USI Minka Learning Lab for Living Well Community

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USI Minka Learning Lab for Living Well Community

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Helping southwest Indiana see the possibilities of aging well, where and how each person wishes by:

The Center for Healthy Aging and Wellness has created a Learning Lab for Living Well at the Minka house on the campus of the University of Southern Indiana. The Minka house is a living-in-place concept home, designed by nationally-renowned aging expert Dr. Bill Thomas. The vision is to help southwest Indiana see the possibilities of aging well, where and how each person wishes. In addition, the Learning Lab offers an opportunity for students, faculty, and healthcare professionals to participate in research, simulations, and interdisciplinary class projects on aging and living well as well as health care leadership development. USI unveiled the prefabricated Minka house at a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, October 24, 2018. The dwelling, one of the first of its kind, was built on campus in less than a week and designed by nationally-renowned aging expert Dr. Bill Thomas. The 600-square-foot Minka was designed using universal design accessibility and advanced manufacturing technology and will serve as a model house and simulation lab for USI students across multiple disciplines.

04/30/2024

This month, we had the opportunity to test Minka SOPs with community members!
We appreciate that Joanne Artz and Elizabeth Ramos stopped by Minka and gave insightful advice. Now we are working to improve the SOPs!

*SOP: Standard operating procedure

04/23/2024

★Tech Tuesday★　【LG monitor】

LG monitor is a big screen that you can hang on the wall. It allows people to use their fingers to control it easily. The touch screen is kinder than using a mouse for those with fine motor difficulties. The large screen is also helpful to see and to share.
When you visit the Minka, feel free to try this large monitor! It is located to the left when you walk in the front door.

04/16/2024

☆Tech Tuesday☆　【Doorbell】

Minka has a doorbell and intercom system for security. When visitors ring the doorbell, the touchscreen on the wall displays who is at the front door. This allows residents to check their visitors without having to walk to the front door. They can also communicate via intercom. In addition, it tells you when the door opens and reminds you to close after a few minutes.

04/09/2024

☆Tech Tuesday☆　【Tertill Weeding Robot🐢🌷】

This weeding robot tills the soil while cutting small weeds. Equipped with a solar battery, no recharging is required. It can also be turned on and off via an app. As people age, they may experience contractures or paralysis in their arms and fingers. For them, this robot eliminates barriers to gardening.

04/04/2024

Join us at the Minka on April 8th from 10 am to 1 pm for a Solar Palooza celebration! We will be providing moon pies, sun chips, and other snacks, and drinks. There will be yard games and Minka tours! Don't forget your shades😎！

04/02/2024

★Tech Tuesday★　【Smart Bed】

Sleep is essential for everyone. However, sometimes getting in or out of bed can cause a safety issue. Our smart bed can adjust the head, feet and height of the bed with the remote or with a voice command. In addition, it has lights on the bottom of the bed and a support rail to prevent people from falling. The bed also monitors sleep cycles and other vital health indicators.

03/26/2024

☆Tech Tuesday☆　【Petfood Dispenser】

If persons living with dementia have pets, it might be difficult for them to feed their pets regularly. This automatic pet food dispenser is connected to an app and automatically feeds them. This is also helpful for people away from home for several hours for work or school.

03/19/2024

☆Tech Tuesday☆　【Washer ＆Dryer】

All-in-one washer/dryer combo washes and dries with one load. This space spacer also helps by not having to lift wet, heavy clothes into the dryer! It is helpful for all ages!

03/12/2024

☆Tech Tuesday☆　【Induction Stove】

Persons living with dementia may not be aware of the danger around them and forget to turn off a stove. An Induction stove never gets hot unless compatible cookware is on the burner. Also, the power automatically switches off after a certain amount of time preventing fires.

03/05/2024

☆Tech Tuesday☆　【Touchless Sink】

This technology makes cooking and dishing easier! As you age, finger movements gradually decline, such as pinching motion, manual speed, and sensitivity. People may have contractions in their fingers or wrists if they have a history of stroke. To turn on or off the water, simply wave your palm over the top of the faucet!

Address

8600 University Boulevard
Evansville, IN
47712

Website

https://www.usi.edu/health/healthyaging/usi-geriatrics-workforce-enhancement-program-gwep/minka-learning-lab-for-living-

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