The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified essential features for an age friendly city. The essential features for outdoor spaces and buildings include:
Public areas are clean and pleasant
Green spaces and outdoor seating are sufficient in number, well maintained and safe.
Pavements are well maintained, free of obstructions and reserved for pedestrians.
Pavements are non-slip, are wide enough for wheel chairs and have dropped curbs to road level.
Pedestrian crossings are sufficient in number and safe for people with different levels and types of disability, with non-slip markings, visual and audio cues and adequate crossing times.
Drivers give way to pedestrians at intersections and pedestrian crossings.
Cycle paths are separate from pavements and other pedestrian walk ways.
Outdoor safety is promoted by good street lighting, police patrols, and community education.
Services are situated together and accessible.
Special customer service arrangements are provided, such as separate queues (waiting lines) or service counters for older persons.
Buildings are well signed outside and inside, with sufficient seating and toilets, accessible elevators, ramps, railings, stairs and non-slip floors.
Public toilets outdoors and indoors are sufficient in number, clean, well maintained and accessible.
One can see where city money will be invested in a public works staff to help maintain the outdoor spaces and buildings. Older individuals can spend more time per trip to the bathroom. Encouraging private business to provide and maintain adequate bathroom facilites. Seniors take more time crossing the street. Providing adequate stop light time will lengthen a motorists commute time. These features help an aging individual live independently and contribute to the community as long as possible.
Home Care Path http://www.homecarepath.com/ a leading provider of senior care services in south central Wisconsin. Choose from our menu of service:
In home staffing for seniors
Inpatient advocacy for safe successful hospital stays
Transitional counseling when more structured service is needed
Downsizing home contents when stuff matters
Help to pack and ship with gift giving season
Simply call 608-432-4286 to schedule and in home interview. Or email seniorcare@homecarepath.com valueing home and human life!
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