Home Renovations ‘R Us
Last month we reported on a massive “reclamation” project where WFC / Catherine Lanza was heavily involved in contracting and supervising the clean-up of a client’s home before our new client’s return from an adult living community. That particular client wanted to leave the adult facility and spend her remaining time in the house where she grew up with her parents.
See remarkable Before & After pictures in our recent blog
This month, it’s been our Glenn’s turn to don his virtual Contractor’s hard hat and roll up his virtual sleeves to get another home ready for another client’s return after a fall in her home.
First, we should point out that home safety is a WFC caregivers’ chief priority when tending to our senior population aging-in-place. We have protocols and precautions that we follow to prevent clients from falling in their homes; falling is a leading cause of injuries among the elderly. We are very familiar with preparing the home for returning clients who’ve been to hospital/rehab due to falling.
In this case, our long-term client had been living in her apartment that was not well-maintained for 30 years. She WAS a heavy smoker with adult children who live remotely. We have been with this client for the last few years for half-day shifts and she was always resistant to more care, any work in her home and stopping smoking. We had provided care to meet her needs, including caregivers who are OK in a smoker’s household.
The client was alone most of the day, fell in her apartment 3 months ago, and has been away recovering in hospital and rehab. Her adult children authorized WFC to give the home a top-to-bottom cleaning and renovation to avoid any future accidents.
Testimonial to the power of networking:
- The client was referred to WFC by another WFC client, both through Glenn’s membership in a business networking group – BNI Sound Shore chapter.
- When it came time to find appropriate contractors to get the client’s home renovated, BNI provided all the networking needed to find house cleaners, painters, carpeting firms, etc.
When Glenn opened the door to this apartment to take stock of what needed to be done, it became clear this would be an extensive project with one week to complete. The home needed:
- Multiple deep cleanings
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- Ventilating house to eliminate 30 years’ worth of smoking
- New carpeting
- Painting
- New blinds
- Multiple carpentry repairs of unsafe conditions
- New bed and other furniture
- Sleeping area for a live-In caregiver
Along the way, her WFC caregivers went to work organizing the house and her belongs for safety, function, and accident prevention.
Finally, the client has returned fully mended from her fall and better protected from further disruption. Moreover, her home is sanitary, organized, and safe. One more thing: The client has quit smoking as a stipulation of her return home.
Westchester Family Care Inc. assists people of all ages, by customizing home care plans to maintain healthy quality of life and safety at home.
Contact WFC for an immediate family need or when planning for future needs: info@westfamilycare.com, 914-764-7500, www.westchesterfamilycare.com.
Westchester Family Care Provides Peace of Mind and Confidence that the Elderly Are Safe and Living with Dignity in Their Own Home.