Capri Communities, Lakeland Care Inc., Chad T. Speight
photographs
Kyle Wege, AIAP, of Crimson Sun Studios
PO Box 559
McFarland, WI 53558
(608) 729-4888
sam@secondactmagazine.com secondactmagazine.com
ABUSE & NEGLECT
Under Wisconsin statutes, elder abuse and neglect includes physical, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse/assault. See Wisconsin Elder Adults-at-Risk Help Lines below or call 911. Visit dhs.wisconsin.gov /aps/index.htm.
WISCONSIN ELDER
ADULTS-AT-RISK HELP LINES: BROWN COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Daytime: (920) 448-6000
After Hours: (920) 436-8888
CALUMET COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Daytime: (920) 849-1400
Weekend: (920) 849-9317
ELDER ABUSE TASK FORCE –FOND DU LAC ADRC (920) 929-3466
ELDER OR ADULT-AT-RISK REPORTING – WINNEBAGO COUNTY (877) 886-2372
After Hours: (920) 233-7707 Oshkosh (920) 722-7707 Neenah/Menasha
ADRC s
ADRCs can help make connections to resources about in-home personal care and nursing, housing options, housekeeping and chore services, home modifications, adaptive equipment, transportation, health, nutrition, homedelivered meal programs, Medicare,
Medicaid, social security, caregiver supports, benefit specialists, and respite information. Below are the ADRCs in your area by county.
ADRC OF BROWN COUNTY (920) 448-4300 adrcofbrowncounty.org
ADRC OF CALUMET COUNTY (920) 849-1451 youradrcresource.org
ADRC OF FOND DU LAC COUNTY (920) 929-3466 fdlco.wi.gov/adrc
ADRC OF THE LAKESHORE (SERVING KEWAUNEE AND MANITOWOC COUNTIES) (877) 416-7083 manitowoccountywi.gov
ADRC OF OUTAGAMIE COUNTY (920) 832-5178 youradrcresource.org
ADRC OF WINNEBAGO COUNTY (877) 886-2372 co.winnebago.wi.us/adrc
ADVOCACY GROUPS & SUPPORT
Support for or on behalf of someone for a particular cause, issue, or policy.
AARP (866) 448-3611 (920) 921-7433 Fond du Lac states.aarp.org/region/wisconsin
BBB OF WISCONSIN (BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU) (800) 273-1002 bbb.org/wisconsin
COALITION OF WISCONSIN AGING GROUPS (CWAG) (800) 488-2596
cwagwisconsin.org
DEPARTMENT OF SENIOR SERVICES FOND DU LAC (920) 929-3521
ELDER RIGHTS PROJECT INTAKE HOTLINE (844) 614-5468 Legal Action of Wisconsin – Oshkosh Office (920) 233-6521 Elder Rights Project
WISCONSIN BOARD ON AGING & LONG-TERM CARE Ombudsman Program (800) 815-0015 longtermcare.wi.gov
WISCONSIN OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE (800) 236-8517 oci.wi.gov
CAREGIVER INFORMATION
A caregiver is an individual who provides support and assistance to individuals with disabilities or long-term conditions. Visit the Safe & Healthy at Home section to find support assistance in your residence.
RESPITE CARE ASSOCIATION OF WISCONSIN (608) 222-2033 respitecarewi.org
VA CAREGIVER SUPPORT (855) 260-3274 caregiver.va.gov
WISCONSIN’S FAMILY CAREGIVER SUPPORT PROGRAMS (866) 843-9810 wisconsincaregiver.org
DISABILITY RESOURCES
Also see ADRCs (Aging & Disability Resource Centers) in this section.
BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED INFORMATION & SERVICES –BY COUNTY (888) 879-0017
dhs.wisconsin.gov/blind
BUREAU OF AGING AND DISABILITY RESOURCES (BADR) (608) 266-2536 (Central Office) dhs.wisconsin.gov/dph/badr.htm
CAPTEL, INC.
CapTel® Captioned Telephone (920) 540-0704
captel.com
Ideal for people with hearing loss, the CapTel Captioned Telephone works like any other telephone with one important addition: it displays every word the caller says throughout the conversation.
DISABILITY RIGHTS WISCONSIN (800) 928-8778 disabilityrightswi.org
EASTER SEALS DISABILITY HELP LINE OF OUTAGAMIE COUNTY (920) 832-0344 eastersealswisconsin.com
LAKELAND CARE, INC.
