‘Aging In Place’: Mission Of New Local Business Is Accessibility

Feb. 22--Elevators and lifts are not just for the elderly and physically challenged, says Joe Williams.

Williams is the owner of one of South Walton's newest businesses: Elevating Systems and Services.

The company specializes in the installation and repair of home elevators, chair lifts, dumb waiters, platform lifts and other accessibility equipment.

Williams has been in the accessibility dealership business in Dallas for more than 25 years. A visitor to the South Walton area for 20 years, he bought a home in Santa Rosa Beach three years ago.

The transplant said he looked around him at the multitude of multi-level homes in the area and saw a need to expand his business to the area.

"Elevators are not just for the handicapped, aged, or physically challenged," said Williams. "They are also for practical purposes, such as getting firewood up three flights of stairs."

Practical purposes aside, though, elevators can be invaluable for those who have permanent or temporary handicaps that might make it difficult for them to stay in their homes.

"Aging in place is the ability to stay in your home as you age," says Williams. "Using different products such as elevators and lifts can enable you to do that, and it is a relatively inexpensive answer to the dilemma. It's adapting when you have changing needs."

As the baby boomer population is aging, using forward thinking is the best way to plan for future needs, and doing that can add 10 percent to your home's resale value, said Williams. Besides the added convenience, a home elevator is also a smart addition. Home value and marketability are increased as well. The cost of a home elevator or stairway lift is surprisingly reasonable considering the benefits they offer.

"Due to the demographics of this area, I realized there is a great need for these types of products here to help make homes more accessible," said Williams. "The quickly growing baby boomer population is fueling the growth in this industry. Forward-thinking folks are designing their homes to not only fit their needs now but also to insure their homes are usable and enjoyable for them and other family members for years to come. Aging in place and universal design are the new catch phrases when thinking about the design of the home."

Elevating Systems and Services will have a local face in the community. Running the sales division as sales manager for the business in this area is Gerry Lee. Contact him at [email protected] or call (850) 625-3005.

For more information about the company, visit the website at www.elevatingsystems.com.

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