Building peace of mind: Bainbridge experts help families plan ahead to age in place

Personal experience drives Chelsea’s passion for helping residents continue to live in their homes safely

When Chelsea Croxford returned to Bainbridge Island during the COVID-19 pandemic to help care for her grandmother, she witnessed firsthand the challenges families face in supporting loved ones at home. The experience became a turning point, inspiring her to focus her career on helping others prepare their homes for every stage of life.

After her grandmother suffered a fall in 2019 and couldn’t return to her assisted living facility due to COVID restrictions, Croxford and her family stepped up – caring for her full-time at home for more than two years.

“My parents and I had to make their home work, and we were still paying for a care facility we couldn’t use,” Croxford says.

The experience gave her powerful insight into the challenges aging adults face – especially those who want to remain in their homes. Today, Croxford is a certified aging-in-place specialist at Fairbank Special Services, helping other families avoid the stress her own family experienced.

“Aging-in-place is for everyone,” she says. “You may think you have five more years before you need to plan, but it only takes one incident for everything to change.”

Fairbank’s specialized services are designed to help individuals stay in their homes longer – safely, affordably and with dignity. Nearly 90 per cent of adults over 65 want to remain in their homes as they age, and with the right planning, that’s entirely possible.

Planning ahead allows for thoughtful home modifications – like barrier-free showers, grab bars, wider doorways and lower countertops – that make homes more accessible. It also gives families time to budget, explore local support options and make decisions on their own terms.

“If you’re spending $100,000 a year on long-term care, imagine what you could do by investing that into your own home,” Croxford says. “Especially for dementia patients, being in a familiar space can make all the difference.”

Fairbank Special Services transforms homes for aging in place, adding features like barrier-free showers and wider doorways to create safe, accessible and comfortable spaces.

At Fairbank, the assessment process is simple and stress-free. A team member walks through the home, evaluates accessibility and offers personalized solutions tailored to the client’s current and anticipated future needs. Whether that need is temporary or long-term, the focus is always on preserving independence.

For those looking to go beyond accessibility, Fairbank’s expertise extends to every scale of home improvement. From large-scale renovations and kitchen or bath remodels to custom accessory dwelling units and patios, they manage every aspect of the project to bring your vision to life.

They also offer a comprehensive maintenance program, which includes routine inspections, minor repairs and seasonal services – ideal for homeowners who want to ensure their property is safe, secure and well-maintained year-round.

“I love helping people understand what’s possible,” Croxford says. “We’re not just building houses – we’re helping people live more comfortably, with confidence and dignity.”

Visit fairbankspecialservices.com or call 206-842-9217 to schedule your free aging-in-place consultation today.

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