Each week on “On a Mission” we talk to community leaders who are out to make a positive impact in the area. Today, our host Wendy Norfleet talks to Carol Chiang from Evolving Homes.

Carol Chiang is an Occupational Therapist and Owner of Evolving Homes. She has over 20 years experience in a variety of settings including Ortho, Neuro, Chronic Pain in addition to designing Return to Work Programs and Home Modification.

To learn more, visit https://evolvinghomes.com.

Short company description: Many people want to be able to stay at home as they age but have no idea how to do it. We teach people how to Age-in-Place successfully through home safety assessments and promoting a positive aging lifestyle. We design optimal environments to make spaces that maximize our potential to function at home. We project manage the ordering of products and installations so that everything goes smoothly and is hassle free. We also help caregivers understand options for support and help them choose what makes the most financial sense.

What makes your company unique?: There are lots of handyman companies who can put up grab bars quickly and inexpensively. That is a much needed service for families trying to take care of the situation ASAP. I’m focused on the long-term investment of safety and security in the home so clients can Age-in-Place and increase the value of their homes. I specialize in creating beautiful spaces where the grab bars blend into the environment. I use clinical reasoning to determine the ideal placement of grab bars for that particular person. The more customized we can get, the better the outcome.

How do you define success?: I get so much personal satisfaction from being able to help families take care of their loved ones at home. When I see body language change from being anxious and stressed to relieved and peaceful, I feel like I’ve done my job well.

Who in the industry inspires you and why?: Corey Staver is a home modification occupational therapist that works mostly in the Worker’s Compensation area. His approach of working in a collaborative, transparent, cooperative way for a client’s benefit is a core value of mine.

What is a tip for success that you would provide someone in your same industry?: Find ways to discuss the necessary adjustments in the home in an uplifting and positive way. Avoid fear-based discussions.

What excites you most about your industry?: I’m excited that people are recognizing the importance of exercise as medicine to promote positive aging. People are reaching out because they recognize that if they plan ahead, they will have a lot more options for the future.

What is the biggest challenge you think you or your organization is going to face in the upcoming year?: Our challenge is educating the public about the importance of planning ahead and recognizing the value of having expert guidance when remodeling a space. It can be very frustrating for people to put $25,000 into a bathroom only to realize that they will need to put more money into it because they had not considered the need for accessibility options beforehand.