On April 24th, I went home. I then had three weeks of home visitation to continue both rehab exercises and occupational therapy, to help me get ready to again
do laundry, cook my meals, drive to the market, etc. At first I was not given permission to drive as I was still on some pain meds, so friends volunteered to bring food
and take me to the market. I do have some wonderful friends!
Changes needed...
As I was getting better at "living at home" again, I began making the changes I
felt I needed to guard against any repeat of my nightmare on the floor. Even before
I left the hospital, I got information on several different devices to wear to allow communication with the people at the other
end, who were always ready to help! And I
ordered one, which arrived on Monday the
25th. (They sent it next day delivery at no
extra charge — a good sign!)
"Safe" at home again, I sat down to determine what changes I needed to make to
my "normal" in order to make my home actually safer for me! This is a line of thought
that would actually be a very good thing
for anyone who lives alone to consider, no
matter how old you are!
First, I went back in my memory to see
what things I really wished I had (aside
from food and meds, but I guess it matters what your meds are. If you are in a
life-and-death situation without them, then
think about a stash of a day or two in a
bedside drawer, along with a small bottle of water for taking pills.)
I could not reach the light in the bedroom, and so I invested in a small round
dome that one pushes down to turn on. It provides some ambient light so you can
see the room and allows some clarity while trying to move. It also sits on my bedside table (battery powered) — simply helpful.
I moved the landline phone closer to the front and always keep my cell phone
and my "lifeline" there as well when I go to bed. I
charge my cell while I eat so it's always ready to go! I
am more often in touch with my friends so we know
what's going on with each other.
Now it's your turn...
Cast your eyes and your mind around your own
situation. What simple changes could you make in
your home and habits to protect you from the same
nightmare scenario? Aren't you glad we had this
talk? Be safe, my friend! ♦
November 2016 - March 2017
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