A bright and airy living room, dining room, and kitchen designed in the open concept await inside the front door after a stroll up the accessible ramp at Typical Life Corporation’s newly renovated Oakleigh House.
The well-appointed dwelling is packed with features to help the individuals whom TLC serves age comfortably and safely at home.
As part of TLC’s Aging in Place initiative, the structure was gutted down to the studs and transformed into a safe, accessible, and welcoming residence where individuals can remain as they age.
Thanks to a generous grant from the York County Community Foundation’s Embracing Aging program, Oakleigh House is ready to help individuals with disabilities live comfortably in their community for as long as possible.
A home built for independence
Sandy Chilton, TLC Chief Executive Officer, is proud of the team’s vision for the layout of the home, which features well-thought-out, barrier-free spaces that prioritize accessibility.
Before the renovation, the home was compartmentalized with narrow halls and doorways, Sandy says, making navigation difficult, especially for those using mobility aids. Now, with a more open living room, dining room, and kitchen area, residents can move freely and safely. Each of the two bedrooms is equipped with remote controls to operate fans and lights.
An Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant bathroom has a spacious roll-in shower with a bench, an easily accessible sink, and plenty of room for adaptive equipment. With a first-floor laundry, no one needs to navigate stairs to wash their clothes, providing more independence for residents.
The accessible kitchen includes front-control stove knobs for ease of use, lower refrigerator handles, and space to accommodate various mobility needs. Every room has widened doorways and upgraded, smooth floors that eliminate tripping hazards, ensuring safe movement throughout the home. Where wainscoting would be, a textured plastic wall covering protects against nicks and eliminates the need for touch-up paint.
Handicap-accessible exterior ramps also lead to the garage and rear entrances. The ramps allow for smooth transitions in and out of the home. A covered exterior area offers weather protection when loading and unloading vehicles.
Support from York County Community Foundation
This renovation was made possible through the Embracing Aging initiative, which focuses on creating an age-friendly York County by improving housing and transportation options.
“We want people to live longer and stronger in their homes and communities of choice,” says Cathy Bollinger, Managing Director of Embracing Aging at the York County Community Foundation. “Only 20% of our aging experience is genetic, meaning 80% is influenced by lifestyle and environment. By supporting organizations like TLC, we can create environments that allow individuals to thrive.”
The YCCF’s grant came from donor Anna Gardner and the Hahn Home Fund, which has supported aging programs in York County for over a century. Anna’s legacy continues to ensure that older adults and individuals with disabilities in the county can maintain their independence with dignity.
A commitment to aging in place
For TLC, this home renovation is just the beginning of its Aging in Place effort, which started several years ago. Sandy wants it to be an ongoing program, with the organization choosing a few homes each year to make more accessible.
“There are barriers in several of our homes that we need to attend to if we’re really going to stay committed to ensuring that our folks are able to stay in their homes through the aging process,” she says.
TLC Board Treasurer Chris Kessler agrees.
“For them to have their independence is key,” she says. “They need to feel that this is their home and they can move around and they enjoy being here. To do that, we have to give them what will meet their needs, and their needs change as they get older.”
Thriving in a community of choice
Beyond the structural upgrades, the Aging in Place program is about honoring personal choice and dignity. Staying in a familiar environment with established neighbors, friends, and community groups enhances an individual’s well-being and quality of life.
“I have always said to families one of the things I really want for you is that when you go home at night, that when you close your eyes, you feel that your person is well taken care of,” Sandy says, “that you have that sense of peace and you’re happy with where they’re living and that they’re enjoying and thriving in their home.”
As TLC expands its Aging in Place initiative, more individuals will benefit from safe, accessible housing that allows them to live as independently as possible for as long as possible.
With ongoing community support from organizations such as the YCCF and a deep commitment to its mission, TLC aims to ensure that every one of its homes is truly a home for life.