Hazard Falls
Hazard Falls
Mariya – Lisa’s Aunt
“Seenager-proofing” a home is crucial for fall prevention among seniors, addressing common hazards such as loose rugs, slippery surfaces, and poor lighting to create a safer living environment. A fall can significantly impact a senior’s health, leading to a loss of mobility and independence, which in turn can trigger a cascade of additional health issues and a rapid decline in overall well-being.
Leaning against the kitchen counter, Lisa found herself lost in thought, watching TV through ads, something she never did. The call from her mom that morning had unsettled her, Aunt Mariya seemed to be falling more often these days.
Suddenly, there was an ad from a local non-profit touting their “Fix-It Service” that makes homes safe for seniors.
“What a great idea! “Seenager Proof” aunt’s home.” a glimmer of hope amidst the worry. “What can we do to make the house safer for her aunt!” she said out loud.
Lisa pulled out her phone and called Jewish Family Services (JFS) locally about their ‘Fix-It Service’. They provided the number for JFS in the city her aunt was in to see if they could help. They also emailed her a checklist of hazards, that she forwarded promptly to her mom.
With the necessary details, she contacted her cousin for consent. She opened with, “I have something to share that comes at no cost, and I’m confident your wife can confirm this through her synagogue. Given your mom’s recent falls, Jewish Family Services (JFS) offers a home evaluation to identify trip hazards and potential spots for grab bars. Following their assessment, they’ll recommend safety adjustments and even install grab bars all in one visit.”
Lisa was feeling confident that given the organization, her cousin’s wife would be comfortable with moving forward.
A week later Lisa got a call from an excited mom. “That visit was amazing. We have grab bars in the shower, near the toilet seat and the bed. This will make Mariya a lot less dependent on me. I am so excited for her safety.”
“The best part is, I have never seen Eve so happy. She was thrilled that the carpet she hated so much was a trip hazard. You know we could have kept it there with a no slip backing. But Eve said it wouldn’t work. Aunt Mariya is sad about donating the carpet.” She added.
She continued her narration without giving Lisa an opportunity to comment, “I convinced her to donate it to our favorite charity the Village. That way she gets to see it every time we go there.”
“Oh, and Michael, the wonderful young man who came to handle the repairs, suggested upgrading to brighter bulbs for our light fixtures. Your cousin already came by and installed them. Now, the living room is so bright, it feels like daylight in there.”
“Seenager Proofing” a home can significantly reduce falls, the leading cause of health deterioration in seniors. This process involves a thorough inspection and remediation of trip hazards, enhancing lighting, and installing grab bars to ensure safety.
A New Routine
Phillip and Beatrice’s Story
Phillip held a deep respect for his mother Beatrice’s self-sufficiency. Despite her advancing age, she was unwavering in her determination to manage her home and daily routines independently. However, the growing frequency of her falls and the resulting bruises were becoming an increasingly significant concern.
One evening, Phillip received a call from their neighbor, Mr. Thompson. “Phillip, it’s Mr. Thompson. Your mother had a fall in the backyard. She seems shaken but insists she’s fine.”
Phillip rushed over to find his mother sitting on the veranda, looking stubbornly defiant. “Mom, we need to talk about these falls. It’s not safe for you to be alone.”
Beatrice waved him off. “I’m fine, Phillip. I just tripped over that old garden hose.”
Phillip sighed, noticing a scrape on her forearm. “This can’t keep happening. We need to do something about it.”
Mr. Thompson, who had been standing nearby, chimed in. “Phillip, there’s a community program that helps seniors make their homes safer. They did wonders for my place. Maybe you should look into it.”
Phillip nodded. “Thanks, Mr. Thompson. I’ll check it out.”
The next day, Phillip called Safe Home Solutions, a local organization dedicated to senior home safety. They scheduled a visit for an evaluation.
When the evaluator, Margo, arrived, she walked through the house with Phillip and Beatrice, pointing out potential hazards. “Mrs. Beatrice, the throw rugs in the living room are a tripping hazard. We should remove them or secure them with non-slip pads.”
Beatrice frowned. “But I like those rugs.”
