Independence Now partners with a variety of home modification contractors to support our consumers’ goals for independence. We’re proud to highlight these companies and the services they provide for our community.
Get A Grip is a company we frequently work with to complete home modification projects for consumers so they can remain independent in their own homes. Greg Olavarria, owner of Get A Grip, recently spoke with Independence Now about the wide variety of services they provide.
What kind of work does Get A Grip do?
I started Get A Grip 15 years ago after working for a durable medical equipment (DME) company. I saw a big gap regarding the products we were offering at the time because people needed more support to remain independent in their homes – specifically, they needed to make modifications to their homes that addressed their unique needs. Get A Grip started out by installing things like grab bars and has grown to offer stair lifts, vertical platform lifts, and home remodeling.
How does Get A Grip partner with organizations like Independence Now to provide home modifications for consumers?
We work with organizations like Independence Now in several ways. Sometimes Independence Now (IN) refers a consumer to us. Other times, a client will come to us directly and if we think they may be eligible for a support program, we’ll refer them to IN. We love working with IN because our clients can get financial support for the work they need through various grant options.
Once the grant is approved, Get A Grip will meet with the client at their home to identify the modification that fits within their need, budget, timeframe, and other personal requests. We always try to recommend cost-effective ways for consumers to get what they need. This allows them to extend living in their home for as long as possible.
What are some of the projects you’ve done for Independence Now?
One project we specialize in is called a tub cut. Many people have bathrooms with a bathtub/shower combo and, as people age or experience mobility challenges, stepping into the bathtub can be difficult and even a safety hazard. A tub cut is exactly what it sounds like, we cut out a space out of the side of the tub that allows the client to step inside more easily and safely.
Remodeling a bathroom or ripping out a bathtub to replace it with a walk-in shower can be time-consuming and costly, so a tub cut is a great option for someone on a budget and can be done quickly.
We’ve also done stair lifts. On one occasion, a client requested we put an entire bathroom on their first floor because they were no longer able to use their stairs. We discussed with them the option of a stairlift, which was not only less expensive but allowed the client to continue to enjoy their whole house.
No job is too big or small. It’s not uncommon for us to come out and install grab bars in the bathroom or other areas of the home. We often install custom wood and iron railings for interior and exterior stairs, and several years later may come out to replace the railings with a stairlift as a client’s needs evolve.
Anything else you’d like to add?
We’re so grateful to be able to do what we do and help people meet their lifestyle goals. Whether you have an immediate need or are starting to plan for the future, Get A Grip can help! If you don’t know where to start, stop by our showroom where you can try out a stairlift, see a sample of a tub cut, try out adaptive furniture, and more. We’re a one-stop-shop for everything you need to live independently!
If you’d like to learn more about Get A Grip and their services, visit getagriphelps.com, call (240) 372-0770, or visit our showroom at 8820 Monard Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20910 anytime Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.
Check out the below photos of a recent stairlift Mobility Solutions installed for one of our consumers!
