From Universal Design To Ageless Living: Practical Changes That Preserve Safety, Dignity, And Style

What if your home could quietly protect you without looking clinical? We sit down with interior designer and aging‑in‑place specialist Evangeline Bates to unpack how universal design turns everyday rooms into safer, calmer spaces that still feel like you. From color choices that support aging eyes to lighting that guides at night, we dig into practical upgrades that lower risk and lift quality of life.

Evangeline shares the journey that moved her from traditional interiors to ageless living, including the personal moment that made the mission real. We walk through her assessment process step by step: starting at the front walk, spotting hazards in entries, prioritizing quick wins inside, and mapping bigger projects without overwhelming the homeowner. You’ll hear why levers beat knobs, why the microwave belongs off the range, and how low‑glare counters and bold edge contrast reduce trips, slips, and guesswork.

We also explore the human side: earning trust, honoring style, and making change feel like an upgrade, not a diagnosis. Tech takes the stage too—touchless faucets, fall‑detecting ceiling lights, and voice assistants that can be beautiful as well as helpful. Materials that clean fast and last longer, like grout‑free shower surrounds and pull‑out storage, cut maintenance demands that often force moves. And yes, we make the case for bidet seats as a dignity‑saving, sustainable standard.

If you’re a homeowner, designer, OT, or caregiver, you’ll leave with a checklist of simple changes and a new lens for safety that looks like good design. Ready to future‑proof your favorite rooms without the hospital vibe? Press play, then subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone planning to stay put. Your review helps more families find smart ideas for aging at home.

For more information about aging in place and caregiving for older adults, visit our website at SeniorSafetyAdvice.com

Transcript

Welcome And Guest Introduction

SPEAKER_00 0:00

Hello, everyone. Thank you again for joining us for another podcast with the Aging in Place Directory. Today I am so honored to have as a guest Evangeline Bates with Evangeline Interiors. You know, as an occupational therapist, I have always given my patients, you know, all the pragmatic tools and everything that they need to age in place. But as someone who doesn't have an eye for design and still doesn't, I am always so intrigued and enamored by people who can do that, who incorporate both. And Evangeline has successfully done that. So thank you so much, Evangeline, for joining me on this uh podcast.

SPEAKER_02 0:43

Well, Esther, thank you for inviting me today. It's it's really um I'm sure it's a pleasure for me to be here, and uh I feel honored to be here with you this morning.

Local Vs Virtual Consultations

SPEAKER_00 0:54

Oh, thank you. Thank you so much. You know, if you want to see Evangeline's website, it's at evangeline interiors.com. And she is in or serves the eastern Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire area, but you know, her services are nationwide. Um how do you do that, Evangeline? How do you um uh service nationwide?

SPEAKER_02 1:17

I mean, is it virtual or it's usually a virtual consultation? Um, I myself uh I prefer to do it more locally. Um I feel that it's really important to um to get to know the client, to get to know their surroundings. Um, but sometimes that can't happen and they just want something quick. They just want a quick report because they need to get going on things. So I will do a virtual with them. Um but uh only if it's if it's really a necessity at that point that we have to get it done at that time.

Planning Ahead And Family Involvement

SPEAKER_00 1:54

Yeah, and that happens so often with older adults because they tend to not make changes until they have to make the change. And then at that point, as you said, it's a it's an immediate need. Um, do you often speak with the homeowner or with the family members of the homeowner?

SPEAKER_02 2:15

You know, um both. Um actually, sometimes I I will speak with um the homeowner who uh actually is uh thinking about aging in place and wants to start planning ahead, um, which is really the key to uh successful aging in place uh is to plan ahead. But sometimes, as you had mentioned, it's somebody that's coming out of rehab and their family gets in touch with me saying they have to go home, but their house is not ready for them to go safely back at home. Um so um there are different reasons why people call me uh for that reason. Um, but it's always important again um to uh plan ahead, but then also in the respect as far as having somebody come out of rehab, that's actually where I would get an OT involved and and will collaborate putting uh a report together.

SPEAKER_00 3:18

That's that's very important, actually. And it, you know, as a note, I often would work with other healthcare professionals and definitely the families and and and my patients, you know, to to gather ideas of um how to best uh set up that environment for that person. It it I think it's so important to realize it's never just one person who's involved in this because there's so many factors. You know, I'm sure sometimes you have to talk with contractors and um handymen and you know, whomever, uh electrician, whatever, is needed to do um what that person needs. But then your your eye on design also involves everything from color to how it looks and to incorporate it into the person's existing environment so that it doesn't look, you know, hospital-like.

