About 30 years ago, Michael Sullivan’s mom was living in a two-story apartment and needed more and more help as she got older.
Working in construction at the time, he was able to help design and build a new home for her with a walk-in shower, first floor laundry, and other changes that allowed her to live at home independently much longer.
Today, Sullivan is the owner of Sullivan’s Home Improvement Solutions. 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” by making spaces more accessible. Such changes are also helpful to those with a mental or physical disability, progressive disease, or common aging limitations.
“I saw the need in my own family, with the aging population, and others with mobility problems,” Sullivan says. “As we age, our ability to get around our own house becomes more difficult and the family discussions of moving into a facility becomes more and more frequent. Moving can be difficult emotionally for the senior and family members. By making a few changes in the home, a person can reduce the chances of falling and stay at home much longer.”
Sullivan’s services provide full bathroom upgrades, tub to shower and tub to walk-in tub conversions, improved lighting, flooring, 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. ❚