A bit of concrete, some tape, and a little more light changed 68-year-old Theo’s home and his life.
A stroke left Theo with limited strength and ability on his right side. That, combined with fatigue from his regular dialysis treatments, left Theo too weak to cook, let alone attend to repairs around his house – like the puddle that had formed in front of his front door.
“It was like a little moat. It was a mess,” said Theo. Stepping over the gap was challenging and dangerous, and rather than risk a fall, he just stayed inside as much as possible.
Several months ago, Theo suffered a fall while walking in his house after dark.
With a referral from Housing Bureau for Seniors and financial help from Friends in Deed, YMOW’s Safe at Home program stepped in to help. Led by Safe at Home Occupational Therapist Bridget, Theo’s home was equipped with motion lights to help him safely move about at night. Safe at Home installed handrails at the front door, grab bars at the back door and hallway, and a handrail to help him safely access the basement.
Theo’s bathroom was fit with a bench that allows him to bathe while seated and to avoid having to step over the bathtub wall and a handheld shower hose.
Trip hazards were eliminated by repairing tiles and taping down rugs, and non-skid treads were added to areas that required a bit of extra traction.
And of course, the moat in front of Theo’s front door was filled.
“It’s tremendous. It’s great, and I feel safer,” Theo said.
Bridget also taught Theo a few tricks for avoiding future falls.
“I pick my feet up more,” he said, and he always uses his handrails.
Theo also receives meals from YMOW. Although the former short-order cook loves to prepare meals himself, Theo said he enjoys having something healthy on hand when dialysis leaves him feeling too tired to cook.
“It’s working out well. It’s perfect,” he said.