Design That Avoids The Hospital Look

Vision, Color, Contrast, And Lighting

Universal Design Basics At Home

SPEAKER_02 4:17

Yeah, institutionalized. Right. And um, so as far as aging in place and um thinking about the aging adult in their environment, um, yes, color consults, um, things like that um are very important and they're a little different than just um doing an interior design for for a younger person because you really have to uh figure in the wall wall color. You know, our our eyes age when we're aging, they turn yellow. So we have to make sure that we pick the right colors on the wall that um can adhere to that change. We have to make sure there's a contrast between the floor and the wall for an aging adult so they can see their environment better. Uh, little things like putting levers on the doorknobs instead of the doorknobs is another little thing that you can do. You know, where you put the microwave is really important. Um making sure that your countertops uh for your vanity or for your uh counter kitchen countertops, they don't have a glare on them because glare can really uh impact uh an aging adult and what and what they can see and make sure there's plenty of lighting in their environment. So there are certain things that are part of universal design, but if you don't have those things in place already and you're trying to promote a safe environment for an aging adult, these are the things to consider uh for that aging adult. And of course, um if there's any health issues, again, getting in touch with the health professionals so you know how things are going to be for them now, but also in the future so you can plan ahead.

SPEAKER_00 6:13

Exactly, exactly. And that that's a big important factor is not just um working for what is happening now, but trying to anticipate and see what um you know they can use for the future. No sense in making a change for something now if it's not going to work you know two months from now. I mean, you you know, you can't know everything, but you certainly try. How did you get involved in um going from design? Well, I'm I'm assuming you began with design and then um added this uh new skill.

Anticipating Future Needs

Evangeline’s Path To Aging In Place

SPEAKER_02 6:48

So I was a typical traditional interior designer for almost 30 years, and then I was at a networking group, and I was talking to an architect um and a contractor, and they brought up, they asked me if I knew anything about universal design aging in place, and honestly, I did not know. I never even heard those terms. And they told me, you know something? This is something that's really going to be important for us um to have in the future. I I would recommend that you go back and do some research on it. And I did. And Esther, the more research that I did on both aging in place and universal design, it was like, oh my goodness, why aren't we doing this already? This is crazy. It's not something that, you know, it's just a trend. It's something that has to be done for for everyone. Um so from there, I started getting my education in universal design. I got my certification for aging in place. And it really, it wasn't until again, I had a family situation that my aunt could not make um uh visit my home anymore because it was not visitable for her anymore. She couldn't make the stairs, she couldn't get around my house. And I'm saying, oh my goodness, I know what to do now, you know. So at that time I said, you know what? If I'm put in this situation with my own family, how many other people are out there too facing these challenges and really have no clue as to what to do or knowing that there are things that you can actually do? So um so that's how it all started. And from that point on, Esther, it's just been a passion of mine uh to really advocate for universal design for new builds. And um, you know, if there I have a client that wants to start remodeling, I try to introduce universal design elements to them. Again, it's always a new concept, but once they understand it, they're saying, oh my goodness, it makes so much sense. So that's how it all started.

SPEAKER_00 8:55

I think that's great, and it's so true. I mean, once it personally hits you, and then you can actually see the benefits and and the end result. I mean, here your aunt can now live comfortably and um for longer. You know, I mean, I always think that the whole concept of aging in place is not something that it should be done after an accident or illness or event. The idea is to try to prevent the accident, you know, from happening. Um yeah, it's just it's so important. There there was an article a few months ago in the Wall Street Journal about boomers wanting to stay home. You know, they had purchased these big houses 10, 20, 30 years ago, and they want to stay there, which is perfectly understandable. But the photograph that they showed in the newspaper was everything was wrong in that room. I mean, everything from square glass coffee tables to multiple tables around and you know, steps going up. I mean, you can't always change those, but I mean, everything was so crowded and and rugs everywhere, and it was just like I had a field day tearing apart that photograph. And I always said at the end, I hope these people who were in this photograph, you know, uh are watching this to make a change in their living room because it looks like a beautiful house. I'd love to see them stay there longer.

SPEAKER_01 10:26

Yes.

Prevention Over Reaction

SPEAKER_00 10:27

But yeah, it it and it's difficult. I get it. It's difficult as you get older to change. And especially the concept of letting go of things. Yes. Um, you know, large pieces of furniture and small spaces, um, and and you know, not clutter, I don't want to say clutter, but just so many things that you could fall into.