Margo smiled. “I understand, but your safety is more important. We can replace them with safer options and maybe find ones that look similar.”
Margo also suggested installing grab bars in the bathroom and improving the lighting in the hallways. “These changes will make a big difference in preventing falls.”
Phillip looked at his mother. “Mom, please. We need to make these changes for your safety.”
Beatrice finally relented. “Alright, only if it means you’ll stop worrying.”
The Safe Home Solutions team arrived a few days later to implement the changes. They installed grab bars, replaced the throw rugs, and upgraded the lighting. They also cleared out clutter from the backyard to prevent further falls.
A week after the changes were made, Phillip visited his mother to check on her. “How are you feeling, Mom?”
Beatrice smiled. “I feel better, Phillip. I haven’t had any falls, and the house feels safer. Thank you for pushing me to do this.”
Phillip hugged his mother. “That’s all I’ve wanted.”
Beatrice nodded. “I know. And I appreciate it. I just didn’t want to admit I needed help.”
Phillip looked at her lovingly. “We all need help sometimes, Mom. There’s no shame in that. I never liked those rugs anyways,” he laughed.
Through this process, Phillip and Beatrice found a new routine, one that prioritized safety without sacrificing independence. The changes in the house were more than just physical adjustments; they were a testament to the importance of family and the power of community support in ensuring the well-being of our loved ones.
Safe Haven
Jade, Gail, and Aileen’s Story
Jade sat on the grass, her hands wrapped around a warm mug of tea. The morning sun cast long shadows on the lawn, but her thoughts were elsewhere. Her mother, Gail, had called with alarming news: Aunt Aileen had fallen and broken her hip; she was now recovering in the hospital.
“Mom, we can’t let Aunt Aileen go back to a house that’s unsafe for her,” Jade said, her voice resolute as she called Gail back.
Gail’s voice wavered. “I know, Jade. It’s been on my mind all night. We should find a solution.”
Jade remembered reading about a senior center that offered home safety evaluations. “I think I know who to contact. Let’s get in touch with the local senior center. They can help us make Aunt Aileen’s home safer.”
Gail agreed, and Jade wasted no time. Within days, Mark, a representative from the senior center, visited Aunt Aileen’s home to conduct a comprehensive evaluation.
Mark walked through each room, noting potential hazards. “We need to improve the lighting throughout the house,” he said, jotting down notes. “Especially in the hallways and staircases. In the kitchen, we should move frequently used items to lower shelves, so she doesn’t have to reach or climb. The bathroom could benefit from a walk-in shower to replace the bathtub, and we should install non-slip mats.”
Jade and Gail listened attentively, determined to make the necessary changes. “We want to ensure Aunt Aileen can move around her home without worrying about another fall,” Jade said.
Mark nodded. “That’s the goal. We’ll also provide her with a raised toilet seat and a bed rail to assist her with getting in and out of bed safely.”
Over the next week, contractors came in to make the modifications. They installed brighter, motion-sensor lights in the hallways and staircases, rearranged the kitchen to make everything accessible, and converted the bathtub into a walk-in shower with non-slip mats. They also installed the raised toilet seat and bed rail, ensuring every aspect of the house was safer for Aunt Aileen.
When Aunt Aileen was finally discharged from the hospital, she returned to a home that was transformed. Gail and Jade welcomed her with open arms, guiding her through the house and showing her the changes they had made.
“Aunt Aileen, we just want you to feel safe and comfortable here,” Jade said, her voice filled with love.
Aunt Aileen looked around, her eyes welling up with gratitude. “Thank you both so much. This means the world to me.”
In the weeks that followed, Aunt Aileen settled back into her home with newfound confidence. The improved lighting and rearranged kitchen made her daily routines easier, and the walk-in shower and bed rail provided much-needed support. Jade and Gail continued to visit regularly, their bond with Aunt Aileen growing stronger through their shared commitment to her well-being.
As Jade sat on the grass once more, sipping her tea, she felt a deep sense of satisfaction. The morning sun still cast its shadows on the lawn, but this time, her thoughts were filled with hope and gratitude. They had faced a challenge as a family and emerged stronger, ready to support each other through whatever came next.