N6654 N. Rolling Meadows Dr., Fond du Lac 54937 (920) 906-5100
info@lakelandcareinc.com
lakelandcareinc.com
Lakeland Care offers care management services to help eligible elders and adults with disabilities live independently at home or in their community through the Family Care Program. Family Care eligibility is determined by the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC).
WISCONSIN TALKING BOOK AND BRAILLE LIBRARY (WTBBL) (800) 242-8822 dpi.wi.gov/talkingbooks
HEALTH PLANS & ASSISTANCE
BOARD ON AGING & LONG-TERM CARE
Medigap helpline & health insurance related questions. (800) 242-1060 longtermcare.wi.gov
COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE (800) 236-8517
HEALTHCARE MARKETPLACE healthcare.gov
LAKELAND CARE, INC.
N6654 N. Rolling Meadows Dr., Fond du Lac 54937 (920) 906-5100
info@lakelandcareinc.com lakelandcareinc.com
Lakeland Care offers care management services to help eligible elders and adults with disabilities live independently at home or in their community through the Family Care Program. Family Care eligibility is determined by the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC).
SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (866) 770-2262 ssa.gov
Lakeland Care is your local option for Family Care Progr services. To learn more, cont your local Aging and Disabili Resource Center (ADRC) at 844-947-2372.
www.lakelandcareinc.co
MANAGED CARE PROVIDERS
LAKELAND CARE, INC.
N6654 N. Rolling Meadows Dr., Fond du Lac 54937 (920) 906-5100
info@lakelandcareinc.com lakelandcareinc.com
Lakeland Care offers care management services to help eligible elders and adults with disabilities live independently at home or in their community through the Family Care Program. Family Care eligibility is determined by the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC).
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
THE MARY BETH NIENHAUS ACTIVITY CENTER (920) 939-3088 mbnactivitycenter.org
THE SALVATION ARMY OF FOND DU LAC (920) 923-8220 facebook.com/thesalvation armyoffonddulac
SENIOR CENTERS
FOND DU LAC CITY SENIOR CENTER (920) 322-3630
GOOD SHEPHERD SENIOR CENTER – SEYMOUR (920) 833-6434
NORTH FOND DU LAC VILLAGE SENIOR CENTER (920) 929-6811
OMRO-WINNEBAGO COMMUNITY CENTER (920) 685-0380
OSHKOSH CITY SENIOR CENTER (920) 232-5300
RIPON SENIOR CENTER (920) 748-6225
SENIOR CENTER – DENMARK/ BROWN COUNTY (920) 863-8097
VILLAGE OF KIMBERLY SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER (920) 687-9021
WAUPUN SENIOR CENTER (920) 324-7930
VETERAN SERVICES
AMERICAN LEGION –DEPARTMENT OF WISCONSIN wilegion.org
BROWN COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE (920) 448-4450
CALUMET COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE (920) 849-1452
DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT dwd.wisconsin.gov/veterans
FOND DU LAC COUNTY VETERANS SERVICES (920) 929-3117 dva.state.wi.us/cvso.asp
FOX VALLEY VETERANS COUNCIL (920) 358-0662 foxvalleyveteranscouncil.org
GREEN BAY VET CENTER (920) 435-5650 vetcenter.va.gov
OUTAGAMIE COUNTY VETERANS SERVICES OFFICE (920) 832-5697 facebook.com/outagamie countyveteranservice
US DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS benefits.va.gov/benefits
VETERAN SERVICES –FOND DU LAC (920) 929-3117
VETERANS AFFAIRS REGIONAL OFFICE (800) 827-1000
VETERANS MENTOR GROUP – APPLETON veteransmentorgroup.org
VETERANS OUTREACH & RECOVERY – GREEN BAY (800) WIS-VETS (947-8387) wisvets.com
WINNEBAGO COUNTY VETERANS SERVICES (920) 236-4898 co.winnebago.wi.us/veterans
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (WDVA) (800) 947-8387 dva.state.wi.us
CAREGIVER & FAMILY PROGRAMS
ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION –GREATER WISCONSIN CHAPTER (920) 469-2110
alz.org/gwwi
ALZHEIMER’S FAMILY AND CAREGIVER SUPPORT PROGRAM (AFCSP) (920) 906-4792
LIVING SPIRIT DEMENTIA RESPITE CENTER
326 E. North St., Appleton 54911 (920) 733-2303 x310
respite@felc.com felc.com/livingspirit
Living Spirit is a place for people with mild to moderate dementia to enjoy fellowship and entertainment while their caregivers run errands, do business, or just relax, knowing their loved one is spending time in a safe and supportive environment.