SPEAKER_02 10:52

Yes, and you know, it it's really it's um so when you're working with with an aging adult, you know, it's a big psychological um and you know, thing that you're working with. So it's not just picking out colors and things like that. You really have to, first of all, have them get to trust you first. Um and that's a real big thing when you're working with aging adults. That's why it's so important to get to know them first, um, to get to know their environment, to get to know their likes and dislikes, and like everybody else, to to get to know their vision for their for their environment. And once they start trusting you, then they'll take on um your your recommendations uh a little bit easier. But um it it's a big thing for them to change and and to think that yes, they are getting older. So sometimes I think they don't want to make these changes because it's it's only showing that they are starting to age and um they they don't want to be in that in that situation. So um yes.

Trust, Psychology, And Letting Go

SPEAKER_00 12:03

Yeah, but the funny thing is that if they don't make that change, it will age them quicker because something inevitably happens. Um, I can't tell you as a therapist, you know, how many hundreds, if not thousands, of patients I treated in all those years who were with me because of something so silly, you know, carrying a basket of laundry down the stairs, or bumping into a coffee table and falling, or tripping over a rug, or you know, just some silly little one-second thing that changed their entire life. And exactly. Um, you know, so my perspective is always prevent it, prevent it.

SPEAKER_01 12:46

That's right.

SPEAKER_00 12:47

So what does the process look like if I were to call you as a client? What does that process look like from your, you know, from what you offer, your services?

Common Home Hazards And Falls

Client Process And On‑Site Assessment

SPEAKER_02 12:57

So what I would do is um, like I said, I'd go on site to the house. Um, I'd take um, you know, the exterior is just as important as the interior. So uh, you know, I would take pictures on the outside, take take some notes from that point, go on the inside, again, take pictures of every room, um, take some more notes, sit with the clients, talk to them, uh, as I mentioned, about their challenges now and if they and what it's gonna be like in the future for them. Um, think about uh their vision as far as how they want to live in their house. Um, and think about their style too. It's really important, and this is where I kind of come in, that it's really important that they still feel like it's their home and their environment, it's their oasis. So they want to be comfortable in their home and they don't want to feel like someone's just coming in and just redoing everything for the safety issue, and now it's gonna be like a hospital. So that's what we try to prevent. Um, and again, it's just by knowing what finishes to pick out, what colors to pick out, um, that's going to also work for the client themselves and what and what they they like and what they envision the environment to be. So once I've done that first initial consultation, uh then I do write up uh a report, uh, which I present to them. They look the report over, and then it's up to them to decide whether they they'll just keep the report. Sometimes we'll have to prioritize what we think is the most important things to do first, uh, so they don't get overwhelmed. Yeah. Um and they'll either ask for my help to move on to these projects where I can bring in the people that I know uh as contractors and things like that, or they'll just take the report and then work on it themselves. So they have you know their choice. Sometimes they uh decide to do it on their own and they find that it's overwhelming and they call me back in again. Um you know, so um, so that's usually the way I I work. Uh and again, it's it's really um however the client really wants to work with me, I'm always there for them. And as you know too, Esther, it's not just uh the infrastructure or the home that's important, but it's it's all the puzzle pieces that are put together, uh, all the support that this these people are going to need, the clients are going to need in order to stay in their homes. You know, our homes, um even if if they're universally designed or aging in place as far as safety, it doesn't mean that that's all you're going to need to be able to stay in your home. It's all the other support systems that are really important. And this is where it's important, like for myself, to get to know trusted um people that I can recommend in the industry to help whatever needs that they have at the time.

Reports, Priorities, And Next Steps

SPEAKER_00 16:08

Exactly. That is so true. And that's even more important, I think, or at least I've seen that that glaring um need in more in more rural areas. You know, they they uh been living in this home that's you know miles from the next neighbor. And yeah, you can universal design, you know, the heck out of that house, but if they are so far from services that they may eventually need, it's um it's almost a futile event. But it's difficult to uh it's difficult to change. I I I get that. I get that, but you're right. Support is so so necessary. That's why I always encourage people, you know, join as many things as you can feel you feel comfortable with, you know, whatever, church, uh volunteer group, uh, you know, anything, what whatever it is that people get to know you and you can build that community because you're not the only one. There's so many others out there that are in need of that. Have you found it difficult to find um uh contractors, handymen, electrician, whatever that work with you that have that knowledge base, or does it matter that they have that knowledge base?

