Promise1:
An Age-Friendly, Memory-Supportive Riverside
Safety. Dignity. Choice.
Why This Matters
The layout of our streets, parks, and public spaces has a direct impact on the safety and independence of seniors, particularly those living with dementia or memory challenges. An age-friendly environment isn't just a goal; it's a necessity for a compassionate and inclusive community where everyone can thrive.
My commitment is to ensure that the physical infrastructure of Riverside supports mobility, reduces confusion, and fosters inclusion for residents of all ages and cognitive abilities.
Safe Chairs — One Practical Memory-Supportive Idea
One small but significant improvement is the installation of 'safe chairs' in public areas. These are benches or stools placed at regular intervals along walking paths and near entrances. For someone with memory loss, these chairs provide a predictable place to rest, reorient themselves, and gain confidence while navigating their neighborhood.
By designing seating that is clearly visible, comfortable, and strategically located, we can significantly extend the walking range and social engagement of seniors in our community.
What City Hall Can Do
City Hall can update municipal design standards to mandate memory-supportive features in all new park developments and streetscape renewals. This includes high-contrast signage, non-glare pavement, and intuitive wayfinding markers that assist those with cognitive impairments. We can also audit existing high-traffic areas to identify where safe chairs and clearer orientation points are most needed.
Who Needs to Be Involved
Municipal planners, landscape architects, accessibility committees, and advocacy groups for seniors and dementia. Most importantly, we need the participation of residents living with memory loss and their caregivers to provide 'audit' feedback on the effectiveness of our environmental supports.
Cost and Funding
Many memory-supportive changes involve updates to existing specifications during scheduled renewals, resulting in nominal cost increases. More specific items like 'safe chairs' can be part of regular park maintenance or funded through community accessibility grants. I will advocate for a dedicated line item in the capital budget for age-friendly infrastructure improvements.
What I Will Do
I will champion the update of the City’s accessibility guidelines to include a 'Memory Supportive' chapter, specifically focusing on the pilot installation of safe chairs in Ward 6 parks. I will ensure that every new municipal construction project in our ward is reviewed through an age-friendly lens.
My Action Plan
1. Form a Memory-Supportive Audit Team in Ward 6 to walk our neighborhoods and identify points of confusion or exclusion for seniors.
2. Pilot the 'Safe Chair' project in three high-traffic Ward 6 parks to test design and placement effectiveness.
3. Introduce a motion to City Council to incorporate memory-supportive wayfinding standards into the Municipal Accessibility Plan.
4. Host a town hall for Ward 6 caregivers to discuss the physical barriers they encounter while supporting independence for their loved ones.
5. Measure the success of environmental adjustments through qualitative feedback from residents and mobility data in park areas.