MEMORY CAFÉ AT OSHKOSH COMMUNITY YMCA (920) 230-8439
Find us on Facebook
DEMENTIA FRIENDLY
CAREPATROL FOX CITIES AND GREEN BAY (920) 428-0827 foxcities.carepatrol.com
FOX VALLEY MEMORY PROJECT (920) 225-1711 foxvalleymemoryproject.org
PROGRAMS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DEMENTIA
ISSUES
FOX VALLEY MEMORY PROJECT (920) 225-1711 foxvalleymemoryproject.org
SUPPORT SYSTEMS & LOCAL RESOURCES
ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION –GREATER WISCONSIN CHAPTER (920) 469-2110 alz.org/gwwi
LIVING SPIRIT DEMENTIA RESPITE CENTER
326 E. North St., Appleton 54911 (920) 733-2303 x310
respite@felc.com felc.com/livingspirit
Living Spirit is a place for people with mild to moderate dementia to enjoy fellowship and entertainment while their caregivers run errands, do business, or just relax, knowing their loved one is spending time in a safe and supportive environment.
Do-Not-Resuscitate
DO-NOT-RESUSCITATE BRACELETS
Direct emergency medical technicians, first responders, and emergency healthcare facilities’ personnel. See also Legal category in the General Section to set up advance healthcare directives which can detail your wishes when you are unable.
DO-NOT-RESUSCITATE BRACELETS (DNR) INFO (608) 266-1568
dhs.wisconsin.gov/ems/dnr.htm
FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES
Wisconsin Funeral and Cemetary Aids Program
dhs.wisconsin.gov/em/wfcap.htm
HOSPICE CARE
Provides pain relief, comfort, symptom management, and supportive services to individuals who usually have six months or less to live. Typically, care is provided by a team consisting of a doctor, nurse, social worker, counselor, chaplain, home health aide, and trained volunteers. The team works together to focus on the dying person’s and their family’s physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs. This level of care can be provided in one’s residence (collaborating with the home health agencies/medical care), at most hospitals (collaborating with your hospital team), at most nursing homes, and at an inpatient hospice facility.
COMPASSUS – GREEN BAY (920) 321-2004 compassus.com
COPPERLEAF VILLAGE OF RIPON (920) 896-0440 copperleafcare.com
HEARTLAND HOME HEALTHCARE AND HOSPICE (866) 216-5708 heartlandhospice.com
OAKRIDGE GARDENS REHABILITATION & MEMORY CENTER (920) 739-0111 oakridgegardens.com
ST. PAUL HOSPICE SERVICES (920) 766-6180 stpaulelders.org
THEDACARE AT HOME (920) 969-0990 thedacare.org
UNITY HOSPICE (920) 338-1111 unityhospice.org
ADVANCE PLANNING AND DIRECTIVES Ensuring Your Wishes Are Honored
by Lakeland Care, Inc.
In our journey through life, we often find ourselves facing challenging decisions, especially when it comes to our healthcare. What if there was a way to ensure that our wishes are honored and our values are respected when we’re unable to express them? Advance planning and advance directives offer individuals the power to communicate their wishes regarding healthcare choices that align with their deeply
held beliefs, granting peace of mind to themselves and their loved ones.
The significance of having conversations about advance planning cannot be overstated. By openly discussing our wishes with loved ones, we foster understanding and alleviate uncertainty during difficult times. These conversations keep everyone involved on the same page, reducing
potential conflicts and confusion when decisions need to be made.
Choosing a person to make healthcare decisions on our behalf is a vital step in the advance planning process. This trusted individual becomes our voice during an unexpected injury or illness. Engaging in candid conversations about expectations and clarifying their willingness to assume this responsibility
ensures that our wishes are faithfully carried out.
Expressing our medical treatment preferences is essential. We have the right to outline our choices regarding life-sustaining treatments, resuscitation, and the inclusion of palliative-care options. Clearly communicating these preferences ahead of time and in writing allows us to receive the care that aligns with our values and desires.
