Aging well and independently is the main priority for older adults so that they can enjoy a high-quality life in the comfort of their home. Albany, NY veterans, Joanne (US Army) and Bob (US Air Force) suffered illnesses later in life, making it difficult to safely navigate inside and around their homes.
Joanne served as a nurse from 1972-1975 in Heidlberg, Germany. She treated soldiers injured in Vietnam. Bob, an honorable US AirForce Veteran, served from 1979-1983 as a unique specialist in the field of aeronautics attach control systems. Both are living in Albany with their families.
Jewish Family Services (JFS) Aging In Place and Occupational Therapy Specialist, Lynda Shrager and an Occupational Therapy intern from Maria College conducted assessments in both veterans’ homes and made modification recommendations so that both Joanne and Bob could reduce their risk of falling and maximize their independence and safety.
The modifications will be implemented on Friday, November 10, 2023 between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. and include removing bushes near an accessibility ramp, installing a more stable path to an outdoor garden and replacing a deteriorating fence. (Installation of grab bars and repairing an indoor step has already been completed inside Joanne’s home.)
This work is made possible, in part, through a grant from the City of Albany, Albany for All funding program and President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, and The Home Depot Foundation. The actual work will be completed by Team Depot volunteers.