Beyond The House: Building Support

SPEAKER_02 17:26

I feel like it doesn't matter as far as the work that they can accomplish, but it matters to me that when I'm talking to contractors or handyman or anybody else that I need to bring in to help me make this this home safer, um, we should be on the same page. They they should know the language that I'm speaking. Um they should know that if we're going to put uh a no-entryway um a no um step um shower, that um they know that the plumbers that they need to know the type of um drainage system that we need. So there aren't any problems in the future, you know, um, and just to get to know the terminology and for them really to be on the same page as I am, um as far as um my knowledge. So when when I'm talking to contractors and handyman, I'm always telling, you know, it's not that difficult to go get your CAP certification just so you know what people are talking about. And and and and some of them have, and then some of them just say, Well, I've always done this the way I've always done it, and you know. Um but it's really important as far as I'm concerned, um, for them to know um, you know, about aging in place and and what can be done um so we can actually really collaborate together uh on a project.

SPEAKER_00 18:55

Exactly, because the language is so important. And I was happy, you know, when I took the when I took my CAPS course, it was so nice to see contractors in there. Um, because then you know num what number one, um they're not only you know building their skill set, but they're also recognizing the the trend of how things are going. I mean, with with 10,000 plus people a day turning 65 for for many years to come, it just makes sense to add that skill set to your um you know, background of information to to what you're doing, especially nowadays. I mean, the days of having one skill and having that your entire life and retiring with the golden watch, those days are gone.

SPEAKER_01 19:44

Yeah.

Rural Gaps And Community Networks

SPEAKER_00 19:44

You know, we all need multiple skills in order to continue growing.

SPEAKER_02 19:49

Yes.

SPEAKER_00 19:50

And I always loved the idea of continuing working. You know, retiring is not um I mean it's an option, but it to me retiring is working because you have to keep active, you have to keep learning and you have to keep inv involved.

SPEAKER_02 20:07

Engaged, right? Yes.

SPEAKER_00 20:09

Yeah, I think. I mean, when I speak to my friends who are retired and literally retired, you know, and you go out to dinner with them, so what have you been up to? Nothing, you know. So you you want to constantly engage yourself, I think, which really helps to keep you young and universal design, aging in place concepts, you know, design itself is forever evolving and changing. And I mean, now I think I saw the other day some kind of paint that's anti-bacterial or something like that.

SPEAKER_02 20:47

Exactly.

Contractors, CAPS, And Shared Language

SPEAKER_00 20:48

Yeah, I mean, it's just amazing the things that they're coming out with. I I uh saw also a uh light overhead light, I think it's called NUMI. I'm not a hundred percent sure, but not only is it a ceiling light, but it's also a fall detection device, you know, which can identify if you fall. I mean, I love that integration of design and pragmatics.

Lifelong Learning And Work

SPEAKER_02 21:14

Yes. I think that's what's getting so exciting about this whole sector is people are starting to realize that this is important and they're getting so creative with their products now. Yes, you know, and it's so exciting to see. Um, and it's it's it's great just to to look up everything that new that's coming up and see how you can apply it to maybe your next project. And um, to me, that's that's really exciting what's going on now in this industry. Yeah um, and that people are starting to realize that you know it is a real thing, aging in place, and we really start need to start focusing on it. And and people have started. So it's yeah, it's it's it's a lot of fun too. I I really get um very passionate on this. Um This topic, and you know, you talk about uh maybe retiring, and you know, I'm the age that I I I can retire, and I'm saying every time I think about slowing down, I said, Oh, but no, I I can't, but I know, and and then I find something else that I find interest in, and um and just like so. Now my new passion too, along with aging in places, what's the housing going to be like? Um the situation for solo agers, and you know, we have to come up with other types of housing and things like that. So I've kind of drifted off a little bit now, and I'm I'm I'm getting involved with all these organizations to find solutions for uh for different types of of housing, you know. So so I'm always being stimulated, you know, again, in this in the same uh for the same reason, but just you know, widening my my my goals and expectations. And it's it's really I said, why why would I retire?

Smart Home Tech Becomes Essential

SPEAKER_00 23:00

I know, I know, exactly. I mean, that word isn't even here. I mean, I'm at that age, also I'm past the age of retiring and you know the official whatever retiring age. But it's just it's it's amazing to because you're right, you get that stimulation, you get that excitement, and also on top of that, you're helping others, you know, you're helping them to continue their life and live independently. That's what the majority of older adults want in my experience, is to be independent. Yes, and with so many, as you said, you know, living solo, you know, solo agers. You know, my husband passed away years ago, so I I get that, you know. Where now what? Now what do you do? How do you uh change your environment? How do you um accommodate that? What do you do? So that's why I love that whole uh concept of the village movement. Yes. Do you know about that? I do. I do. I love that idea because here now you've got a group of people in a community, and I think it started up in Boston. It did. It's the Bat Bay area. It did, yes. Yeah, so I love that idea. And that is you know, expanding, and here they are. That is a great group of uh people, I think, to educate them on that whole concept because they are actually aging in place, but assisting each other in the community. I I love that idea. So you're right, there's always so many new things. I'm waiting for a new design for the Alexa devices. You know, they all kind of look the same. So I'm waiting for them to get a little more integrated into actual design. You know, how can you make them look like part of the room, part of the area? Because I think those devices are so important for uh safety and so many things. Yes. Um you know, you know, my mom-in-law was uh, I think 95 before we introduced it to her or when we first introduced her, and she had a hard time using it. You know, she kept yelling at it and it just wasn't working. So I I get that. It's just a foreign thing. I I understand that. But um I think you know, in in baby boomers, you know, we've been with it for a while now. So I think for us, integrating that um it'll be a lot easier for us to continue using that. But yeah, I'd love to see a new design of that so that it's integrated into the uh the room. It doesn't look like an Alexa device.