Protecting our quality of life is a fundamental consideration in advance planning. It’s important to express our desires regarding pain management, hospice care, and personal comforts so that our well-being is prioritized. Each of us deserves to have our wishes respected in matters that affect the treatment and care we receive.
Advance planning allows for personalized treatment and decisionmaking. By sharing our preferences for life-sustaining measures, religious or spiritual practices, and the preservation of our dignity throughout the caregiving process, we create an environment that honors our individuality and our life.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) provides forms for
advance directives on their website, making it convenient for individuals to complete these documents on their own. If you have questions or need assistance in completing the forms, your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) or designated staff at your local hospital can help. If you have specific concerns or unique circumstances, it may be wise to seek advice from an attorney. Available forms include:
1. Declaration to Physicians (Wisconsin Living Will)—Express your preferences regarding lifesustaining treatment in specific situations.
2. Power of Attorney for Healthcare— Designate a trusted individual to make healthcare decisions on your behalf when you’re unable to do so.
3. Power of Attorney for Finance and Property—Appoint someone to manage your financial and property matters in the event you are unable to do so.
4. Authorization for Final Disposition—Outline your wishes regarding your final arrangements, such as burial or cremation.
Advance planning and advance directives empower us to make healthcare choices that align with our values and honor our wishes. By engaging in conversations about advance planning, we can make informed decisions that reflect our unique desires.
Lakeland Care, a Wisconsin-based managed care organization (MCO), is passionate about creating a world we all want to live in by providing longterm care for elders and people with disabilities through Family Care and offering training, consulting, and IT solutions via Lakeland Care Plus. Learn more at lakelandcareinc.com.
To find out if you’re eligible for Family Care, contact your county’s Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) at dhs.wisconsin.gov /adrc/index.htm.
(920) 906-5100 lakelandcareinc.com
ADVANCE HEALTHCARE DIRECTIVES
Putting your preferences in writing. Visit the Legal category in the General section for assistance to learn about the important options you have to protect your wishes if and when you are unable.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Have a plan in place before an emergency. Communicate your plans with family, friends, and neighbors.
PACK AN EMERGENCY KIT
First aid supplies, blankets or sleeping bag, battery-powered radio, flashlights, extra batteries, and weather radio.
If you have a pet, plan ahead for pet needs, including supplies of food and water and a pet carrier.
Have prescription medications and any special medical supplies ready.
You can find more information on emergency plans and supply kits at ready.gov.
ESTATE PLANNING
See also the Legal category in the General section for additional information.
HOLYLAND FOOD PANTRY, INC. – Malone (920) 418-1580
LOAVES AND FISHES
Church of Peace – Fond du Lac (920) 904-5556
Benefits of TRAVEL
Whether sunning yourself on a beach or exploring museums and historical points of interest, travel is an excellent way for older adults to experience different cultures and create new memories in retirement. Travel also offers numerous mental and physical health benefits.
Boosts Mental Health: Traveling provides seniors a sense of adventure and excitement and can help alleviate
feelings of boredom, depression, and anxiety.
Keeps the Mind Active: Traveling exposes older adults to new experiences and environments and helps keep minds active and improves cognitive function.
Improves Physical Health: It’s important for seniors to maintain an active lifestyle. Activities such as walking
tours, hiking, and other forms of physical activity provide seniors with easy and enjoyable ways to get exercise while exploring.
Strengthens Relationships: Whether traveling solo or with family and friends, going on trips opens doors for older adults to create new memories with loved ones and forge new friendships with peers who share similar interests.
Socialization becomes increasingly important as we age, and traveling with others is a wonderful way to combat loneliness and stay active and engaged.
Enhances Self-Esteem: Traveling can give seniors a sense of accomplishment and help boost self-esteem. Exploring new places and trying new foods and activities can also increase confidence and independence.
Provides Learning Opportunities: Active minds help keep people young. Learning about new cultures and customs can broaden one’s understanding of the world and enhance appreciation for diversity.
Offers New Perspectives: Provides older adults with an opportunity to step outside of their comfort zone and gain new perspectives on life. Travel also doesn’t have to mean getting on an airplane. There are many local travel adventures mere car rides away. Senior centers, senior communities, and other businesses and organizations often offer organized travel opportunities.
