At 65, Michael Sullivan wanted to use his life to make a difference in other people’s lives.
With his business, sales and construction work experience, he decided a year ago to open Sullivan’s Home Improvement Solutions, with the goal of helping people live independently in their homes longer. He prides himself in being the first general contracting business in Rockford to obtain a Certified Age in Place Specialist (CAPS) certification through the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB), a specialty that focuses on “fall prevention home modifications” to make spaces more accessible. Such changes are also helpful for those with a mental or physical disability, progressive disease, or common aging limitations.
“Every job we do is satisfying because we know we help people avoid a fall as much as possible,” Sullivan says. “It’s not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’ someone is going to have trouble living at home.”
“As we age, our ability to get around becomes more difficult, and the family discussions of moving into a facility becomes more frequent,” he continues. “Moving can be difficult emotionally for the senior and the family members. By making a few changes at home, a person can reduce the chances of falling and stay at home longer.”
It has been estimated that 80 percent of falls happen in the bathroom and 10 percent occur on stairways, Sullivan adds.
His services provide full bathroom upgrades, tub to shower and tub to walk-in tub conversions, improved lighting, flooring, countertops and vanities, grab bars, first floor laundry, chair lifts, ramps, wider doorways, threshold alterations and American with Disabilities Act-rated stools.
Sullivan works with occupational and physical therapists to make sure changes are in line with their recommendations. The business follows the CAPS code of ethics and complies with local building codes. Installers are licensed and certified. Because of the company’s thoroughness, most jobs take three days to complete, and all work has a satisfaction guarantee.
For more information or to schedule a free home assessment with a detailed estimate, call Sullivan at (815) 234-0688. ❚