Making Your Home Senior-Friendly   (click on my book to see the cover)

A must for anyone with aging parents!
In this reader-friendly text, Chuck shares his perspectives, creative devices, insights and helpful tips on how to support aging loved ones as they continue to live in their own homes. The book is written with compassion and respect for aging family members and offers suggestions on how caregivers can help others while maintaining their own lives and careers. He draws upon personal experiences and shares both high and low-tech suggestions. Using bamboo, wood and a healthy dose of ingenuity, many of the innovations have been designed and constructed by the Chuck.  The book serves as an excellent first step in preparing for our own aging process, while we learn how to best support our aging loved ones. In addition to helpful recommendations for living and aging at home, the book refers to additional resources for more information. 120 pages.

Now Available! Call the author for a signed copy - 860-644-1128

Your home can be safe and Senior-Friendly without
looking like a healthcare facility!

The Aging of America: In 1995 there were 33 million Americans over the age of 65.  In 2020, there will be 70 million!  Over 80% of those folks prefer to remain in their own homes to retire. The challenge becomes, how can we anticipate and provide the support, services and home enhancements to enable our loved ones to continue to live safely and securely in their own homes for as long as they can.

Also available at Amazon.com
Making Your Home Senior-Friendly
Paperback: 120 pages
Publisher: Aventine Press (October, 2004)
ISBN: 1593301707
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces.

The Philosophy:
Creating a senior-friendly home is about people, not ramps, buildings, brick or mortar.
While it is easy to focus on buildings, devices and technology to enhance the safety and comfort of aging parents, the emphasis should be on maintaining the personal dignity, respect and courtesy for our aging loved ones. There is a difference between living and merely residing in your senior-friendly home. No device, gadget or gizmo will ever replace human compassion and contact

Making a home safe and secure for seniors  
means more than merely adding ramps and handrails!

Available Services

Home Design with Seniors in Mind!
Blending Form, Function and Fun

Chuck Oakes Associates provides consultation in the planning, design, construction and remodeling of private homes and gardens, communities and estates to make them safe, secure and enjoyable for seniors.  Call for an appointment for consultation.  860-644-1128.

Custom innovations and home enhancements to consider:

Indoor suggestions: Grab rails Handrail Motion detectors Kitchen devices and technology Lighting considerations Entertainment units
Outdoor railroad (miniature) Planters Security devices Automated lighting Surveillance systems

The Multi-Media Presentation:
Chuck shares with audiences a forty-minute multi-media presentation based upon the concepts of blending form, function and fun as outlined in his book.  This entertaining and informative experience highlights the options and innovations that help add safety and enjoyment to aging at home.

Call for pricing and availability 860-644-1128.

Helpful Tips and Tidbits:

• Plastic bags can help get in and out of cars with fabric seats.
• Fabric softener sheets for the clothes dryer have been known to repel insects.
• Holiday tree light foot switches can be handy on tabletops to activate lights.
• Holiday tree lights can provide fun and function in lighting stairways.
• Get to know your local Geriatric Social Worker for services in your community.