In 2022, Capri Communities launched Enjoy Life on the Road, which invites residents, family, and friends to take guided road trips to select travel destinations in the United States. Meghan Davis, director of lifestyle enrichment for Capri Communities, says, “We’re thrilled to offer Enjoy
Life on the Road to our residents. The excitement of getting out to explore our country and make memories with friends new and old is contagious!” Older adults interested in learning more can visit enjoylifeontheroad.com.
One thing is for sure, whether you’re traveling on your own, with a group, or as part of a senior living community, travel is good for the soul. So dust off that bucket list and start planning. No matter your age, there’s a world of adventure that awaits you!
Contributed by Capri Communities, a Wisconsin-based senior living company that realizes the value travel brings to older adults. Their tagline, enjoy life, is something they strive to deliver to residents every day.
Founded in 1992, Capri Communities operates more than 18 senior living campuses in southern Wisconsin. Capri serves 2,200 residents daily. Each independent living, assisted living, and memory care community is designed to provide for the unique needs and desires of today’s seniors. capricommunities.com
PRESCRIPTION DRUG ASSISTANCE
SENIORCARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG ASSISTANCE Fond du Lac Benefit Specialist (920) 929-3521
SENIORCARE RX WISCONSIN PRESCRIPTION DRUG ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (800) 657-2038 dhs.wisconsin.gov/seniorcare
SUBSTANCE ABUSE & ADDICTIONS
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (920) 997-0221 Appleton (920) 922-7512 Fond du Lac (920) 432-2600 Green Bay (920) 731-4331 Menasha (920) 410-4620 Oshkosh
GAMBLING HOTLINE (800) 522-4700
JACKIE NITSCHKE CENTER (920) 435-2093 jackienitschkecenter.com
NOVA COUNSELING SERVICES (920) 231-0143 novaoshkosh.com
SAMHSA (SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION)
NATIONAL HELPLINE (800) 662-HELP (4357) samhsa.gov Free, 24hr/365day information service in English and Spanish.
WISCONSIN COUNCIL ON PROBLEM GAMBLING (800) 426-2535 24hr/365day wi-problemgamblers.org
Alzheimer’s/Dementia/ Memory Care 25
Assisted Living - AFH 25
Assisted Living - CBRF 25
Assisted Living - RCAC 26
RETIREMENT HOUSING & LONG-TERM CARE
ALZHEIMER’S/ DEMENTIA/ MEMORY CARE
CAREPATROL FOX CITIES AND GREEN BAY (920) 428-0827
foxcities.carepatrol.com
OAK PARK PLACE GREEN BAY
421 Erie Rd., Green Bay 54311 (920) 301-4200
greenbaysales@oakparkplace.com
oakparkplace.com
The success-oriented memory care program at Oak Park Place provides 24-hour care in a safe, homelike environment. Meals, housekeeping, and activities designed specifically for residents with memory conditions make a comforting, structured routine.
OAK PARK PLACE MENASHA
2205 Midway Rd., Menasha 54952 (920) 702-0000
menashasales@oakparkplace.com oakparkplace.com
The success-oriented memory care program at Oak Park Place provides 24-hour care in a safe, homelike environment. Meals, housekeeping, and activities designed specifically for residents with memory conditions make a comforting, structured routine.
ASSISTED LIVING - AFH
Adult Family Home. Licensing renewals and dates vary—please reference dhs.wisconsin.gov for information that is updated quarterly. These private homes contain four or fewer unrelated individuals. Residents receive care above the level of room and board, which can include up to seven hours per week of licensed nursing care.
HELPING HANDS HOME (920) 322-9658
ASSISTED LIVING - CBRF
Community Based Residential Facility (CBRF). Licensing renewals and dates vary—reference dhs.wisconsin.gov for
information that is updated quarterly. Designed specifically for aging adults needing more advanced care, CBRFs are appropriate for individuals with general/ frail requirements. They provide up to 28 hours per week of personalized supportive services, such as meals, health monitoring, medication management, housekeeping, and laundry similar to RCACs but also include no more than three hours per week of licensed nursing care. CBRFs can work for those with Alzheimer’s-related dementias or other ailments requiring more in-depth monitoring.
OAK PARK PLACE MENASHA 2205 Midway Rd., Menasha 54952 (920) 702-0000
menashasales@oakparkplace.com oakparkplace.com
Enhanced assisted living at Oak Park Place provides a higher level of care and support along with meals, housekeeping services, and a full complement of activities. A variety of spacious floor plans are available.
