Locals with Heart
Very excited to publish the second article in our series, “Locals with Heart.” A series of articles written about local businesses that have given a little extra of themselves and their businesses to help others in our community. Each article will feature the nominated “Locals with a Heart,” and their business will receive a free advertising package with Macaroni KID Southern RI. In addition, another local business will sponsor each article; we ask that you support our sponsors who make this all possible!
Today’s featured “Locals with Heart” is Oakley Home Access.
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If you live in Rhode Island, chances are you have seen the white vans and trucks driving around with the two-tone blue logos. Oakley Home Access has serviced Rhode Island and surrounding areas since 2015. Yet, in under a decade, this business has become the predominant provider in their field.
Oakley Home Access was nominated as the July "Locals with Heart," we chatted with Co-Founder,
Co-Owner, and Chief Development Officer Justin Oakley to get the scoop on how this local business came to be.
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MacKID- What is Oakley Home Access?
Jusitin- Oakley Home Access is a resource in the Health Care Community. We've made it our goal to assist people to remain safely in their homes.
Studies have shown that patients fare better in the home environment rather than a hospital or rehabilitation stay for those needing care, either due to an injury that prevents one from carrying out routine activities or from natural aging.
Remaining in one's home cuts down on stress as well as reduces the chance of a rebound hospital stay.
MacKID- Was there an inspiration or reason for starting this business?
Justin- While working as a registered and licensed Occupational Therapist, I would be asked what a patient might need at home. After I would assess their needs and create a list of products needed to have them safely remain in their homes, it was like, "Here you go, you need these things; I don't know where to send you for them, but good luck," I felt all the work that went into my reports were for nothing. This was a disservice to my patients, and then I had an "ah-ha moment!"
Justin described how a nurse once told him she stayed up all night waiting to see a commercial for a company that did bathroom remodels for her client. He knew this was not how things should be, so he contacted a friend, Mike Vieira, a local licensed contractor, for assistance.
Justin and Mike did not meet during their professional lives; they have a deeper connection than that!
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MacKID- How did you and Mike come to know each other?
Justin- Our story actually started just down the road from our Narragansett shop! Just a couple of teenagers hanging out and working at Adventureland together! We grew up and moved away, then ended back here in Rhode Island!"
What started with grab bars expanded to various essential "adaptive equipment to assist mobility throughout the entire home." Oakley Home Access has become a staple in the Health Care Community, and we are lucky to have them locally. And although you might immediately think they assist mainly the maturing population, they also assist with all ages.
MacKID-Why do you continue to do what you do? What keeps you going?
Justin- The fulfillment to help so many people. The family members are so grateful for our resources, and it is just the right feeling to help them stay in their homes.
Rhode Island is very fortunate to have such a business to rely on, like Oakley Home Access. More family members can remain safely in their homes with their knowledge and guidance. Their friendly staff of experts can help with "Fall Prevention, increased Accessibility, & Aging-In-Place."
It was a pleasure speaking with a local business owner who beamed with excitement and joy when speaking about what they do for our community! Oakley Home Access will be there when we need them. For more information about Oakley Home Access, please check out their website.
This “Locals with Heart” was sponsored by Joyce’s Jungle.
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If you would like to nominate a “Local with Heart,” please complete the form here.
If you would like to sponsor a “Locals with Heart” article, please contact us at Macaroni KID East Bay-Newport RI.
