HOME MODIFICATIONS
There's Someplace Like Home
New living showroom shows users & policymakers options for aging-in-place renovation
By Cindi Petito & Darren Corcoran
Sometimes, you have to see something to believe it.
That’s the theory behind a new project put together by VGM Live at Home and home modification provider COR Freedom. The two organizations have built an aging-in-place showroom in Flushing, Michigan. The fully renovated home is designed to be a “living showroom,” demonstrating practical, real-world accessibility solutions in a residential setting.
It’s an example of how the industry can come together to transform the conversation and the experience around home access.
The goal of the project is to elevate awareness of the gaps between the home access and healthcare industries, improve outcomes and build a foundation for best practice standards that demonstrate the life-changing impact of home accessibility.
Moving Beyond Theory
Traditionally, showrooms for accessibility products are found in retail environments, where equipment and modifications are displayed in isolation. While these can be informative, they rarely capture the full context of how accessibility solutions function within a real home. The COR Freedom living showroom addresses that limitation by presenting accessibility features within a residential setting.
This renovated home is designed to simulate everyday living, allowing visitors to experience accessibility solutions in a natural setting. From the moment one enters the home (by ramp), it becomes clear that accessibility is not just about compliance—it’s about comfort, usability and dignity.
Key features of the living showroom include room-to-room presentations to support individuals across all ages, conditions and levels of ability. This approach brings together a comprehensive range of accessibility solutions within a single, real-world environment, from grab bars to power-up/down cabinets to smart home technologies. Examples include:
- Barrier-Free Entrances & Pathways: Demonstrating seamless ramping, transitions, automatic door openers and accessible steps from outdoors to indoors.
- Stairlifts & Vertical Platform Lifts: Integrating into the home environment to illustrate practical exterior and interior mobility solutions.
- Accessible Kitchens: Showcasing smart appliances, powered sink and stove top, pull-out shelving and strategically placed appliances for wheelchair access.
- Roll-In Showers & Adapted Bathrooms: Highlighting several shower solutions for safety, ease of caregiving and aesthetic appeal.
- Ceiling Lifts & Transfer Systems: Demonstrating bedroom and bathroom solutions for individuals needing maximum transfer and safety solutions.
- Smart Home Technologies: Supporting independence through automation, including remote control features such as touch, touchless and voice activation.
Presented in a real-home environment, these features help clinicians, consumers and families better understand how products and modifications can work together to support safer, more independent living.
A Resource for Education & Collaboration
Beyond its function as a demonstration space, the living showroom serves as a learning hub for the industry. This space will be leveraged to bring together a wide range of stakeholders, including:
- Occupational therapists and clinical professionals
- Case managers and care coordinators
- Home accessibility providers and contractors
- Funding sources and payers
- Individuals and families seeking solutions
Through guided tours, training sessions and collaborative events, the showroom creates opportunities for knowledge sharing and hands-on learning. Clinicians can better understand how their recommendations translate into built environments. Contractors can gain insight into clinical considerations. Funding partners can see firsthand the value and impact of investing in home access solutions.
This type of immersive education is critical for bridging gaps. and ensuring that all home access professionals and clinical specialists are aligned in their approach to accessibility.
A Platform for Advocacy
The living showroom also plays an important role in advocacy efforts. As the demand for aging-in-place solutions continues to rise, there is a growing need to influence policy and expand funding for home access.
By hosting policymakers, healthcare leaders and community stakeholders, the showroom provides a compelling environment for advocacy discussions. It allows decision-makers to:
- See the real-world impact of accessibility solutions
- Understand the needs of aging and disabled populations
- Explore policy and reimbursement opportunities that support home access
These interactions are essential for driving systemic change and ensuring that home accessibility is recognized and supported at a broader level.
Expanding the Impact
This partnership is just the beginning. The living showroom project opens the door to future collaborations and initiatives that advance the home access industry.
Next steps include:
- Expanding live and online educational programs and certification opportunities
- Developing best practice standards
- Encouraging other VGM Live at Home members to create similar demonstration spaces to support best practice efforts
Conclusion
The living showroom in Flushing stands as a powerful testament to what can be achieved through partnership, innovation and a shared commitment to improving the lives of the people we serve. The collaboration not only showcases the possibilities of accessible design but also redefines how the industry educates, collaborates and advocates.
In an industry where understanding and awareness are critical, this project brings accessibility to life, demonstrating that with the right approach and the right solutions, homes can be transformed into spaces that support independence, dignity and quality of life for all.
As the home access industry continues to evolve, initiatives like this will play a vital role in driving progress and ensure that home accessibility remains at the forefront of in-home healthcare.
Cindi Petito, OTR/L, ATP, CAPS, CEAC, serves as the director of home accessibility for VGM Live at Home. She is a licensed occupational therapist with more than 26 years of experience specializing in home accessibility, complex rehab technology and assistive technologies. Contact her at cindi.petito@vgm.com. Visit vgmliveathome.com.
Darren Corcoran serves as the CEO of COR Freedom LLC and is one of its founders alongside his two brothers. With more than 16 years in the home access industry and a 25-year background in construction management, he brings experienced leadership and a collaborative approach within a growing sector. Visit corfreedom.com.
Courtesy of VGM Live at Home & COR Freedom