ASSISTED LIVING - RCAC
Residential Care Apartment Complex (RCAC). Licensing renewals and dates vary—reference dhs.wisconsin.gov for information that is updated quarterly. Designed specifically for independent adults 55+, and provide up to 28 hours per week of personalized supportive services, such as meals, health monitoring, medication management, housekeeping, and laundry. Each apartment has a lockable entrance, kitchen, and bathroom. RCACs are not recommended for those with Alzheimer’s-related dementias or other ailments requiring more in-depth monitoring.
OAK PARK PLACE GREEN BAY
421 Erie Rd., Green Bay 54311 (920) 301-4200
greenbaysales@oakparkplace.com
oakparkplace.com
Assisted living at Oak Park Place is the perfect combination of independence, excellent care, and thoughtful services. A variety of floor plans are available and 24-hour care is provided along with meals, housekeeping services, and a full complement of activities.
OAK PARK PLACE MENASHA
2205 Midway Rd., Menasha 54952 (920) 702-0000
menashasales@oakparkplace.com
oakparkplace.com
Assisted living at Oak Park Place is the perfect combination of independence, excellent care, and thoughtful services. A variety of floor plans are available and 24-hour care is provided along with meals, housekeeping services, and a full complement of activities.
This 2022 award-winning Universal Design Bathroom features a zero-threshold shower, floating vanity with removable lower shelf, layered lighting, comfort-height toilet, and personalized design features for the family.
Optimize Your Bathroom WITH UNIVERSAL DESIGN
by Chad T. Speight
Is your bathroom aging well with you? It will if you incorporate Universal Design features: common-sense solutions for better living. Universal Design creates spaces that help family members age in place gracefully, accommodate guests of all ages, and are easier and safer to live in, allowing occupants to maintain maximum mobility and independence.
When considering the functional design of your home’s living spaces, it’s helpful to review the 7 Principles of Universal Design as articulated by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).
1. Equitable use—Design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.
2. Flexibility in use—Design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.
3. Simple and intuitive use—Use of design is easy to understand regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.
4. Perceptible information—Design communicates necessary information effectively to the user regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities.
5. Tolerance for error—Design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.
6. Low physical effort—Design can be used efficiently and comfortably with minimum fatigue.
7. Size and space for approach and use—Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of the user’s body size, posture, or mobility.
To incorporate Universal Design principles in your bathroom, access should be as barrier free as possible. The best option is usually a zeroclearance threshold shower with a secure seat and niches for storage. Properly designed and installed, these shower enclosures can be integrated to turn the entire floor into a waterproofed area. While a main-level bathroom is desirable for long-term accessibility, an existing bathroom can be thoughtfully renovated to maximize access.
Toilets can have automatic flushing mechanisms and should be situated in the larger space area versus a separate enclosed space to allow someone to assist from one side, if needed. A chairheight, or comfort-height, toilet or bidet is an excellent option requiring less bending to use and is easier to get on and off. Faucets and valves with twist handles should be replaced with single-handle levers or single-handle shower control for better manipulation. They should also be positioned for easy reach and control. A handheld shower on a vertical bar provides excellent height control and flexibility in showering options.
Consider safety first. Grab bars are available in many styles and finishes for seamless integration into any bath design. It’s prudent to install blocking for grab bars when building or remodeling, even if you don’t plan on installing them just yet. Surfaces should be durable and easy to clean. Take care in selecting nonslip flooring (especially where surfaces can get wet) and ensure flooring material is installed properly to prevent trip hazards or mobility-device obstacles.
If possible, the floorplan should allow for a threshold-free, wide-access doorway into the space—36-inch minimum is optimal—and enough room to turn around a mobility-assistance device. A pocket door or outward swing door can allow for better access if the door were to be accidentally blocked from the inside. Lever door handles and illuminated rocker light switches are easier to see and handle for all ages. Select a sink vanity with a readily accessible height and plan for essential item storage within easy reach. Floating vanities can be an ideal option to allow for positioning the sink at the best height and providing space to maneuver around and under. A removable storage shelf under the floating vanity is a flexible way to replace lost
Note the permanent bench, multiple safety grab bars, zero-threshold pocket-door entry, integrated linen closet, and shower storage cubbies in this 2022 award-winning Universal Design Bathroom.
cabinet storage. Ensure any closed storage areas have functional door and drawer handles for easier access to contents.
