Today’s speaker is Linda Bowden from AARP Vermont.
https://states.aarp.org/vermont/
Linda Bowden is the volunteer AARP state president in Vermont. She started working with AARP in 2016 after retiring from Echo.
Linda’s presentation focused on the “Home Fit” program.
4/29/20
CSH Rotary Zoom meeting
Attending today’s meeting: Sam Feitelberg, Susan Grimes, John Hammer, Chris Davis, Rosalyn Graham, Terry Kennaugh, Erik Kolomaznik, Linda Barker, Don, Nancy Gilbert, Richard Fox, France, Dan York, Bill Deming, Charlie Kaufman, Denis, Howard Seaver, Margo Casco, Tod Whitaker , John Pane, Jessica Brumstead, Ric Flood, Joan Lenes, Carole Obuchowski, Diana Vachon, Jim Donovan, Keith Walsh, Carrie Fenn
Chris Davis called the meeting to order at 7:35.
Susan Grimes offered today’s invocation:
Pope Francis: Tonight Before Falling Asleep
Tonight before falling asleep
Think about when we will return to the street.
When we hug again, when all the shopping together will seem like a party.
Let’s think about when the coffees will return to the bar, the small talk,
the photos close to each other.
We think about when it will be all a memory but normalcy will seem an unexpected and beautiful gift. We will love everything that has so far seemed futile to us.
Every second will be precious. Swims at the sea, the sun until late, sunsets, toasts, laughter.
We will go back to laughing together.
Strength and courage.
See you soon!”
Rosalyn suggested that everyone put themselves on mute at the beginning of the meeting.
Jessica is wondering again about people who want to come to our meetings. John Hammer will put in a FPF post sharing our meetings. Folks who are interested in attending will contact John who will then let Bob know who to expect. We may have more guests next week because we have Shelburne Town Manager Lee Krohn with us to talk about the state of the village, and Dr. John Brumstead will be coming in as a speaker to talk about the COVID 19 testing at the hospital.
Dan noted that it’s very important to keep a waiting room as public Zoom URLs are being sold on the internet so bad actors can come in and disrupt meetings. Dan has offered to be a co-host to help manage the guests coming in.
Green Up Day has been moved to May 30. Diana was thinking it would be fun for Rotary to go out and pick a section to clean up wearing our Rotary shirts. We have killed sign up genius but there are other ways to do sign ups through Club Runner.
Today’s speaker is Linda Bowden from AARP Vermont.
https://states.aarp.org/vermont/
Linda Bowden is the volunteer AARP state president in Vermont. She started working with AARP in 2016 after retiring from Echo.
Linda’s presentation focused on the “Home Fit” program.
Objective 1: Recognize how your home can be designed so you can stay in your home as long as you like.
Objective 2: to determine what is important to you in your living environment
Objective 3: determine what type of improvements are needed and what specialist can assist you
You can actually save money by staying in your home as opposed to moving to a retirement facility.
Homes are traditionally designed and built for an able-bodied 35 year old, not for older folks with mobility concerns.
Start with entrances and exits-
- Have a no step entrance. For every inch of rise, you need a foot of slope. Think about paved or stone slopes or actual ramps. Add handrails, a porch, lighting.
- Modifications include compressible rubber thresholds, swing-clear hinges, lever handles.
- Wider entryways- doorways at least 36 inches, hallways at least 42 inches to accommodate walkers
- Peephole or viewing panels, automatic sensor or timed lights, doors that physically lock
- An address that is easy to see
Next the Kitchen:
- Pull drawers, side by side refrigerator, easily accessible work surface, safety equipment, microwave on the counter, touch or lever activated faucet, task lighting.
Steps and Stairways
- Handrails
- Non slip surfaces
Living Room and Bedrooms
- Bedrooms accessible to bathroom and living area
- Adhesive carpet or no carpet
The bathroom
- Taller toilets with step stools for the grandkids.
- Grab bars
- Insulated pipes
- Non slip surfaces
- Smooth or no step entrance for shower
- Hand held adjustable shower head
Elsewhere
- Washer dryer in a safe accessible space
- Rocker panel light switches installed between 36” and 42” from the floor
- Electrical Outlets placed 18” to 24” from the floor
An occupational therapist or a certified aging in place specialist can help with design features.
Downloadable worksheets and more information are available at aarp.org/homefit and aarp.org/livable
There are a lot of things you can do outside your house, including raised beds, pathways for wheelchairs- think about site planning.
Make sure railings can be popped off, and filling the gap between toilet and tub. Bathroom doors usually open in- think about changing the way the door opens or a door that can be removed from the outside.
Safety is the most important thing- how to be safe in your home as you age.
Age Well and the Department of Aging and Living have resources to tap into for renovation financing.
Today’s question for club members to help new members get to know us:
“What’s the farthest you’ve ever been?”
John Hammer has been to Cape Lewin in Australia
Keith has been to China
John Pane has been to Easter Island
France has been to Cuba
Jim Donovan has been to India and Australia
Next week’s question- tell us about the best meal you’ve ever had!
Have a great week!
Respectfully submitted,
Carrie Fenn