by Tracey Kirstein, PT, CAPS- Abilities Specialist/Aging in Place Coordinator for Brad-Core
Storytime –
I’m at the beach for the day with family, and suddenly, only 15 feet away, I am watching an older man try to unfold his beach chair. He does, but NOT FULLY, and then starts to sit down! I called out to him, “DON’T SIT DOWN YET!” but he didn’t hear me. The chair, thankfully, did not fold on him, but the potential was there for the next time he sat down. I jumped up and ran toward him to see if I could help. I let him know his chair needed adjusting. He stood up and I proceeded to fully open his chair. Simultaneously, his wife arrived. What did he do? He said, “Hello, Tracey.”
What are the chances that this would be someone I knew from over 30 years ago? They were my neighbors that I hadn’t seen in over 20 years!
We were so happy to see each other again. Joe admitted sheepishly that he had never been handy – not even with his beach chair. Sue, with her great sense of humor, announced that where a possible opportunity to collect insurance money exists, she lets it be!
All kidding aside…. I wanted to reflect on this chance meeting.
Have I always looked out for other’s safety? I would have to say yes. What have I learned over time? Some people welcome change while others don’t want anything to change – even when it involves their safety and well-being. Joe was all too happy to have his chair opened for him. He proceeded to sit down and went on with his beach day. I appreciated Joe’s willingness to allow me to fully open his chair. He was ready to accept my help even though the chair was holding him at the time.
This is an important metaphor for the work I do with Brad-Core. One of the areas I like to explore with clients is the concept of lifestyle renovation. This is where there’s no crisis, there’s no immediate problem to solve, rather an opportunity for assessing and planning for a lifelong home where comfort, function and safety are all intertwined.
This is where a consultation with me could be very illuminating.
Whatever stage of life you or your loved ones are in, my expertise lies in the details that might be overlooked at home. I’ve always looked out for people’s safety, and I would love to support you in looking out for yours.
Contact me, Tracey Kirstein, PT, CAPS, at 201-486-6141 or email tkirstein@brad-core.com and let’s begin with a free comprehensive home assessment.