by Amy Neiman, LMSW
Ms. Green and her sister have lived together for the past 15 years in a house not far from the CJFS office. When her sister first moved in, they did what most close sisters do. They gardened, watched the birds, shopped together and played Bridge. They split the bills and reminded each other to take their medications or go to the doctor. They fussed at each other for not locking the door or unpacking the groceries. However, three years ago, Ms. Green noticed changes in her sister, and this was when the dementia diagnosis came.
Despite this, life continued to work well for the sisters until recently. Now in their 70s, Ms. Green was feeling the mounting pressure of trying to manage her sister’s diagnosis and planning for their future. She asked her doctor at UAB for help and was referred to CJFS.
A Senior Solutions assessment and home safety inspection was scheduled, and my colleague Maragaret Lee and I went over to Ms. Green’s home. We spent time talking with both sisters to better understand their situation. We wanted to get to know them better. What changes are they seeing? What concerns were at the forefront of their minds? What led them to call us?
We gathered information about their doctors, medications, transportation, food shopping and meal preparation. We discussed their social outlets, how they live in their space, and what they have been experiencing lately.
We then conducted a walk-through of the home. As Certified Senior Home Safety Specialists, Margaret and I evaluated each area to determine what could make that space safer for the sisters as they age-in-place. Safety is a major concern for people as they age, particularly because falls can have a devastating impact on health and mobility.
A week later, we met with Ms. Green and her sister, to share our observations and recommendations. We provided a written report highlighting the areas of the house that needed improvements, such as installing a higher toilet seat, adding handrails, clearing clutter from walkways and securing doorways. Our report also included strategies for managing medications, doctor appointments, transportation, and meal preparation. Additionally, we provided a list of immediate resources and suggestions for future needs.
The Senior Solutions report gives Ms. Green peace of mind and will be a working document for her moving forward. She can refer to it for tips and resources as her circumstances evolve. And she knows she can continue to turn to CJFS when she needs guidance or further support.
If you or someone you care about would benefit from a Senior Solutions assessment & home safety inspection, call us at 205.879.3438. CJFS has the expertise and experience to help our clients successfully age in their homes. We look forward to continuing to make a positive difference in the lives of the individuals and families we serve.