SPEAKER_02 25:42

So that goes all under the smart home environment.

SPEAKER_00 25:46

Yes.

Imagining Seamless, Beautiful Devices

SPEAKER_02 25:47

Um, which, you know, as you mentioned, you know, um we're since we've been um around some of this technology for a while, we're getting used to it. But the real older adults, this is all new to them. Right. So as years, you know, as time goes on, we're gonna be more familiar, we're gonna be more used to having, you know, again, it when you talk about the smart home, it used to be just for the luxury homes, but now it's almost a necessity now. Yes. When you really think about the safety of your home and what you can do um the um to to integrate the safety and not have it show, you know, are around the house that you don't even know that it's there. Right. Um so now it is becoming more popular. It's been a lot of times put in the budget, which at one time it was never put in the budget. Um, so we're gonna I think we're gonna see more of and more of that acceptance now, too. So, like everything else, as time goes on, um, more things will be be accepted and easier to use too.

SPEAKER_00 26:54

I think so. I think so. I mean, it would be great to see um Alexa devices look like a painting.

SPEAKER_01 27:01

Yes.

Quick, Low‑Cost Home Upgrades

SPEAKER_00 27:02

You know, uh something that is hung on the wall, and then when you need it, you can activate it, tap it, and it turns into a a screen. And you know, I've even seen years ago where kitchen countertops will be integrated with uh screens and videos, and I mean there's just so much Jetson kind of things. You know, we're all waiting for Rosie the robot, right? Yes. That's right, that's right. One to drive you, one to clean the house. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I I get it. I get it. I'm still waiting. I hope I live long enough to see that because that is just uh it's my dream. That's true. So are there any tools or um gadgets that you love to recommend to people that they don't normally think about um adding to their home to make the home more um age in place friendly or senior-friendly?

SPEAKER_02 28:01

Well, I guess um what I can offer is that there are things that you can do today in your home that isn't very expensive to do. Um and uh anyone can can actually do it. Is so things that I do suggest right off the bat um is uh actually picking up all the scatter rugs in the house. And if you do have an area rug, then make sure that it's taped down around the edges so there is not a tripping fall.

SPEAKER_00 28:32

Yes.

Materials For Easy Maintenance

SPEAKER_02 28:33

Um, as I mentioned, as far as the doorknobs, change all the doorknobs to the lever handles. It just makes it easier for everyone just to open up the door. I mean, you can always, even if you have things in your hands, you can always use your elbow. Right. Uh, where you place the microwave, um it always upsets me when I go into a 55 plus unit and they have the microwave over the over the stove. And I'm saying, what is this? How can you call yourselves 55 plus and have still not have it um for anyone to age in in this area? It just doesn't make sense. Um so things like that. Um, the faucets, so one of the the newer gadgets, um, I mean, it's about they're about 10 years old, and and each year now they get better and better for functionality, but um the the wand faucets in the kitchen, which makes it really easy when you're working around the kitchen that you know you don't have to turn the knobs on, you can just wave your hand and and um you know and and have the the water um come out. Um right.

SPEAKER_00 29:43

And that's so important if you have severe arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis, to just be able to do that and have it activated and then turn it off as well.

SPEAKER_02 29:52

Yeah, and cleanliness too, you know, you're not getting the faucet all dirty and things like that if you've if you've been working with chicken and things like that. Um, and then in the kitchen, too. So uh a lot of times if I'm working for a remodel in a kitchen, I always recommend taking all the knobs off and then and and having pulls put on that you can really put your hands under and just pull without having to clutch the knob. Uh, and again, because of dexterity issues, whether you have them now, but you're now again thinking in the future, why should you wait until something happens or you come down with arthritis that you can't open up your cabinets anymore? Why don't we do make these changes now? And you know something? It looks really nice and updated now, you know. Nice updated look. So, you know, you're you're hitting two things with with one um with one change, you know, an updated look, but functionality for the future too. So just it's true.

