Community Corner

Shoreline Business Awarded 'Aging-In-Place' Designation

The following post is by Madison Patch Editor Pem McNerney.

Gulick & Spradlin is well-known in the area for its work in the area of renovations, additions, new construction and, in particular, for its expertise in historical preservation.

The shoreline company's lists of projects includes the 1710 Stone-Shelley House, the Bauer barn, the 1720 David Field House, for which they received a Connecticut Trust Preservation Award, and the 1765 Hillhouse House.

The business also donated their expertise and labor to re-roof the Deacon John Grave House in Madison, which is more than 300 years old

Now the men who run that company have started up a new company, Shoreline Aging In Place. Both Jesse Gulick and his father, Peter Gulick, recently were designated as aging-in-place specialists by the National Association of Homebuilders.

Selling an ounce of prevention

That means they are qualified to provide consulting and contracting services for older people who would like to stay in their homes, or for families with older members who live there or visit frequently. 

"What we're trying to sell is an ounce of prevention," said Jesse Gulick. 

The Gulicks received their certification after taking a series of classes that focused on everything from design work to the business management aspect of aging-in-place contracting. 

Integrating design with accessibility

Peter Gulick said that they learned how to do the work in a way that not only meets the needs of people as they age, but also in a way that is aesthetically pleasing and works well for everyone in the household. 

"Nobody wants to have this kind of work done and have it end up looking like it's a medical center," said Jesse Gulick. "Our goal is to integrate modern design with accessibility. We also want to make sure that we maintain or improve the resale value of the home."

Peter Gulick said one example is a toilet-paper holder that also serves as a grab bar. Another example is an aesthetically pleasing chair rail that also has finger holds in it. A kitchen counter might have a towel rack that doubles as a grab bar. Instead of door knobs, a lever handle might be installed, since they are easier to use. 

The first step in the process is an evaluation

"People who have arthritis or who have had a stroke might find it easier to use a lever handle than a doorknob," said Jesse Gulick. "They actually have doors you can open with an elbow as well." 

For people who are interested in finding out if the Gulicks can help them, an evaluation can be done, said Jesse. Then it is up the customer to determine if he or she just wants a simple project, like a grab bar installed, or an top-to-bottom renovation. Shoreline Aging In Place can do either, or anything in between.

"Part of what we'll do is get people to change their minds about the way they have set up their house," said Peter Gulick. For example, one suggestion might be to get rid of a throw rug, or to fasten it with double sided tape so it does not slide and cause a fall. 

For people who live in the home, and who visit the home

For families that include members who are in wheelchairs, doorways can be widened. If ramps are needed outside, they can be constructed so that they blend in with the landscaping. 

Peter Gulick said baby boomers, as they age, often want to stay in their homes and can do so, sometimes with the help of a visiting aide, if their homes are set up properly. 

"And it's not always about just the people who live in the home, it might be about the people who visit the home," said Jesse Gulick. "If someone has a parent who is in a wheelchair, they might want to adapt their home so that the parent can easily come for Christmas or Sunday dinner."

Gulicks' expertise and background ideal for aging-in-place work

Jesse Gulick, in addition to his construction expertise, also is a firefighter and paramedic. He works at the Branford Fire Department. He is a paramedic who works at the Madison Ambulance Association. He also is a volunteer with Madison Hose Co. No. 1, which protects the south end of Madison. In his many years of work in those areas, he has seen many cases where people have fallen and cannot help themselves get back up. 

Peter Gulick says he knows of one case where a woman was not able to call for help for almost 12 hours. 

"That's what we're trying to prevent," said Peter Gulick, who is a volunteer firefighter as well. 

The company, based at 45 Wall Street in Madison, CT, can be reached at 203 410 8980 or by email at Shorelineaginginplace@gmail.com. You can visit them on the web at Www.shorelineaginginplace.com


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