From left: Breanne Driscoll, outreach manager, Rebuilding Together Alexandria, and Ellyn Kirtley, Meals on Wheels program manager, Senior Services of Alexandria.
Two local non-profits, Senior Services of Alexandria (SSA) and Rebuilding Together Alexandria, are teaming up to provide free in-home safety inspections for seniors who currently receive Meals on Wheels. This program came about under the auspices of the Meals Wheels America campaign to provide seniors with a “more than a meal” support so they can remain in their homes as they age.
Earlier this summer “Meals on Wheels” clients received a flyer for a free home safety check by Rebuilding Together Alexandria. Several clients requested the free home repair service from Rebuilding Together and staff responded, developing an “action plan” to correct any hazards. SSA will continue to provide the information about the safety checks to any new clients added to Meals on Wheels program.
“Conducting a home safety check can go a long way in preventing problems that could lead to a fall, other injury, or loss of independence, stated Katharine Dixon, president & CEO of Rebuilding Together Alexandria. By spotting these hazards and taking some simple steps to correct them, seniors can continue to live at home safely.”
At the core of the Meals on Wheels service is a nutritious meal, companionship and a watchful eye on the health and safety of our seniors. Adding the home safety inspection is just another way of ensuring that Alexandria seniors are remaining safe in their own homes and aging with independence and dignity.