The Case For Bidets

SPEAKER_00 30:57

It's true. I just had um I had a designer who wanted me to put down rugs, and I said, Oh no, I said, as an OT, I am anti-rug. But I love the look of them. Yes. So I found, I don't know if you can see behind me, I found these vinyl rugs, um, which is just, I mean, they're extremely, extremely thin, they're anti-slip, and because they're vinyl, they're so easy to clean. And especially with pets, you know, I have I have pets, so it's just extremely so I uh tell everyone if you absolutely have to have a rug, which I get it, aesthetically it does look great, um, at least go with something like that.

SPEAKER_02 31:39

Yes, something like something with a very, very low pile. Right. And getting back to your question, too, as far as new products out there. So when we're talking about aging in place too, what we're thinking about maintenance too, easy maintenance, yes, which is a big thing. So now a lot of um products for bathroom surrounds are just these um uh these sheets of of material um that look like marble, all they they look like uh a tile, but all you need to do is just wipe them down. There's no grout, even though it looks like grout, but it's they're not real grout lines. So again, easy maintenance, um, but again, a nice updated, fresh look. Um, so this is why I I am I get so excited because new things are always always coming out now, and um people are really becoming very innovative um with their they they are.

SPEAKER_00 32:37

What is that material that those um surround shower and and bathtub you know what so there are there are different ones?

A Habitat Success Story

SPEAKER_02 32:44

Uh I just spoke to somebody who their business is actually uh the surround is a click mechanism. Um so that um, but you don't see the lines, uh, but again, it looks like a tile, but there's a lot of uh this good insulation in the back, and it uh you know it doesn't promote mold and things like that. Um, and they're a little thicker. Then there was somebody else that I was talking to, and their surround is actually uh like a quartz material, but it's very, very thin. Um, and um, those are slabs that they can put on too. Um so there's a lot of different things out there, so it's not just one product. Um, and um yeah, so uh it's again, it's just knowing what's out there and and what to offer your client. Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 33:40

Um, you know, so yeah, and I would think that that's a constant learning.

SPEAKER_02 33:45

Yes.

SPEAKER_00 33:46

Always, always, because as you said, there's so many new innovative products coming out now all the time. And I I love your I I mean, you know, you you're right on the money when it comes to maintenance because as you get older, um, I mean, one, you're involved in a lot of activities, hopefully. So you're doing a lot of things. So who has time to sit and scrub the shower and all of that? And two, excuse me, and two, you know, you may not have the physical stamina or capabilities anymore to maintain that. Um, as an OT, you know, going into assessing someone's home to see if they could go back home, you know, a lot of places that I went to were in such disarray only because of lack of maintenance. Yes. You know, they simply couldn't get down to clean the bathtub or the shower or the kitchen or the refrigerator or whatever. So yeah, that's why the pullout shelves are easier to maintain. As you said, the surround showers are easier. Anything that you can do, low maintenance is definitely a part, I think, of the concept of aging in place.

SPEAKER_01 35:02

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 35:02

So you're absolutely right. There, I think your clients are very lucky to get you.

Teaching Universal Design

SPEAKER_02 35:07

Oh, thank you, Esther.

SPEAKER_00 35:09

Sure, because your knowledge base is so expansive. Um, I mean, uh absolutely. Do you have any um oh, I wanted to ask you, what do you think about bidets? What do you think about incorporating those more into houses? Um bidet. Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 35:28

I think it's very important. Again, you know, we're s in the US too, we're kind of behind with the times a little bit too. You know, um in Europe, everyone has bidets, you know. Um, and they've always had them. Um just like wet rooms in the bathroom. Uh, you know, I mean, uh we we have no clue. And then they come it comes this way, it's like, I've never seen this before.

SPEAKER_00 35:51

So how barbaric.

Professional Networks And Directories

SPEAKER_02 35:54

But bidets to me, especially I think we um we realize too how important they were um you know after the pandemic, um, when we couldn't get the toilet paper and things like that. And you know, and you and you talk about um you know sustainability, you know, instead of using all of this toilet paper and things like that, I mean bidets uh there's so many positive reasons why to have a bidet. You know, I know too, as you get older, you know, it makes it a little harder to clean properly and things like that. So a bidet, you know, is there and and and helps you know keep fresh and clean and you don't have to worry because you know, if you do let yourself go, then there are other issues, right? That uh can cause health problems. So to me, bidets are uh a big thing that should be incorporated, at least one bathroom that's you know used regularly.

