NOTE: The Clarks are a fictitious combination of real-life Little Deeds clients to protect their privacy.
Mrs. Clark and her husband had been living in their cozy home for over 35 years. They had raised their children there, celebrated countless holidays, and created many cherished memories. However, their home was becoming a place of worry and concern as they grew older. The stairs were becoming more difficult to climb, the bathroom was not equipped for their needs, their bed was tough to get out of, and the kitchen was becoming a hazard with outdated appliances and hard-to-reach cabinets.
Mrs. Clark had recently suffered a fall while trying to reach for a jar on the top shelf of the kitchen cabinet. Luckily, she only suffered a few bruises, but it was a wake-up call for the couple.
They knew they needed to make some modifications to their home in order to age in place comfortably and safely.
Mr. Clark had always been fiercely independent and he was determined to continue living in their home for as long as possible. They had heard of Little Deeds from a neighbor who told them about Little Deeds's expertise in making homes accessible with safety modifications for older adults. She decided to give us a call. Liz discussed their needs to see what we could do for her and her husband.
A few days later, Dennis arrived at their home. He was greeted by Mrs. Clark, who showed him around and explained her concerns. Dennis listened attentively and made notes about the inside and outside safety. He used our home safety evaluation form we created from years of experience including his Certified Aging in Place Specialist training. He provided prioritized recommendations and costs for each project with an eye on tackling the critical tasks first and planning for the rest later.
With the plan in place, we all got to work!
First, we tackled the stairs. Our crew, led by Emilio, installed handrails on both sides of the staircase, making it easier for Mr. Clark to hold onto as he climbed up and down. We also added non-slip pads to the hardwood to prevent any accidents. Mrs. Clark was relieved to see her husband navigating the stairs with confidence once again.
Next, we focused on the bathroom. Our crew converted the bathtub into a walk-in shower using our innovative TubcuT, eliminating the dangerous need to step over the tub every time. Next, our crew installed three grab bars in the shower, one to transfer in and out and two to hold when using the controls or soaping up. We also added an additional handheld showerhead for additional safety and convenience.
Next, we installed a taller toilet with grab bars as well as a bidet for easier cleanup with less uncomfortable toilet paper. We even installed a motion detector night light for safer trips to the bathroom at night. Mrs. Clark was thrilled with the new bathroom, and Mr. Clark was grateful for the added safety and comfort features.
The kitchen was the next area to be transformed. The crew replaced the old stove that had knobs in the back with a new one that had the controls in front to avoid reaching over dangerously hot pots. They also installed a Fire Avert auto-stove-shut-off in case someone forgot to turn the stove off.
They lowered a countertop and installed pull-out lower shelves and pull-down upper shelves, making it easier for Mrs. Clark to reach her oils and spices without having to strain up or bend over. The crew also installed a motion sensor light in the kitchen, eliminating the need for the Clarks to fumble with light switches for those late-night snacks or early-morning coffee
In the bedroom, the crew lowered their bed and added solid and accessible closet shelving with new motion lighting. Closets are a hidden danger in many homes as we sometimes overextend to reach something we cannot see in that dark space. Sometimes a shelf or clothes hanger can suddenly collapse.
Lastly, they installed a new wrought iron hand railing on the two steps up to the front door. It’s shocking how many homes don’t have this simple, great-looking, yet vital safety feature.
As the weeks went by, Mrs. Clark noticed a significant improvement in her and her husband's daily lives. They were able to move around their home with ease and without the constant worry of accidents. Mrs. Clark was especially grateful for the modifications in the kitchen, as she was able to cook and bake safely and without difficulty.
The crew from Little Deeds also went above and beyond by checking in to see how they were doing with a Happy Call!
They noted that at some point, they may need to install a stair lift. In the meantime, Little Deeds now visits several times a year to help the Clarks with maintenance and repairs, including installing a new, easier-to-open, sliding glass door and screen to the deck, repainting the grandkid's bedroom, changing filters and installing a keyless lock to make coming and going less stressful for everyone. ("Where are my keys!?")
Mrs. Clark could not thank Little Deeds enough for their exceptionally caring work. Our crew not only made their home safer and more comfortable but also gave her and her husband the powerful ability to age comfortably in place.
We know it’s the ‘Little Things in Life That Make a Big Difference!’
CALL or TEXT or Email us anytime to start your home accessibility journey: 410-450-4466 - greg@littledeeds.comedeeds.com
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