Events - Event View

Join us as we continue our series on Demystifying the age planning process. Our May session will offer some guidance and information on how to best prepare for your needs in your home as you age.

We will discuss home modifications and strategies to work in conjunction with some of your physical challenges and look at what a Reverse Mortgage is and how it could be beneficial to you. We will share some basic information on ADU's (Adult Dwelling Units) and what they consist of. We will provide information about Oakley Home Access, including the range of accessibility solutions and environmental modification services they offer. It will also highlight a valuable funding resource available to Rhode Island residents that helps support the cost of these home modification projects.

This panel will also offer a comprehensive overview of reverse mortgages. We will address common misconceptions and help clarify who can benefit most from this type of loan. The Panel will be moderated by:

• Kathy Shatraw:
  Kathy is presently the Aldersbridge Navigator working with older adults in the community to assist them with services and/or resources to help them remain at home as long and as safely as possible. Kathy is also able to assist with assisted living and nursing home placements as our older adults needs change. Kathy has over 35 years' experience working with older adults. She received her BSW from Salve Regina College and went on to hold roles as Director of Social Services in a local nursing home. She is a licensed Nursing Home Administrator and has also been an Assisted Living & NH Administrator. She spent 17 years working for CharterCARE Home Health marketing their Home Care services. Kathy has been a proud Rotarian for 30 years, Past Board member for RI Assisted living Association, Board member for Aging Well Inc., member of CareLink ADPI Grant Advisory Committee working with older adults diagnosed with dementia and TVC Health & Wellness Committee member. Kathy enjoys cooking & baking, traveling, and spending time with family & friends.
• Will Benway:
  Will is an Occupational Therapist with extensive experience working with the adult and senior population. Specializing in environmental modifications, Will is passionate about helping individuals maintain independence and safety in their homes and communities. With a background rooted in functional, client-centered care, Will focuses on practical solutions that enhance daily living. Outside of work, Will enjoys staying active through disc golf and exercise.
• Garrett Duffy:
  Garrett is a Reverse Mortgage Specialist with close to a decade worth of experience in the mortgage industry. Garrett is dedicated to educating seniors and their adult children on the truth about reverse mortgages. Garrett is patient, kind, empathetic and treats his clients like family. Outside of work, Garrett can be found on or in the ocean swimming or paddleboarding.