Preparing to Age in Place

@adr - I really like & appreciate your putting into words what I feel:

"There is a light inside of [each] of us that is begging to glow."

I once attended a service where each person was given a small candle, and theirs was lit by the person next to them, and so on to the next. At a certain point everyone holds up their light [candle]. It brought tears to my eyes, and [temporarily, for me] erased all of our differences, petty complaints and frustrations. Yet that image has been with me for over 25+ years now.

I look for that light in others, and I think I always will, but unfortunately somehow it seems to be hiding from others for fear of being blown out.

But still a hopeful image and memory of possibilities.

Tomorrow is my last day in a boot. The achilles tendon transfer was successful! I get to wear a PAIR of shoes and long pants for the first time since the first of January. For a month, anyway. Then I'll have surgery on my left achilles, and start the long recovery process again.

A few years ago I made a stout railing on the front steps. I designed it so that it can be lifted out of its brackets to be able to back up to the steps with my pickup - or an ambulance. When both of my achilles tendons ruptured at Christmas, I was in the hospital for 9 days, and during that time our newly retired carpenter/neighbor built a ramp. I was non weight bearing for 3 months, in a wheelchair, until I was fitted with carbon fiber orthotic braces, and could walk again with a walker. I requested a walker that had larger wheels than the standard issue, so I could move around my yard. After surgery, I used a standard knee scooterl but I fell every time I went outside, and sometimes in the house. So, I found an all terrain one on eBay, with disc brake, shocks, and a much more cushioned knee rest. No more crashes.

If anyone uses a walker or a knee scooter, and wants to be able to move around on uneven ground, I highly recommend getting the largest wheels. They're better inside, too, especially if there are sills in doorways. Much safer!

This week I'm going to install a grab bar inside my shower. I haven't used the shower since Christmas, so the bar wasn't needed urgently. I've considered a fold down seat, but the ones I've looked at have poor reviews.

Having a flashlight within close reach is another thing that can prevent accidents when the power goes off, which it's been doing quite regularly this summer.

Gotta stop and go cover the tomatoes and peppers because it's going to be close to freezing tonight.

Jim

Tomorrow is my last day in a boot. The achilles tendon transfer was successful! I get to wear a PAIR of shoes and long pants for the first time since the first of January. For a month, anyway. Then I'll have surgery on my left achilles, and start the long recovery process again.

A few years ago I made a stout railing on the front steps. I designed it so that it can be lifted out of its brackets to be able to back up to the steps with my pickup - or an ambulance. When both of my achilles tendons ruptured at Christmas, I was in the hospital for 9 days, and during that time our newly retired carpenter/neighbor built a ramp. I was non weight bearing for 3 months, in a wheelchair, until I was fitted with carbon fiber orthotic braces, and could walk again with a walker. I requested a walker that had larger wheels than the standard issue, so I could move around my yard. After surgery, I used a standard knee scooterl but I fell every time I went outside, and sometimes in the house. So, I found an all terrain one on eBay, with disc brake, shocks, and a much more cushioned knee rest. No more crashes.

If anyone uses a walker or a knee scooter, and wants to be able to move around on uneven ground, I highly recommend getting the largest wheels. They're better inside, too, especially if there are sills in doorways. Much safer!

This week I'm going to install a grab bar inside my shower. I haven't used the shower since Christmas, so the bar wasn't needed urgently. I've considered a fold down seat, but the ones I've looked at have poor reviews.

Having a flashlight within close reach is another thing that can prevent accidents when the power goes off, which it's been doing quite regularly this summer.

Gotta stop and go cover the tomatoes and peppers because it's going to be close to freezing tonight.

Jim

Tomorrow is my last day in a boot. The achilles tendon transfer was successful! I get to wear a PAIR of shoes and long pants for the first time since the first of January. For a month, anyway. Then I'll have surgery on my left achilles, and start the long recovery process again.

A few years ago I made a stout railing on the front steps. I designed it so that it can be lifted out of its brackets to be able to back up to the steps with my pickup - or an ambulance. When both of my achilles tendons ruptured at Christmas, I was in the hospital for 9 days, and during that time our newly retired carpenter/neighbor built a ramp. I was non weight bearing for 3 months, in a wheelchair, until I was fitted with carbon fiber orthotic braces, and could walk again with a walker. I requested a walker that had larger wheels than the standard issue, so I could move around my yard. After surgery, I used a standard knee scooterl but I fell every time I went outside, and sometimes in the house. So, I found an all terrain one on eBay, with disc brake, shocks, and a much more cushioned knee rest. No more crashes.

If anyone uses a walker or a knee scooter, and wants to be able to move around on uneven ground, I highly recommend getting the largest wheels. They're better inside, too, especially if there are sills in doorways. Much safer!

This week I'm going to install a grab bar inside my shower. I haven't used the shower since Christmas, so the bar wasn't needed urgently. I've considered a fold down seat, but the ones I've looked at have poor reviews.

Having a flashlight within close reach is another thing that can prevent accidents when the power goes off, which it's been doing quite regularly this summer.

Gotta stop and go cover the tomatoes and peppers because it's going to be close to freezing tonight.

Jim

How did your first day without the boot go? I'm hoping you took it easy and didn't try to run any footraces!😂

The day started by driving MYSELF to the dermatologist. First time to drive in months! Then I came home and finished my night's sleep, worked in the yard, talked with a contractor about replacing our septic system, started prepping to paint the pressure system shed. I need to work on painting some of the trim on the house and garage, and if I have time, the barn is overdue for a coat. This was supposed to be my summer's work, along with a list of other things that won't happen this year. It feels great to walk again without a splint or cast or boot. At least, with one boot I was doing a lot of yardwork. Just a little awkward.

Thank you for asking.

Jim

Jim wrote; " I need to work on painting some of the trim on the house and garage, and if I have time, the barn is overdue for a coat. "

Jim, be careful. I strained an Achilles tendon from standing on a ladder painting our house. It took several weeks to heal.
I really enjoy doing things like this. It's our house and I love taking care of it, and I'm very picky about details. I'm struggling with the realization that in my upper 70s it may be time to pay someone to do it.