A Gathering of Resources Shared at Royal Oak Senior Expo

(Crystal A. Proxmire, Oct. 18, 2023)

Royal Oak, MI – The Royal Oak Farmers Market was full of booths with products, services, clubs, and organizations geared towards older adults at the recent Royal Oak Senior Expo.

Among them was a construction company based in Madison Heights that specializes in making homes more accessible. CAPS Remodeling, which is short for Certified Aging In Place Specialists, has been in business for 17 years. Whether it’s small additions like grab bars or ramps, to bigger projects like stair chairs or roll-in showers, CAPS uses care and expertise to help people adapt their homes following an injury or disability, or as people age.

Outreach specialist Jerry Acciaoli was on hand to answer questions at the event. “The owner of the company, Jeff Cates, started out with a regular construction company. But he wanted to do work that was more gratifying, work that helps people have a better life.”

Acciaoli noted that in the past few years discussions of aging in place have become more common, with builders looking at accessibility more often. But 17 years ago, it was more rare. Going to events like the Royal Oak Senior Expo not only helps them connect to customers, but it helps further discussions of accessible design, and helping more people be aware of the ways simple changes in building and construction can make life easier.

Royal Oak City Commissioner Brandon Kolo attended the event. When asked what the City is doing to help older adults, Kolo said they are in the process of launching a Senior Committee as part of the City’s Aging in Place Plan. “This task force will be there to implement the plan,” he said. “We want to make sure that as Royal Oak residents age, they can live their twilight years in the community they call home.”

The plan includes topics like housing, transportation, outdoor spaces and buildings, community support and health services, community engagement and inclusion, communication and information.

“The plan took four years,” Kolo said. He credited fellow commissioner Sharlan Douglas with her work on the plan, along with community members who took part in the process.

The Expo featured resources and business in Royal Oak and beyond. The James is a community for those aged 55+ that was crafted out of an historic Catholic school on Woodward Avenue in Ferndale. Sales and Marketing Director Stana Males explained that having the highest quality of amenities is what makes living at The James unique. Residents have access to chef-prepared meals all day long, with no assigned times. There is a garden area, and a new patio being built. And they can utilize transit services up to three times a day. There are recreational activities and a physical therapist on site.

Friendships are made among the 112 residents, who currently range in age from 56 to 102 years. “We do all we can to make The James a place where people feel good and want to stay,” Males said.

Also with a booth were Oakland County Parks. Will Mott, Office Leader at Waterford Oaks, was on hand to share brochures about recreation opportunities throughout the county, including a free Oakland County Parks Permit for residents aged 62 and older. The Royal Oak Expo was Mott’s first time doing outreach at an event.

“I’ve talked to a ton of people,” he said. “And 50 people have signed up for permits.”

Also from the County was Jim Ellison, who was appointed to be Oakland County’s first Chief of Older Adult Services earlier this year. Since he began the position, Ellison has visited 33 of the county’s 39 senior centers.

“I’ve been meeting with directors and staff to find out what they need; how we can help. And talking with residents to get a feel for what’s happening. We’re looking to see what opportunities are there to make things better.”

Senior Expos like the one in Royal Oak are another way Ellison and the county are aiming to keep people informed, and healthy. In addition to the tables full of services, Oakland County Health Division has staff on hand for flu shots and other health screenings.

“I’m really happy with the turnout today. People are really receptive, and it’s the kind of thing that can really make a difference for someone.”