SPEAKER_00 36:51

Um yeah, I think so. And you're right, in America, it's such a foreign idea, you know. You're like, what? Why would I have that? Um but when you really think about the pragmatic of it, and I mean you're right. When you're building a 55 plus or a senior living community or whatever, why not incorporate, I mean, from the get-go, incorporate a bid day, you know, especially nowadays because a bit it's not as if you need two separate units, you know, it's just one unit. Um it just it makes so much sense. It does. So yeah, I I I like to talk about bid days, you know, because it's I think it's important. And I think just like anything, the more you talk about it, the more normal it seems. Yes. You know, so then people will get used to the idea of and they'll start asking for things like that.

SPEAKER_02 37:47

And I think that's the key too, as far as contractors and and developers, that uh it's really important that we just keep educating people about universal design as it relates to aging in place, and once people get a handle of it and and accept it and say say to themselves, yes, this is what we need, they'll start asking for the these elements, and then the contractors and and the developers say, Yes, we are gonna start doing this.

Purpose, Impact, And Gratitude

SPEAKER_00 38:17

That's right, that's right. And oftentimes I think it hits them like it hits you and like it hits most people when it's personal.

SPEAKER_02 38:26

Yes.

SPEAKER_00 38:26

When it happens to mom, dad, aunt, uncle, you know, cousin, brother, sister, whatever. Yeah, then it's like, oh, I get it now. Yeah, you're right. Do you have um a client's story of someone who you feel has done so well with um aging in place, you know, as far as altering their uh environment?

SPEAKER_02 38:50

Yeah, actually, so one of the clients that I'm really proud uh that I was able to help her, um, we have Habitat for Humanity here, and there's a critical repair program that's part of it. And people are able to put in an application for some home repairs that either they can't afford or um that are needed for them to live safely in their homes, like putting up grab bars and things like that. So this particular woman got um put in her application uh for the critical repair program, and her problem was that doctors weren't listening to her as far as her falling in the house all the time and um just different things that ailments that she was coming up with that in a way they weren't even believing her. So she said, you know, I I just need to do something in my house just so I don't keep falling and things like that. So they actually got in touch with me. Um, the habitat uh got in touch with me so I could do a consult, an in-home consult for this uh this woman. And I came up with a nice two-page report for her as far as putting handrails in, as far as her entryway from the outside. Um, she had a lot of rugs everywhere, just things like that that I just noted, and I told her how you know we could uh fix the problem, and she was just so grateful. She did everything to the point now that she's actually volunteering for Habitat trying to help others.

SPEAKER_00 40:26

So um that is a great story.

SPEAKER_02 40:30

Yeah, that was a really a real special client for me that really kind of um validated what I do and why I do it. Um so yeah. Um Right.

SPEAKER_00 40:43

Yeah, ageism is definitely uh an issue in um healthcare. Yes. You know, you get to a certain age, and especially women, I don't know why, but um I I know a lot of women in that in that stage where the doctors or healthcare professionals just aren't listening to them. Um my my poor mom-in-law, she went through that too. In her 90s, you know, she would complain about this or that, and the doctors were like, Well, yeah, you know, you're 92 when you expect it. So I mean uh to a certain extent, okay, but I'd rather them say, I I wish I could help you, I don't know what to do. I mean, that would be the better answer instead of just dismissing it. But you know, it is what it is. So um, oh no, this this was this was great. Do you have any advice for upcoming designers um who may not even realize about this whole concept? And you know, what would you say to them? Or how if you were to speak to a class of designers, what would you say?

SPEAKER_02 41:47

So I'm actually giving um the the we have a lot of community colleges and colleges around this area, and some of them do provide um a certificate or a degree in in uh interior design. So I'm actually I came up with a program just for universal design. I'm not the interior design instructor, but uh I've been brought in to teach universal design and as it relates to aging in place. Awesome. So they can get a hand on you know what this is all about, and maybe they can start focusing on something like this. And um I actually have a lot of OTs that come to me and say, this is something that I really want to start doing for my clients. How would you you know recommend me going about it? Should I go for my interior design degree too? I said, no, no, no, no, no. You don't need to do that, but start with um getting knowledge of universal design and getting your your CAP certificate. And once you have that under your belt, then you know you'll have a good uh education um focus behind you to know what to look for and what to recommend. You don't need your whole interior design. And as far as products coming up, that's something that you know if you stop belonging to different organizations and networking, you'll you'll be getting all of that that you're going to need uh in order to uh help your clients. So um, so that's what I I recommend is just um you know, educating, whether uh going to uh you know a facility or online, just educating yourself uh about aging in place, universal design, and and getting some type of certificate to to give you some credibility, um you know, when when you talk to people and and you say, Yeah, this is what I do, but okay, so what's your background in it?

