Aging Safely in Place in Your Apartment

WNY Aging in Place Council brings awareness, resources and practical solutions to Niagara Falls seniors

by Willie Price

Residents of Wrobel Towers senior apartments received more than just a free breakfast on Saturday, August 8— they received valuable information and practical tools to help them remain safe, independent and comfortable in their apartments as they age. Willie A. Price of the WNY Aging in Place Council presented “Aging Safely in Place in Your Apartment,” a free Aging in Place Awareness workshop designed specifically to address the unique needs of older adults living in apartments.

The program is part of a series of Aging in Place Awareness workshops being presented throughout Western New York by the WNY Aging in Place Council. According to Price, preparing to age in place should begin before a crisis occurs. “Aging in place is not something we should wait to think about after a fall, illness or other life-changing event,” Price explained.

“We need to start preparing early so that our homes, our finances, our transportation, our health and our support systems are ready to help us maintain our independence.” Price brings a unique perspective to the Aging in Place movement. He is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), Universal Design Essentials Specialist and Rehabilitation Specialist, and has developed his presentation series to increase awareness of the importance of preparing for the future.

EIGHT KEYS TO AGING IN PLACE

The workshop series focuses on eight key areas that can help older adults and their families prepare for successful aging in place. The presentations encourage participants to look beyond simply modifying the physical home and consider the many factors that influence independence and quality of life. Topics addressed through the series include areas such as home safety, transportation, nutrition and meal services, financial preparedness, fitness and health, estate planning, community resources and support services, and Universal Design technology. For apartment residents, many of these considerations can be especially important. Simple changes in the home, awareness of available resources and planning ahead can help reduce risks and allow residents to remain in their apartments longer.

STAYING SAFE DURING THE SUMMER

Joining Price at the Wrobel Towers event was Josh Randall of the Cornell Cooperative Program, who provided residents with information about staying safe and cool during the summer months. Randall also shared information about resources available to help older adults during periods of extreme heat and other challenging summer conditions.

The combination of Aging in Place information and seasonal safety resources gave residents an opportunity to ask questions and learn about services that can support their health, safety and independence.

BUILDING AWARENESS THROUGHOUT WESTERN NEW YORK AND THE COUNTRY

The Wrobel Towers presentation is one of several programs being conducted by the WNY Aging in Place Council as the organization works to bring Aging in Place Awareness to communities throughout Western New York the country.

The workshop series will culminate in the organization’s first Aging in Place Awareness Forum, scheduled for:

Saturday, September 26, 2026 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Delavan Grider Community Center 877 E. Delavan Avenue Buffalo, NY

The forum will provide an expanded opportunity for older adults, seniors, caregivers, families, professionals, community organizations and others to learn about the resources, services and solutions available to help people successfully age in place.

PLANNING TODAY FOR TOMORROW

Price believes Aging in Place is about more than growing older—it is about having choices. Whether a person lives in a single-family home, condominium or senior apartment, planning ahead can make a significant difference in their ability to remain independent. “Your home should support you as you age,” Price said. “The goal is to identify what you may need before you need it and develop a plan that allows you to live safely, comfortably and independently for as long as possible.”

The Aging in Place Awareness series and forum are sponsored by A Better YOU Lifestyle and the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Caregivers grant, in collaboration with the Delavan Grider Community Center. For information contact the WNY Aging in Place Council at 716-246-1477 or wnyaginginplace@gmail. com.