Technology helps boost access when combined with Universal Design principles. A humidity-sensing bath vent can be a smart addition since the fan can turn on and off automatically to stop moisture from accumulating and help prevent mold. Lighting should be designed for both general access and specific tasks. Think in terms of layering your lighting, utilizing good general lighting and bright task lighting for self-care and easy-to-operate low-light options for dark interior spaces or latenight usage.
A NARI-certified Universal Design Certified Professional (UDCP) goes through extensive training to properly interview clients, consider their unique needs, and integrate Universal Design seamlessly into remodeling projects. Your renovated space should be physically durable, functional, and accessible. It should be personalized for your current and long-term needs. Ensure that the company helping you update your home has a UDCP or similarly certified staff professional to
support your long-term investment. When you incorporate Universal Design into your living spaces, you ensure that everyone—regardless of age, size, or ability—can live safely, comfortably, and effectively in your home.
Chad T. Speight is the owner and president of Chads Design Build, in Madison, which has three NARIcertified UDCP team members on staff. Chads Design Build is the NARI of Madison 2022 Contractor of the Year (CotY) award winner for the Universal Design Bath category.
Photographs by Kyle Wege, AIAP, of Crimson Sun Studios
ADULT DAY CENTERS
These are nonresidential facilities providing activities for the elderly and special-needs individuals. Most centers operate 10 to 12 hours a day and provide meals, social/recreational activities, and general supervision. These centers enable caregivers to go to work or to obtain a break from their responsibilities.
NATIONAL ADULT DAY SERVICES ASSOCIATION (877) 745-1440 nadsa.org
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
This is equipment or technology that helps a person function better or more comfortably, perform activities of daily living (ADLs), or live more independently.
Ideal for people with hearing loss, the CapTel Captioned Telephone works like any other telephone with one important addition: it displays every word the caller says throughout the conversation.
Below are listings for emergency response systems; remote monitoring/sensing; and off-site, direct-care response systems for use at one’s residence.
LIFE ASSIST USA/ADVANCE SECURITY SOLUTIONS (888) 860-8098
LIFELINE THROUGH AGNESIAN HEALTHCARE (800) 732-1313 or (920) 926-5794
NIGHT OWL SUPPORT SYSTEMS, LLC (877) 559-1642 or (608) 960-4001
SAFE LIVING TECHNOLOGIES/ VRI CONNECT (262) 780-0848 or (800) 860-4230
SAFETYCHOICE BY COMFORT KEEPERS (920) 922-1779 or (800) 788-1078
HOME MODIFICATION
HME HOME MEDICAL (800) 236-2619 hmehomemedical.com
WISCONSIN WEATHERIZATION
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (WISWAP) (866) HEATWIS (432-8947) homeenergyplus.wi.gov
MEAL DELIVERY
HOME DELIVERED MEALS –CALUMET COUNTY Calumet County ADRC (920) 849-1451 or (920) 989-2700 x4301
HOMEBOUND MEALS
Green Bay area (920) 448-4300
KAUKAUNA MEALS ON WHEELS
Kaukauna, Little Chute, Kimberly, Combined Locks
St. Paul Elder Services (920) 766-6020 x212
MOBILE MEALS – FOND DU LAC
Fond du Lac ADRC (920) 929-3113
OSHKOSH FAMILY INC., MEALS ON WHEELS
Homebound Oshkosh only (920) 651-3316
OUTAGAMIE COUNTY NUTRITION PROGRAM
OUTAGAMIE COUNTY ADRC (920) 832-5178
VALLEY VNA MEALS ON WHEELS
Homebound in Neenah and Menasha only (920) 727-5555
WINNEBAGO COUNTY NUTRITION PROGRAM (920) 725-2791 or (800) 922-7760
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES
Suppliers listed typically sell, rent, or loan a range of home medical equipment and supplies. Check also the Aging & Caregiver Resources section.
CAPTEL® CAPTIONED TELEPHONE
CapTel, Inc.® (920) 540-0704 captel.com
Ideal for people with hearing loss, the CapTel Captioned Telephone works like any other telephone with one important addition: it displays every word the caller says throughout the conversation.
HME HOME MEDICAL (800) 236-2619 hmehomemedical.com
LOAN CLOSETMEDICAL EQUIPMENT Fond du Lac County Health Department (920) 929-3085