SPEAKER_00 43:42

So, what organizations do you recommend that people join, or what are you involved in?

SPEAKER_02 43:48

So uh one of the the organizations, so of course, for aging in place, um I am now a member of of your and Janet's Aging in Place Directory, which is one. Wonderful. You know, that's one of the things that when I started working in the sector, um I didn't I I knew I needed vetted um people that I could work with, um, that I could trust uh to refer to my clients. Yeah and uh I didn't know where to begin. And that's when I started doing some research. And um I I came across um the Aging in Place, National Aging in Place Council, and I noticed that we didn't have a mass chapter here. So I was originally one of the founding members of the National Aging in Place Council in Massachusetts. Um they had one and then it went defunct a little bit and we kind of resurrected it. Um so that's how I started, and then just getting involved with things around this area. And then again, when I came up when I saw Aging in Place Directory, I said, Oh, this is another great resource that I need to get involved in because it's just so important. The education that you give to people in general, and then getting people of the profession together, um, so we can get to know one another, so we can talk about um, you know, things that that we go through in in our industry uh that we can help one another with. Um so I think it's great that what you and Esther, um that you and Janet have done. And of course, um, you know, your senior safety advice website, which I've been on a few times too. Thank you. Stuff like this is just so important, not just people in general, but uh people in the industry too. So I thank you for all that you're doing.

SPEAKER_00 45:42

Oh, thank you. Thank you. Yeah, I was very surprised at the lack of communities that that do that. Because you're right. I mean, all the aging in place, but and then you know that there are so many people involved in this process. Yeah, you know, why aren't they why can't you find them all in one place? And then we were getting emails and phone calls from people. I mean, here we are promoting to do it. And they were like, okay, great. You, you know, I I agree, I I want to do it, but who who who do I call to do it? I'm thinking, well, you just go online. You can I mean they're everywhere. And I couldn't find them. They were so hard. One on Facebook, one on LinkedIn, you know, they were scattered everywhere. I said, look, we're gonna have to bite the bullet and make this thing, and then, you know, but it's uh it's it's been it's it's been a great project, and I'm so um uh proud actually to be part of it and honored to be part of it. And and Janet is such a dynamo with it as well. So I'm I'm grateful that she she let me in and uh help her. So she's less she does all the great OT design stuff, and I'm you know the engineer in the back with all the SEO internet stuff.

SPEAKER_02 47:00

But your Asian Together is just making this work and be being successful, you know. So exactly.

Closing Thanks And Where To Find Us

SPEAKER_00 47:07

That's what it's all about. But it it's really, you know, it as you said, it's so grateful and so um not grateful, but it's just it just fills your heart when you can do something for somebody. And you're just I mean, it's everything. And and you know, as an OT, I mean it's one of the reasons I went into OT. You know, I worked in head injury and and it was just such a an an amazing, I still think of all my patients um every day, you know, how they're doing, you know, what happened. And it's just um and you really made a difference in their life, you know, and and and and um you know um and that's what it's all about. That's what it's all about. At the end of the day, you know, when you're when you're done with your when you're done with your days, you want to make sure that what you did um impacted someone somewhere somehow. And that's that's important. Yep. Oh, Evangeline, I want to thank you so much for being with me and sharing your sage advice. I I think again, I'm gonna repeat, I think your clients are very, very lucky to um to have you. So um that you're listening to this podcast, watching it on YouTube, check her out at evangeline interiors.com. She really does do design for ageless living, and I think that is so important, not only for seniors, but for family members with older adults, you know, in their lives. And I think it's so great that you're doing um this, but design students, because I think later generations people had children later. So a lot of these design students have older parents.

SPEAKER_01 48:50

Yes.

SPEAKER_00 48:51

And if not, at least grandparents.

SPEAKER_01 48:53

Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 48:54

So they're perfect, um, they have a perfect demographic to work on.

SPEAKER_02 48:58

Yes, you're absolutely right there, too. Yes.

SPEAKER_00 49:01

Um, it would be interesting to see some of their case studies.

SPEAKER_02 49:05

Yes. Well, who knows? Maybe I can share you some in in a year or two, who knows?

SPEAKER_00 49:11

Oh, that would be awesome. That would be awesome. All right, Evangeline. I hope you have a beautiful day. And um, again, thank you. And we will see you again.

SPEAKER_02 49:22

Thank you so much. It was a pleasure really speaking with you today. Thank you so much. Bye bye.

SPEAKER_00 49:27

Thanks, Evangeline. Thanks. Take care.