Rhode Island: Meet the Experts
Steven L. St. Onge, CGR, CAPS
President
RI Kitchen & Bath
Warwick, RI
401-463-1550
steve@rikb.com
www.RIKB.com
The majority of seniors prefer to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. But their homes, unless properly re-designed and equipped, will not be able to accommodate their changing levels of mobility, vision and needs states Steve.
"When we meet with clients, one of the biggest challenges we find is that they can be a bit ‘behind the eight ball’ in terms of planning ahead. They may already be experiencing mobility issues, which is why they are meeting with us, and their home may not be as safe or comfortable as it once was. Often we are asked to fast-track a remodeling project to assist them in a recent change in their daily, independent living activities or because of a recent return from a hospital or nursing home stay. It’s best to not be under a time constraint or pressured into making hasty decisions when considering a remodeling project. But, if the need does arrive sooner than anticipated, our company is able to accommodate short-notice projects."
"The second challenge is that most people think aging-in-place safely only involves installing grab rails in the bathroom or changing a tub to a walk-in shower. These features are functional, but they overlook modifications in other often-used areas such as the kitchen. For example, brighter lighting can help while preparing food or reading at the dining table. Kitchen sink modifications can allow them to be seated while washing dishes or unloading the nearby dishwasher. Part of our job is to help educate seniors on what changes are possible."
"Also, when it is unclear if staying at home is the best option, we find ourselves in the position of being a counselor to our clients. In these situations, we can provide the information to help them make an educated decision to either stay, or to move to a facility where they can get the best care and enjoy the quality of life they deserve."
As a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), Steve is trained by The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) to meet the unique needs of our aging population. The CAPS certification was designed to assist aging homeowners to identify reputable contractors that are sensitive to the specific needs of our aging population. Regardless of age or lifestyle, every American should have the option to live in a home that is comfortable and allows them to maintain their independence and dignity.
As founder and president of R.I. Kitchen & Bath, Steve have worked for the past 21 years on countless successful remodeling projects and is a one-stop resource for clients. "Because we have a "we do it all" approach, we can handle carpentry, plumbing, flooring, appliance and lighting projects from design through installation. These services are especially helpful to our aging community. We also have three other CAPS specialists on staff besides myself to serve clients states Steve.
RIKB’s experience shows that many homeowners don’t wish to refer to their home as ‘handicapped-accessible’ so they create living spaces that look and feel like home yet have more accessible features. This user-friendly approach known as ‘Universal Design’ incorporates such features as lever door handles and faucets, accessible bathing facilities, adjustable or varying height sinks and countertops, wider doorways, and low thresholds - all using stylish products and techniques to avoid an institutional look, states Steve.
R.I. Kitchen & Bath has been a leader in the trend for more professionalism in the remodeling industry. Their membership in several professional organizations including the RI Chapter of NAIPC is evidence of that commitment. Being part of the RI Chapter of this national organization enables us to serve our local community, while keeping up with the national trends throughout the United States. The learning opportunities and resources that are available through the RI Chapter of NAIPC will ultimately help us to better serve our clients. We are already partnering with other Chapter members to bring the very best aging-in-place services to the homeowners in Rhode Island who need them. As aging seniors reach out to the Chapter to find resources, R.I. Kitchen & Bath is proud to be among the providers who can guide and keep them in their home environment as long as possible states Steve.
Bill Flynn
Executive Director
Senior Agenda Coalition of RI
Providence, RI
401-274-6900
senioragendari@yahoo.com
www.senioragendari.org
Bill has worked as a community center director, VISTA supervisor, public policy advocate, and development director for non-profit agencies throughout New England. Before joining the Senior Agenda Coalition he was Director of Community Programs for the R.I. Community Food Bank, and served for nine years as the Executive Director of the George Wiley Center. He also holds an MSW degree from the University of Michigan School of Social Work.
Bill became interested in social work as an undergraduate college student in Washington, DC, where he tutored teenagers who were illiterate. As he saw great poverty only blocks from the White House, he decided he wanted to work in a field that would do something to empower people to overcome poverty and disadvantage.
"Many seniors are eligible for many programs, such as SNAP (food stamps) and the Senior Community Services Employment Program (SCSEP), that they think they are not eligible for. Furthermore, they don’t realize that there are agencies that can help them with applications for these programs. Seniors also need to know that the eligibility rules for many federal programs, such as SSI, are complicated and that they have a right to appeal if they are turned down. For some programs the "success rate" for those who appeal is close to fifty percent" noted Bill.
Bill states that "the RI Chapter of NAIPC enables me to gain perspectives from many service providers about conditions affecting seniors and their access to services. In such a small state, it’s very important for the Senior Agenda Coalition to reach out to all available sources to seek their support for our advocacy and legislative efforts."