement and a 30-year warranty.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
01:00 Starting JTEC Solutions
02:31 Motivation for Home Access Consulting
03:28 Marketing to Clients without Urgent Needs
04:07 Making Accessible Design Beautiful
05:09 Introducing the Future of Accessible Design
06:17 Collaboration with VGM Network
07:48 Design Philosophy and Background
08:12 In-House Designer and Cost
09:35 Industry Trends and Demand for Home Access Solutions
10:47 Collaboration with Other Home Access Companies
11:45 Working with VGM Network
12:08 Product Recommendations for Accessible Bathrooms
13:23 Differentiating Wall Panel Products
14:34 Innovations in Smart Home Technology
16:16 Best Bath Product Features
18:12 Cost of Best Bath Products
19:03 Expansion into Kitchen Design
19:32 Smart Technology in the Kitchen
21:52 Universal Design in Kitchen Redesigns
23:45 Appliance Garages in Small Kitchens
25:30 Recognition at KBIS
28:09 Future of the Home Access Market




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Tom Jameson discusses the Federal Home Loan Bank Grant program and the specific program he created in West Lafayette, Indiana.

The program provides grant dollars to qualified homeowners for home modifications and repairs.

Tom explains the income requirements and how to find member banks in your community.

He also highlights the benefits of CAP certification for performing home modification evaluations and accessing grant funds.

Tom shares his background in construction and the impact of CAP certification on his work.

He discusses the SHARP program and the importance of partnerships and collaboration.

Tom encourages others to explore the grant program and consider replicating his model in their communities.

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to the Federal Home Loan Bank Grant Program
02:03
The Affordable Housing Program Initiatives
03:01
Target Audience and Program Specifics
04:25
Senior Homeowners Assistance for Repair Program (SHARP)
06:03
Household Income Requirements
07:49
Finding Member Banks in Your Community
09:35
Costs and Benefits for Homeowners and Banks
11:12
CAP Certification and Home Modification Evaluations
14:44
Tom's Background and Construction Expertise
22:26
The SHARP Program and Partnerships
25:40
Increased Grant Funding and Program Growth
28:35
Reimbursement for Services through the Grant
29:57
Expanding Services and Collaboration Opportunities
33:11
Accessing the Grant Program in Other Communities
38:16
The Importance of Collaboration and Networking
44:02
Taking Advantage of the Grant Program


Contact Information

To find the HUD Income Limits: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il.html
Federal Home Loan Banks Main Site: https://fhlbanks.com/
Tom Jameson/SHARP: SHARPassist@mail.com 






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Ilan Tiagai, CEO and co-founder of the Smart Hygiene Company, discusses the inspiration behind creating the first AI bidet on the market.

He explains how spectroscopy is used in the bidet to identify and clean soiled areas.

The bidet's smart features, such as adjusting water temperature and thorough cleaning, set it apart from traditional bidets.

Ilan also highlights the environmental impact of using bidets and the increased popularity of bidets during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He shares the target audience for the bidet and the positive response from consumers. Ilan discusses the future innovations planned for the bidet and the company's successes so far.

Takeaways

The Smart Hygiene Company has created the first AI bidet on the market, using spectroscopy and AI to thoroughly clean soiled areas.

The bidet's smart features, such as adjusting water temperature and thorough cleaning, enhance the user experience compared to traditional bidets.

Using bidets can have a positive environmental impact by reducing the use of toilet paper and conserving water.

Bidets have become more popular during the COVID-19 pandemic due to toilet paper shortages.

The target audience for the bidet includes seniors, people with disabilities, and patients who need help with toileting.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
01:13 Inspiration behind creating the first AI bidet
05:16 Enhancing the user experience with AI
09:38 Smart features that set the bidet apart
14:48 Environmental impact and water conservation
16:26 Bidets becoming more popular during COVID
25:22 Availability and cost of the bidet
27:02 Successes and future innovations
32:06 Importance of addressing toilet hygiene

YouTube video: https://youtu.be/wlqK9V-BJik


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In this conversation, Janet has a conversation with John O'Brien, the CEO of Healthcraft, and Sandy Alexander, OT.  HealthCraft is a company that specializes in fall prevention products.

They discuss the story behind the SuperPole, the importance of fall prevention, and the innovative solutions Healthcraft has developed for bathroom safety.

They also talk about the evolution of Healthcraft products, blending functionality and aesthetics, and the Easy Mount installation solution.

The conversation highlights the SuperPole and its benefits for individuals with mobility issues. The conversation explores the installation process and universal design principles of accessible products.

It then delves into future market trends and the need for aesthetically pleasing solutions.

The benefits of seated surfaces for fall prevention are discussed, including wide and comfortable seating options.

The conversation highlights the importance of back support and energy conservation during bathing. It emphasizes the preventability of falls and the impact of hazards in the home.

The chapter concludes with the idea of making products look good to increase their appeal and adoption.

Takeaways

Accessible products can be installed by any homeowner, regardless of their handy skills.
Universal design principles focus on simplicity, intuitiveness, and low physical effort.

Future market trends in accessibility include a demand for aesthetically pleasing solutions.

Seated surfaces in showers provide a safer bathing experience and conserve energy.

Wide and comfortable seating options are essential for accessibility.

Back support is crucial for comfort and safety during bathing.

Falls are often preventable, and hazards in the home play a significant role.

Making products look good increases their appeal and adoption.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:42 Introduction to Healthcraft
01:32 The Story Behind the SuperPole
04:07 The Importance of Fall Prevention
05:39 Innovative Solutions for Bathroom Safety
10:55 The Evolution of Healthcraft Products
18:05 Blending Functionality and Aesthetics
25:37 Innovative Solutions for Bathroom Storage
30:39 Easy Mount Installation Solution
39:07 The SuperPole and its Benefits
46:29 Installation and Universal Design
47:18 Future Market Trends
49:25 Design Solutions for Accessibility
50:23 Seated Surfaces for Fall Prevention
52:37 Benefits of Seated Surfaces
53:33 Wide and Comfortable Seating
54:25 Back Support and Energy Conservation
55:27 Preventing Falls and UTIs
56:25 Advantages of Wall-Mounted Benches
57:45 Simplifying Installation and Maintenance
58:43 Cost and Value of Seated Surfaces
59:33 The Impact of Falls and Preventability
01:02:17 Misunderstandings and Preventable Falls
01:04:21 Making Products Look Good

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